Pilates is known as an effective practice for strengthening the core, improving posture, and increasing the body’s flexibility. Even so, many people are confused when they want to start a pilates class for the first time; should they choose Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates?
In fact, the difference between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates is more than just the presence or absence of a machine.
Mat Pilates is done on a mat, relying on body weight as the main resistance. Reformer Pilates, on the other hand, uses a special machine called a reformer, equipped with a moving platform, springs, straps, and a footbar to create adjustable resistance.
So what actually sets these two types of pilates apart, and which is more suited to your goals?
Read the discussion below, including answers to the questions that often come up around cost and safety.
Also Read: How Pilates Helps Improve Posture
5 Key Differences Between Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates
Although both still follow the same basic pilates principles, control, precision, breathing, and body awareness, Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates each have their own unique way of applying those principles to their respective practices.
Here are the five main differences:
1. The Equipment Used
Mat Pilates only requires a mat. Sometimes small aids such as a resistance band or a pilates ring are added, but at its core the practice is done without large equipment.
Reformer Pilates uses the reformer machine: a padded platform called a carriage that moves back and forth along rails, equipped with adjustable springs, straps for the hands and feet, and a footbar as a support point.
All this equipment works together to create resistance and support during your practice.
2. The Source of Resistance
In Mat Pilates, resistance comes entirely from your body weight. The body has to stabilize itself without external help.
In Reformer Pilates, the springs on the machine provide additional, adjustable resistance.
Heavier springs make pushing or pulling movements more challenging, while lighter springs actually force the body to work harder to keep its balance on the moving carriage.
3. Movement Variety and Target Muscles
Mat Pilates tends to focus on strengthening the core, such as the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. There is variety in its movements, but it is limited to what can be done on a mat with your own body weight.
Reformer Pilates, meanwhile, offers a wider variety. You can practice lying down, sitting, kneeling, and even standing on the reformer.
Your Reformer Pilates instructor can target specific muscle groups more precisely; not only the core, but also the arms, legs, upper back, and the deeper stabilizer muscles.
4. Support for the Body
One thing that is often forgotten is the level of support the body receives.
In Mat Pilates, the body must stabilize itself entirely. For some people, this level of stability is actually more challenging because, without the support of a machine, errors in movement form are more likely to happen, especially for beginners.
In Reformer Pilates, the machine helps keep your body aligned. The carriage and straps guide the direction of movement, so the body’s position is more controlled. That is why the Reformer is also often used in injury rehabilitation programs.
5. The Experience and Rhythm of the Practice
Mat Pilates is more internal. Its movements tend to be slower, and the practice can be done anywhere without depending on a studio.
Reformer Pilates feels more dynamic. Interacting with the machine creates an active rhythm, and each class can be varied by the instructor according to the day’s focus; whether that is strength, flexibility, or balance.
Why Is a Reformer Pilates Class Priced Higher?
The question about the cost of a Reformer Pilates class does come up often, and the answer relates directly to what you get in each session.
A single professional-grade reformer machine requires a large investment, and the studio needs to provide one machine per participant. Class capacity is automatically smaller than a Mat class, which means each participant gets more personal attention from the instructor. Reformer instructors themselves are also required to hold special certification beyond standard pilates training.
The combination of equipment, limited capacity, and instructor qualifications makes the cost per Reformer Pilates session higher, but it also means each session is designed to deliver more targeted and closely monitored results.
Is Reformer Pilates Safe for Pregnant Women?
Besides cost, another question that often comes up relates to pregnancy. Reformer Pilates can be done during pregnancy, but with an important caveat.
The resistance and practice positions need to be adjusted to the trimester, and not every movement is safe to do in every phase of pregnancy.
The most appropriate first step is to consult your obstetrician. Once you have approval, be sure to tell your instructor and the Reformer Pilates class team before the session begins, so the movements can be modified to suit your condition that day.
Also Read: Benefits of Pilates for Body Flexibility and Better Movement
Take Your First Reformer Pilates Class at Aarti Wellness Club
Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates are both effective for strengthening the core, improving posture, and increasing flexibility. The main differences lie in the equipment, the source of resistance, the variety of movements, the level of machine support, and the rhythm of the practice.
Mat is more accessible and internal, while Reformer offers adjustable resistance, wider variety, and support that helps keep your body aligned.
Aarti Wellness Club Menteng offers three Reformer Pilates classes with different focuses:
- The Flow for all levels, as an introduction to the rhythm and the foundation of the movements.
- The Sculpt, also open to all levels, with an emphasis on muscle shaping.
- The Pulse for those who are already experienced and ready for higher intensity.
Each session runs around 50–60 minutes with limited class capacity, so the instructor can give attention to every participant.
See the schedule and pick the class that suits you best on the Aarti Wellness Club Pilates page.
