Reformer Pilates vs Mat Pilates: Which Is Right for You?

If you're thinking about starting Pilates, one of the first questions you might have is: should I choose Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates?

Both are based on the same Pilates principles and both can help you improve your strength, mobility, posture and body awareness. However, they can feel quite different to practise.

The good news? There isn't necessarily a "better" option. It's about finding the type of Pilates that works best for you.

What is Mat Pilates?

Mat Pilates is performed primarily on a mat using your own body weight for resistance. We also use small pieces of equipment, such as resistance bands, balls and circles, to add variety and challenge.

Don't be fooled into thinking Mat Pilates is the easy option! As you progress, exercises can become surprisingly challenging.

Mat Pilates is particularly good for developing core strength, control, coordination and body awareness. It's also incredibly accessible because many of the exercises can be practised without large pieces of equipment.

What is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates uses a specialist piece of equipment called a Reformer.

The moving carriage, springs, straps and footbar allow us to add both resistance and support to different exercises.

This makes the Reformer incredibly versatile. Exercises can be adapted to make movements more accessible or progressed to provide considerably more challenge.

You'll work your whole body while developing strength, control, mobility and coordination.

Is Reformer harder than Mat Pilates?

Not necessarily.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear.

The Reformer can make some exercises more challenging by adding resistance, but it can also provide support that makes certain movements easier to perform.

Similarly, an advanced Mat Pilates class can be extremely challenging.

The difficulty depends much more on the exercises, resistance, level of the class and how the movements are performed than whether you're on a mat or a Reformer.

Which should I choose as a beginner?

You can start with either.

If you like the idea of exercising with equipment and want a smaller group with plenty of individual attention, you may particularly enjoy Reformer Pilates.

If you'd prefer to learn the Pilates fundamentals without using larger equipment, Mat Pilates is a fantastic place to begin.

At Paragon Pilates, we offer different class levels and beginner options so you don't need to worry about keeping up with people who have been practising Pilates for years.

Can I do both?

Absolutely — and many of our clients do.

Mat and Reformer Pilates complement each other brilliantly. You might discover exercises on the Reformer that help you understand a movement better on the mat, and vice versa.

Ultimately, the best Pilates is the Pilates you enjoy enough to practise consistently.

If you're still unsure which option is right for you, get in touch with us at Paragon Pilates. We can talk through your experience, goals and any injuries or concerns and help you find the best place to start.