Reformer and Mat Pilates: Which One Is Right for You

Pilates has really grown in popularity over the past few years, and there are more classes than ever to choose from.  If you’re new to Pilates, you might be wondering about the difference between mat and Reformer Pilates, and which one is right for you.Both mat and Reformer Pilates focus on controlled movement, strength, stability, and body awareness.  They differ most in terms of the equipment used in a class. 

Mat Pilates primarily uses your body and gravity for resistance and building strength and stability.  Reformer Pilates uses a spring-loaded machine to provide more variety of resistance as you build strength and stability. Whether mat or Reformer Pilates is the right choice for you depends on several factors, such as: Whether you enjoy one more than the other, or prefer to mix things up and do both. Your movement experience and confidence. 

The Reformer machine adds a layer of complexity compared with the use of body weight and simple equipment in a mat Pilates class. Your personal movement and exercise goals.Whether you prefer to exercise with equipment, or without. The level of challenge that feels appropriate for you. The main factor being - choose what you enjoy most and are more likely to do regularly and consistently.  Many people enjoy both mat and Reformer Pilates, and do both, so don’t feel you need to pick one over the other.  They are very complementary practices and both are great movement modalities for all ages and abilities.

We offer both mat and Reformer Pilates at Breathing Space, including Physio-led classes.  Our members often choose to use their class credits on a mix of mat and Reformer Pilates each month.

What is Mat Pilates?

As you might expect, mat Pilates is done… on a mat.  Sometimes small pieces of equipment are incorporated, like a Pilates ball or ring, but mat Pilates primarily uses body weight as the main form of resistance. A typical mat Pilates class might include movements that focus on: Developing core strength, Spinal mobility, Building strength in the hips and glutes, Upper-body strength Balance and coordination, Breath and body awareness.

The lack of equipment doesn’t mean that mat Pilates is the easier option between mat and Reformer.  The movements and exercises in mat Pilates can be offered in gradually more challenging variations to challenge you as little or as much as you want or need to.  Some movements and exercises can be surprisingly difficult because you don’t have the Reformer machine for additional support and to help with balance.

There are also very practical advantages to mat Pilates. Namely, that it’s easy to practice at home because all you need is a yoga or exercise mat and a little bit of space.  Any additional equipment is optional.  Developing a home practice will help you build your skills, confidence, strength and stability more quickly as you practice between classes.

Our mat Pilates classes at Breathing Space are suitable for all levels, from beginners through to more experienced practitioners.  Our classes are shaped by care, curiosity, and a belief that movement should feel good.  Our instructors will welcome you to class just as you are and meet you where you’re at.

What is Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates uses a machine called a Reformer, which is a metal frame about the size of a yoga mat with a sliding carriage, adjustable springs, straps and a footbar. The springs are used to vary the amount of resistance.  The straps and footbar provide a variety of movement options for the body. The Reformer enables you to do movements and exercises lying down, sitting, kneeling, and standing. 

The versatility of the Reformer provides you with adjustable resistance, feedback during movement, a wide variety of exercises, and opportunities to progressively develop your strength and control.  Whilst it can be challenging, Reformer Pilates provides another option for low-impact exercise.

If you’re recovering from an injury, completely new to exercise or Reformer Pilates, we recommend starting with one of our Physio-led classes.  All of our Reformer classes have a maximum capacity of 8 people so our instructors are able to provide plenty of general support and guidance during our mixed-level Reformer Pilates classes.  We also offer 1:1 sessions for people requiring more individualised guidance on an ongoing basis, or as they work back up to joining a small group class. 

Contact us if you’d like to discuss 1:1 Reformer Pilates sessions.

Reformer vs Mat Pilates: What’s the difference?

Whilst there are some differences between mat and Reformer Pilates, it’s important to emphasise that both share the same underlying Pilates principles - centering, control, precision, breath, concentration, and flow.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Let’s step away from the comparison of mat and Reformer Pilates for a moment to look at the general benefits of Pilates and what the two approaches have in common.

Depending on the individual person and the classes or programme they follow, both mat and Reformer Pilates can help develop:

• Muscular strength and endurance

• Mobility and flexibility

• Balance

• Coordination

• Body awareness

• Movement confidence

What does the research say?

