Mat vs Reformer: Pilates in Glasgow
You’ve heard about Reformer Pilates. You may have seen videos on TikTok or Instagram of ‘Pilates Plank Challenges’, ‘Killer Ab Workouts’ or influencers talking about how ‘Pilates is a thing right now!’ But you want to know a bit more about what Pilates is and what the difference is between Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates.
Pilates is a popular form of low-impact exercise that focuses on strengthening core muscles, improving mobility and overall mind-body connection. There are plenty of Pilates classes in Glasgow, both Mat Pilates and Reformer.
Here is an explanation of both to help you decide which might be best for you:
Mat Pilates
What is it?
Mat Pilates is performed on a mat and relies on gravity and your body weight to create resistance.
Equipment used?
Pilates mats. Small props like resistance bands, magic circles, and exercise balls may also be used.
Exercises?
Emphasis on slow, controlled movements that target the core and engages the entire body. Based on Joseph Pilates’ 34 Classical Mat exercises with body weight as resistance, exercises cater for beginners to advanced.
Benefits?
Can be done almost anywhere including at home, at a gym or in a Pilates class setting
Considered more accessible for beginners due to its simplicity and minimal equipment
Effectively targets core muscles
Improves flexibility, balance, and overall muscle tone
To consider:
Resistance is limited to body weight and small props
May not provide the support for those with injuries or specific physical conditions
Must be comfortable getting up and down onto the floor.
At Yellow Pilates, we offer Mat Pilates classes for all levels from beginner to advanced.
Check out when our next 4 week beginner course is!
Reformer Pilates
What is it?
Reformer Pilates uses a special machine called a reformer, which consists of a sliding carriage, springs for resistance, and various straps and bars.
Joseph Pilates intended it to be one of several pieces of apparatus that forms a Pilates Equipment studio. Joseph Pilates invented the Reformer, as a way to work with clients that struggled with mat exercises due to injury or medical conditions.
Equipment used?
The Reformer. You can also add attachments to the Reformer to enhance exercises such as boxes of varying sizes and shapes, balls, straps and jump-boards to name a few!
A personal favourite workout of Founder of Yellow Pilates Michelle is using the Reformer with the jump board. It also sparks a lot of joy for clients and instructors alike!
Exercises?
Exercises use the reformer machine in a wide range of ways. A good Pilates class will get you moving on the reformer in lots of different ways and positions for a well balanced workout. Adjustable springs change the resistance levels on the machine to make it suitable for a diverse set of clients and can be adapted to suit your body, experience and fitness.
Benefits?
The reformer can provide a dynamic workout in a safe, low impact way, provided it is used correctly. Reformer classes can:
Provide more feedback to your body
Are particularly good if you have an injury or condition and are looking for rehab
Can be used to provide a really dynamic workout
Suit broad range of abilities and fitness levels
1-2-1 classes available or small class sizes
To consider:
Typically more expensive due to the need for specialised equipment and knowledge
Can be more complex to learn due to the machinery and the variety of exercises
Requires access to a studio with reformer machines
Most beneficial with expert-led instructor
Be mindful that Pilates instructors have differing levels of experience depending on their training.
All our instructors at Yellow Pilates have trained with Pilates Foundation. Pilates Foundation is the gold standard for training in the UK.
To train using the equipment (the Reformer being one of several) you must complete a comprehensive training course. For Pilates Foundation this is a 1000+ hours training.
Choosing Between Mat and Reformer Pilates in Glasgow
Consider Your Goals:
If you’re looking for a low-cost, accessible entry into Pilates, mat classes are a great start.
If you desire a more challenging workout with varied resistance levels and additional support, reformer classes might be the better choice.
Consider your fitness level, physical condition, and personal goals when deciding. Those recovering from injury or requiring specific modifications may benefit more from Reformer Pilates.
Both forms of Pilates offer significant benefits and can help you achieve a strong, flexible, and balanced body. Whether you choose Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates, Glasgow has a variety of classes and studios to suit your needs.
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We hope you enjoyed reading our Yellow Pilates Blog! As a thank you, we’ve decided to offer you your first Yellow Pilates online class for free. See you on the mat.
