Reformer Pilates vs Mat Pilates: Which is Better for Beginners?

Pilates is an exceptional form of fitness for building strength, mobility, and coordination. It is used by people of all ages and abilities, including pro athletes, weekend warriors, and seniors.

Most people associate Pilates with odd-looking equipment called reformers. However, there is a second form of Pilates performed on a yoga mat.

The Paseo Club of Santa Clarita has a designated Pilates studio for reformer Pilates classes and a fitness center for group exercise classes, including mat Pilates.

In this article, you will learn the differences between reformer Pilates and mat Pilates classes and which is best for beginners.

What is Pilates?

Pilates was invented over 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates. He created this method of fitness and rehabilitation for soldiers during World War l. Later, he applied it to dancers and athletes.

A Pilates class involves a series of slow, low-impact movements that combine resistance training and mobility. Pilates emphasizes core strength, using your breath to create slow, controlled movements. Pilates targets all areas of the body, making it a full-body workout.

Common movements include lunges, supermans, bridges, twists, and leg circles.

What is reformer Pilates?

The reformer was originally constructed from hospital beds, using straps and the bed frame for resistance. Joseph Pilates called his rehab method “Contrology” and the bed frame equipment “apparatus.”

Modern reformers have come a long way from the original ones. They are now made from flat platforms and have “carriages” that roll forward and backward within the frame. The carriage is attached by a set of adjustable springs that provide different levels of resistance. On one end of the reformer is a foot bar. On the other end, there are long straps with handles to move the carriage.

People can increase or decrease the intensity by scaling movements and/or adjusting the spring’s resistance.​

What is Mat Pilates?

Mat Pilates is a form of Pilates that is performed on a yoga mat. Most exercises are floor-based, but some are done standing, too. Many of the movements are applied to mat Pilates, emphasizing controlled movements combined with breathing exercises to develop core strength and flexibility.

In mat Pilates, you do not have the springs and straps of the reformer to create resistance. Therefore, the movements mostly utilize bodyweight. Some instructors also use equipment, such as weighted balls, dumbbells, and rings.

Mat Pilates classes tend to be more affordable since there isn’t expensive equipment to recoup the cost of. The class size can also be bigger, allowing for more members to attend.

Which type of Pilates is best for Beginners?

Anyone can attend a beginner-level Pilates class. They are designed for people of all ages and abilities, including those rehabbing injuries.

However, if you have never attended a class, mat Pilates is your best choice. Participants in mat Pilates classes do not need any prior experience, since there is little to no gear to familiarize themselves with. The movements of mat Pilates are challenging but easy to learn, making them accessible to newbies and a great workout.

Pilates at The Paseo Club

Members of The Paseo Club do not need to choose between mat and reformer Pilates. There are both options!​

Mat Pilates is taught in the group exercise room and is offered three times per week. Mat Pilates is free with membership.

Reformer Pilates is offered in our custom-designed Pilates studio. This is a small group class with a cap of eight attendees per session. There are beginner, all levels, intermediate, and advanced classes, so as your skills evolve, you can continue to find a class that works for you.

Classes are offered in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and on the weekends to meet your scheduling needs.

After Pilates, stay on at the club to relax and socialize. Saunas, steam rooms, and the hot tub are at your beck and call to soothe sore muscles. The cafe and clubhouse are great places to grab a bite and visit with other members.​

If you would like to check out the Pilates Studio, fitness rooms, amenities, and more, schedule a tour today and get the insider’s peek at all eight acres of the club.​

If you are ready to join the club, simply sign up online. You will get instant access to all aspects of the club — tennis, pilates, swimming, fitness, childcare, and more! Come and work out, socialize, and relax at your home away from home, The Paseo Club!