Direct comparative evidence between mat and Reformer Pilates is very limited.  Instead we can look at the research on the potential benefits of Pilates in general.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of Pilates on pain, disability, physical function, and quality of life in people over 50 with chronic musculoskeletal conditions found that Pilates was significantly effective for reducing back pain, neck pain, and pain associated with knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.  The review was based on data from 7 studies, with a total of 397 participants (73% female).  Overall, Pilates was as effective as other types of exercise, consistent attendance at group classes was much better than home practice, and no significant adverse effects were reported. The review indicated that enjoyment was a possible positive factor in a consistent practice.

So once again it seems that finding a Pilates class you enjoy (whether that’s mat or Reformer) is more important than which type you choose.  If you enjoy a class or movement modality then you’re more likely to be consistent in your practice, rather than reluctantly, and inconsistently, doing something you feel you ‘should’ do or that you’ve been told will be helpful for you.

You might enjoy Mat Pilates if…

You might enjoy and prefer mat Pilates if you like simple, equipment-light movement that you can also practice at home with limited space and equipment.  Through mat Pilates you’ll learn how to control and support your own body weight in movement, and our classes at Breathing Space, Dublin 8 are inclusive with plenty of movement variations and options.  

If you like a group class environment and would like an accessible way to learn the fundamentals of Pilates, then mat Pilates is a great place to start, or continue, your movement practice.

You might enjoy Reformer Pilates if…

Reformer Pilates might be more your cupán tae if you enjoy working with more equipment and like having adjustable resistance that you can vary according to your needs and preferences in each class. Reformer Pilates gives you lots of variety of movement, and many people find the feedback from using the straps and footbar really helpful.  

If you like smaller group classes and progressive strength work, then you might prefer Reformer Pilates. 

Can beginners do Reformer and Mat Pilates?

Yes.  If you are completely new to mat or Reformer Pilates, or returning to your movement practice after an injury, then we recommend starting with one of our Physio-led mat or Reformer Pilates classes.  We also offer 1:1 mat and Reformer Pilates sessions if you feel you need individual attention while working with an injury, or to build up your confidence before joining a group class. 

All of our group classes are purposefully small to ensure each participant has the attention and guidance of the instructor.  

You don’t need to look a certain way or move a certain way to join mat or Reformer Pilates classes at our Cork Street or Donore Avenue studios.  Our classes support your body, not push it, and everything we do is shaped by care, curiosity, and a belief that movement should feel good.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere in their Pilates practice, and everyone starts from a different place.  You’re welcome at Breathing Space just as you are.  We hope you’ll continue your Pilates journey with us to see where it takes you.  

Do you have to choose between Reformer and Mat Pilates? [

No, is the simple answer.  Pick whichever one you prefer, or mix it up and do both.  You don’t need to start with mat PIlates before moving on to Reformer Pilates.  Each can be a stand-alone practice that supports the other, or supports other sports of movement practices..  

At Breathing Space, we’re not going to tell you one modality or form of exercise is better than another because your choice of movement practice comes down to your individual preferences that are informed by your lived experience.

Our memberships give you the opportunity to attend both mat and Reformer Pilates classes across both of our studios each month.  Whether you want to take 4 or 16 classes a month (or anything in between) then we have a membership option to suit you.  

Which Pilates class is right for you?

The one that you’ll attend most regularly is probably the right class for you.  If you’re not sure where to start, then use the following questions to help you prioritise your preferences and needs when looking for a class.

• What type of movement do you enjoy?

• Do you enjoy simplicity or using equipment?

• Do you enjoy smaller group classes?

• What would make it easier for you to attend regularly?

• Which classes make you curious enough to give it a try?

Finding your Pilates practice at Breathing Space, Dublin 8

Whether you’ve decided you prefer mat Pilates to Reformer Pilates (or vice versa) or if you’re still making up your mind, we want to remind you it’s not about choosing one over the other.

There might be times when you prefer the simplicity of a mat Pilates class to get you back into your home practice, or times when you feel like you need the new input and variations that Reformer Pilates offers.  There might be times when both mat and Reformer Pilates are your regular practice.  As you’ve probably heard us say before at Breathing Space - it’s your practice, your body, your choice.

If you’re curious about exploring mat and/or Reformer Pilates at Breathing Space, we offer classes on a drop-in basis, or if you’re completely new to Breathing Space you can take advantage of our Intro Offer of 4 classes over two weeks for €59. 

We look forward to seeing you at our Cork Street or Donore Avenue studios very soon for a Pilates class!