Which Is Better – Pilates Reformer Or Mat Pilates?

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Pilates Reformer and Mat Pilates are two distinct types of exercises in Pilates. Pilates mat exercises are convenient to practice as all you need is a simple Pilates mat. There are over hundreds of routines Pilates practitioners can do using mat. Reformer, on the other hand, is deemed as the main piece of equipment in Pilates classes. It serves different purposes for clients, and this should be employed under the supervision of a Pilates instructor.

 

When Joseph Pilates developed Pilates at the onset of the 20^th century, he created mat work for people to develop their muscles and perform mind and body exercises. On the other hand, when he visited wounded soldiers, he thought of an equipment which could help restore strained muscles of soldiers. During the 80’s, when a modern form of Pilates developed in Canada a better Reformer was also created. The modern Reformer machines can be customized to meet the different body posture and height of the individuals.

 

To choose which between Pilates Reformer or Mat Pilates is better for you, you must first determine the goals you want to achieve in performing Pilates. Moreover, it will be also good to consider your current condition.

 

Mat works are done with your body providing the resistance. In doing routines with Mat Pilates, you need to control your movement on your own. Moreover, mat workouts do not need to be performed in a Pilates studio. It can be practiced in most places as the space you required is that of the size of a Pilates mat. This work out is intended for full body conditioning and has about two hundreds of routines included. You can also include simple Pilates props in your Pilates Mat workout to increase the intensity.

 

Pilates Reformer, in contrast, is done using a machine where springs provide resistance for you. The Reformer is equipped with straps and pulleys which guide your motion. This exercise is perfect for people who have just experienced injuries, want to tone up whole body or experience a higher intensity Pilates workout. Moreover, Reformers are also developed to help stabilize your pelvis which can be beneficial in running. Reformer also helps decrease pains you might incur from your daily tasks. It has the capacity to train particular muscles and correct your movements.

 

In choosing between Reformers and mats, you might find some drawbacks in each of them. Mat Pilates for example, is not able to achieve much toning in your arms and legs. Athletes who have over-trained muscles and injury patients should go to Reformer classes instead to balance out their muscles.

 

In a group class setting, one will usually experience more students in a Mat class compared to a Reformer class. This is because using a machine is more complex and instructors need to be more focused in guiding and watching over the clients.

 

The drawback of Reformer is that this machine is heavy and bulky and cannot be performed without the supervision of a qualified Pilates instructor. You will need to go to a Pilates studio to practice Pilates Reformer exercises. The good thing is that there are Pilates studios which offer high-quality Pilates Reformer classes.