Should I do Reformer or Mat Pilates?

You may have heard of Reformer Pilates. It has certainly had its turn of celebrity following over recent years but do you know exactly what it is?

The Reformer consists of a flatbed, called the “Carriage,” that lies atop a metal or wood frame. Underneath the carriage lies a series of springs and pulleys that control the resistance. That resistance makes the Reformer a very efficient form of exercise.

Mat and Reformer are both based on the work of Joseph Pilates, who also invented the Reformer equipment in its most basic form. The main difference between Mat and Reformer is that on the Mat, you use only your own body weight as resistance. There’s no footbar, springs, or straps to push or pull against. The surfaces of the Reformer also provide  “feedback,” or information that helps your brain orient your body in space. For example, while holding the Reformer straps, you feel the play of tension between you and the pulleys that move the Reformer.

The Reformer repertoire offers an opportunity to expand on the benefits of Matwork Pilates by incorporating external load and resistance. At the same time, Reformer can hugely aid your mat work-outs as it provides great feedback and support. You may well discover that mat exercises you have not been able to do very easily are now attainable through the support offered with the straps and pulleys.

You will discover that both Mat and Reformer share the same genetics! Some exercises are done on both; for example leg circles or Hundreds whilst others are specific to the reformer. Joseph Pilates was ahead of his time in developing his original repertoire of 34 classical exercises. Today, with advances in scientific understanding, there are endless variations to both aid and further his exercises. The bones of classical pilates should be evident in most exercises however: Breathwork, core control (centering), flow, concentration, precision and control.

So, Should I do reformer or mat pilates? The good news is IT SHOULDN’T BE A CHOICE; they both complement each other beautifully.

Mat work isn’t the training ground for reformer, it is a practice in its own right. Whilst reformer offers all the benefits of mat work including overall strength, flexibility, coordination and balance. Combining mat and reformer together you will get even more out of the exercises as Joseph Pilates originally intended.

Here at Exe Valley Pilates, we offer both group mat work classes held weekly in local halls along the Exe Valley in and around Exeter including Thorverton, Silverton and St Leonards, Exeter. I also offer private Mat tuition and both Private individual Reformer and now Duet Reformer lessons. The group class timetable is updated on my website and Privates are taught Monday - Thursday in the studio in Netherexe between Thorverton and Rewe about 15 minutes from central Exeter, Devon. Do get in touch to book a session in to see how Pilates can benefit you.