Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates: Which One Is Right for You?
By The SKULPD Team
Published Updated
Mat and reformer Pilates share the same principles: control, breath, alignment and core strength. The difference is the equipment. On a reformer, springs and a sliding carriage add resistance or assistance. On the mat, you work with your own body weight, gravity and small props.
If you’ve done reformer before and wonder whether mat is a step down, it isn’t. It’s a different set of tools for training the same body, and plenty of people enjoy both.
What is reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates is done on a machine: a frame with a sliding carriage, adjustable springs and straps. The springs can add load, and they can also assist you, which is helpful while you’re learning a movement.
What is mat Pilates?
Mat Pilates uses your body weight, a mat and small props like bands, balls and light weights. With no carriage underneath you, you support and control your own body through each exercise. Your instructor makes a movement easier or harder by changing the position, the range of movement or the prop.
The difference between mat and reformer Pilates
| Mat Pilates | Reformer Pilates | |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Body weight and gravity, plus small props | Adjustable springs |
| Making it easier | Modified positions, props and a smaller range of movement | Springs, straps and the carriage can assist |
| Making it harder | Longer holds, bigger range, added props or light weights | Spring changes and more demanding exercises |
| What it builds | Strength, control, mobility and body awareness | Strength, control, mobility and body awareness |
| What you need | A mat and small props | A reformer machine |
Which one should you choose?
Choose based on what you enjoy and what you want from your training, not on which one sounds tougher. Some people like the feedback of the springs. Others like moving with just a mat and a few props, which is also easy to keep up at home or when you travel. If you already love reformer, adding a mat class or two works well, and what you learn on one carries over to the other.
Mat Pilates at SKULPD
We chose to build SKULPD around mat-based classes. Our timetable runs from Skulpd Form, our foundational mat Pilates class, to barre, mobility and yoga classes. Our instructors offer options so you can make a movement simpler or more challenging, and you progress by building control, range and time under tension, or by adding props.
Classes are kept intentionally small. There’s a mix of women’s-only and mixed sessions, and some classes run in our infrared-warmed studio while others don’t. The timetable shows which is which.
Mat vs reformer Pilates: common questions
Is mat Pilates good for beginners?
Yes. You don’t need any experience. Start with Skulpd Form, our foundational class, where you’ll learn the basics of breath, core and posture with options for every movement.
Can you build strength with mat Pilates?
Yes. Your body weight is the main resistance, and props like bands and light weights add more. As you progress, exercises get longer, slower and more challenging to control.
Should I do reformer before mat, or the other way round?
Either is a fine place to start. Many people find that each one helps them understand the other.
Where can I do mat Pilates in Jumeirah?
At SKULPD, 777 Center (Triple 7 Center), Shop F03, Level 1, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 3. Parking is available at the building.
New to SKULPD? Our intro offer is 3 classes for AED 299 (VAT inclusive), to use within 10 days of purchase.
You don’t need to have it all figured out before your first class. If you’re unsure where to start, message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you choose a class that suits your experience and preferences.
