If you’ve heard (or seen) anything to do with Pilates, you’ve probably also heard about the Reformer. It looks a little like a rowing machine, however it’s anything but! It’s a very cool contraption devised by Joseph Pilates, and it’s been used for over 100 years.
There are many variations of Reformer – higher ones, for rehab or people who have a hard time getting down low; short ones that stack, for use in gyms or studios that need to be able to get them out of the way; some for home use; some for professional use; knock-offs that slide under your bed that use bungee cords instead of metal springs for resistance.
Some of them have wood frames; others have metal. Some straps are leather; others are material. Regardless of material, height or anything else, they all have one thing in common: they’re amazing.
Most people think the Reformer is the pinnacle of Pilates, and some clients over the years have refused to use any other equipment (sad, but true!). But just because it’s popular, doesn’t mean it’s best for YOU.
Here’s my answer to the question I’m always asked: Which one is better? Reformer or Mat?
That’s like asking if oranges are better than apples, but let’s break it down the best we can, shall we?
Matwork
The matwork truly is the basis of all practice. It only takes a mat (or a folded blanket, or towel, or just an area of your carpet…) and YOU to get a great workout. You can do it anytime, anywhere, because you don’t need anything else for your practice.
It’s also easy to do in your living room or anywhere else you can carve out space at home or on the road!
If you can learn the matwork and do it well, you can do any of the practice on any piece of equipment.
Connecting to your body without help from anything else is the most challenging thing you can do. There’s no feedback, unless you find it in yourself, and that’s the hardest part. That’s also the beauty of the matwork; you need to focus on your body and your movement to get the best from your practice…and it’s hard to just go through the motions!
You need to be PRESENT.
I always tell my clients, they should do at least one matwork session a week, because it really is the mainstay of their practice. Matwork makes everything work!
Finding a group mat class is a lot easier than finding a Reformer class, because you can fit more people in a space than housing a few Reformers. Virtual mat classes are also a lot easier to find, because everyone can make space for a mat in their home, so more people are able to participate.
Reformer
The Reformer really is best when you can’t get up from or down to the floor, because it’s more accessible (you could also use the Cadillac, but it’s an even bigger piece of equipment!).
The trouble with the Reformer, is the space it takes up and the cost of it, especially for use in a home studio. You need to have a substantial amount of floor space, and a dedicated area, to be able to store it and use it, even if you have a smaller version that slides under the bed (because you can’t use it under the bed!).
If your budget is big, home Reformers tend to be in the $3,000 range. Professional reformers run a lot higher (more around $10K for an added Vertical Frame and accessories). That’s a decent chunk of change, but totally worth it if you love it and use it! They last forever and have a fantastic resale value, provided you keep it in good condition.
Which brings us to maintenance, which obviously requires more than a mat does. Depending on the amount of use, you’re going to have to inspect the springs and probably replace them at some point. You need to wipe it down after each workout so your sweat and the natural oils on your skin don’t ruin the upholstery. Light-coloured upholstery can get marked by nail polish or stained by bright lipstick (although I can’t imagine why someone would be doing their workout with lipstick on, it needs to be said). The rails need to be wiped of dust and dirt consistently and there are screws and bolts that occasionally need tightening. Sometimes the upholstery gets torn or worn and needs replacing. Like your car, it’s general maintenance that keeps it running smoothly and looking good.
One of the best things about the Reformer is that it can give you great feedback in your workout. If there’s something you’re struggling with on the mat, sometimes it’s easier to find on the Reformer. You can practice it there, and then find it more accessible in your matwork.
A drawback to the Reformer is that it’s a lot easier to cheat with, by letting the Reformer do the work instead of you finding control! I see more clients trying to just go through the motions on the Reformer (especially when they’re tired).
It’s also not very portable...
The Reformer is also more supportive than the mat, in that it has an adjustable headrest, footbar, and straps. If you’re lacking strength or control in areas, they provide that for you (again, so you can find it on the Reformer and translate it into the matwork).
The Reformer feels more bougie than the mat, even if you’ve got a REALLY nice mat. It certainly looks more impressive.
I’d suggest taking a group mat class before stepping into group Reformer. The nuances you find in your body on the mat only make your Reformer work better! Participating in a Reformer group can be a challenge if you don’t have previous experience. You also need to know your springs. Every make and model of Reformer have different spring lengths and tension, so knowing yours makes it a lot easier to find the essence of each exercise.
Finding a group Reformer class isn’t always as easy as finding a mat class, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. I love teaching group Reformer, so if you know others that have their own Reformer and would like a virtual group, let me know! We can make it a party!
There are many differences between matwork and Reformer Pilates, but a lot of similarities as well. I wouldn’t ever be able to say that mat is better than Reformer, or vice versa, because there are pros and cons to each. It also differs greatly depending on the body I’m teaching and what we need to work on. I can always find exercises to support and challenge, regardless of whether we’re working with equipment or not. I love the variety both provide, and the endless possibilities of where we can go with any session. I truly love both practices and choose which I’m doing on any given day based on what I feel MY body needs.
Whether you enjoy matwork or Reformer more, if you’re enjoying your practice and making progress, that’s all I want or need to hear. It doesn’t really matter WHAT you’re using, if you’re getting your Pilates in.
Of course, I would love to know which YOU love, and why, so let me know in the comments below!
Happy practicing!
Xo, Kimberly
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