Pilates is a system of exercise and body conditioning developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, focusing on controlled movements, breathing, and core engagement to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness.
Today we would like to focus on Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates as the biggest debate seems to be “Which one is better?”Reformer and Mat Pilates both offer different benefits, and the “best” choice depends on your fitness goals, experience level, and personal preferences. Reformer Pilates provides added resistance and support because of the spring tension, while Mat Pilates focuses on bodyweight exercises and core strength.
Here’s a more detailed comparison:
Reformer Pilates:
Reformer Pilates is a low-impact, mind-body workout that uses a specialized piece of equipment, the Pilates Reformer, to enhance strength, flexibility, and posture, targeting specific muscle groups with controlled movements and adjustable resistance.
- Benefits:
- Increased Resistance:The Reformer machine allows for added resistance through springs and pulleys, leading to a more challenging and effective workout.
- Support and Stability:The machine provides a stable platform and can offer support for individuals with limited range of movement or injuries.
- Variety and Modifications:The Reformer offers a wide range of exercises and modifications, making it suitable for various fitness levels and goals.
- Bone and Joint Health:The resistance provided by the Reformer can offer benefits for bone and joint health.
- Rehabilitation:Reformer Pilates can be particularly beneficial for rehabilitation and addressing muscle imbalances.
*NB*: While the Reformer can provide support, it’s important to have proper instruction and modifications to avoid injury and that is why you should train with a Pilates Instructor with a suitable qualification.
It would be such a pity to put yourself at the risk of someone who could injure you!
Mat Pilates:
Mat Pilates is a strengthening and lengthening form of exercise that focuses on your core (trunk) muscles while also training your arms and legs. Mat Pilates is based on the original exercises that Joseph Pilates developed to strengthen his own body as a young man.
- Benefits:
- Bodyweight Focus:Mat Pilates emphasizes using your own body weight, promoting core strength and body awareness.
- Low-Impact:Mat Pilates is generally lower-impact than Reformer Pilates, making it suitable for beginners and those with injuries.
- Accessibility:Mat Pilates can be done anywhere with minimal equipment, making it convenient and affordable.
- Improved Core Strength and Flexibility:Mat Pilates can help improve core strength, flexibility, and posture.
While Mat Pilates provides good benefits, sometimes the range of exercises and modifications may be more limited compared to Reformer Pilates.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. At Pilates Dynamics, we encourage our clients to do both types of Pilates as the benefits to both complement each other best.
Earlier in this blog, we mentioned the importance of making sure that your Instructor has suitable qualifications.Pilates is an exercise discipline that is based on anatomical and movement knowledge together with understanding in order to strengthen, mobilize and stretch the body to create balance in the body by not overtraining or undertraining muscles- and most importantly to do so in a safe manner.
Pilates Dynamics offers Pilates Courses in Johannesburg and from June 2025, we will be offering Pilates Courses in Cape town. Our Pilates Courses give you the confidence to teach anywhere in the world!!!
If you are interested in becoming a top tier Pilates Instructor or if you are interested in furthering your Pilates career with confidence to teach anywhere in the world, please join us for our well sought after Pilates Courses. We get fully booked quickly so contact us on 0729992229/0117925459 or email us on info@pilatesdynamics.co.za
- PILATES COURSES AVAILABLE IN JOHANNESBURG: https://pilatesdynamics.co.za/pilates-teacher-training-courses/
- Pilates Mat & Small Equipment Course
- Pilates Mat & Intensive Reformer Combination Course
- Pilates Comprehensive Course
- Pilates Conversion Course
- Pilates Intensive Reformer Course
- PILATES COURSES AVAILABLE IN CAPETOWN:
https://pilatesdynamics.co.za/pilates-teacher-training-courses/
- Pilates Mat & Small Equipment Course
- Pilates Mat & Intensive Reformer Combination Course
- Pilates Intensive Reformer Course