Reformer vs mat Pilates: which is right for you?

If you are new to Pilates, one of the first questions is usually: reformer or mat? Both are wonderful, and both are 'real' Pilates, they simply work in different ways. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose.

Mat Pilates

Mat Pilates uses your own body weight and gravity, sometimes with small props. It is accessible, endlessly portable, and brilliant for body awareness and control. Because gravity only pulls in one direction, though, your muscles are challenged mostly on the way down, and progress can be harder to measure.

Reformer Pilates

The reformer adds a sliding carriage and adjustable springs, and that changes everything. Resistance now works on every push and every pull, so your muscles are engaged through the full range of each movement. The carriage supports your body, which makes it kinder to joints and injuries, and the springs let your instructor dial the challenge precisely up or down.

• Resistance both ways, so you build strength more evenly.
• Supported positions that protect the wrists, neck and lower back.
• Measurable progress, as the springs change with your strength.
• Huge variety, lying, sitting, kneeling and standing, so your body keeps being challenged in new ways.

So which should you choose?

Honestly? For most people the reformer is the more effective and adaptable place to build strength, especially around an injury or when you want clear progression. Mat work is a lovely complement, and much of what you learn on the reformer carries over to it. At The Old Dairy we are a reformer studio, with classes capped at four so your instructor can guide every movement.

Try it for yourself

The best way to feel the difference is to step onto a reformer. It is friendly for complete beginners, and we will show you exactly how it works, one movement at a time.