Buzz
If you've ever thought about joining a Pilates session, you may feel daunted by the reformer machine—an apparatus frequently found in many studios. This machine resembles a bed with a sliding platform and detachable resistance bands. While reformers are common in specialized studios, mat-based classes, which don’t require any special equipment, remain a popular alternative. Depending on your objectives (as well as your budget and time limitations), one option might be more suitable for you than the other.
What is Pilates?
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s for rehabilitation purposes—and many of its low-impact exercises that enhance strength, mobility, and body awareness continue to be utilized by physical therapists to this day.
"Pilates can greatly enhance any form of physical activity," stated Femi Betiku, a physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor. For Betiku, Pilates has played a vital role in managing his lower back pain and has also boosted his running performance. As he describes, Pilates "is one of the rare exercises that compels you to focus on your whole body, honing in on those minute details to master just one repetition of an exercise."
This enables you to move with greater efficiency in different areas of your life, whether you're chasing after your children or engaging in your favorite sport.
What is mat Pilates?
One of the key benefits of mat Pilates is that it requires no special equipment, making it possible to practice anywhere. This flexibility is particularly helpful for those traveling or on tight schedules, as your workout can be as short or long as you prefer.
If attending a studio mat Pilates class isn't feasible due to time or financial constraints, numerous online videos are available, ranging from 5 to 60 minutes, with varying difficulty levels. Some videos are free, while others may require a subscription. Some may also involve light weights or resistance bands, while others only require a mat.
What is reformer Pilates?
One of the main benefits of taking a reformer Pilates class is that it enables you to add progressively more resistance, which is key in building greater strength and muscular endurance.
"There’s a limit to how much strengthening you can achieve with the mat," Betiku explained. "When using the reformer, you're engaging in those challenging, dynamic movements, but with the added resistance, taking the same exercise to an entirely new level."
While the machine may initially seem complex, it's actually easier to use than you'd think, and the bands provide the flexibility to adjust resistance to your preference. Most Pilates studios offer introductory sessions for those new to reformer classes.
