Pilates comes in many forms, and for those who are just learning about this versatile type of exercise, the first thing that comes to mind might be a person on a mat doing stretches. While it is true that mat Pilates has been popular for years, even people who have been enjoying this exercise are increasingly making the switch to reformer Pilates classes.
A reformer is a type of machine that participants use in synergy with their exercises in the same way that a weightlifter might use kettlebells or a runner might use a treadmill.
Many Pilates participants prefer the reformer for numerous reasons, from the broadened exercise variety to how it supports the joints. If you are considering trying a Reformer Pilates class, your instructor will show you what you need to know about using the machine.
Are Yoga Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates the Same?
While mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates are both Pilates, their scopes differ. Most prominently, they use different tools; mat Pilates relies mainly on the yoga mat on the floor, though participants can also incorporate supportive tools such as rings and weights.
Reformer Pilates, by contrast, places almost all of its emphasis on the reformer machine. This gets participants off the floor and onto the reformer, where they can still do the same exercises as on the mat. In that sense, the two variants are similar but far from the same.
Why Reformer Pilates Transforms Workouts
The reformer offers many advantages for Pilates workouts. It supports participants who have difficulty or cannot workout on the mat.
Greater Support and Modification
One of the most significant benefits of the reformer is support. For those recovering from injury or individuals with special considerations (such as herniated disks), there is no need to give up on staying active!
The reformer can be adjusted to offer support during certain movements without compromising the benefits of the workout. It can be significantly modified so that each person achieves the right balance to keep them active without aggravating any injuries or medical conditions.
Adjustable Resistance
If a person seeks a greater challenge, the reformer can be adjusted to increase the resistance. This keeps Reformer Pilates relevant regardless of the experience level since it can always be adjusted to suit each person’s strengths and goals. This is especially useful for those who have been doing Pilates for a while because, on a mat, it is the participant vs. gravity. Gravity never changes, so the reformer can offer more variance.
Easier on the Joints
Reformer Pilates has plenty to offer for participants of all skill levels, which means individuals who struggle with exercises on the mat can find support. It is common for those with knee issues or joint pain to dread their mat classes because doing exercises on the floor is uncomfortable, even though there is a soft mat below them.
However, Reformer Pilates combats this issue by allowing participants to do exercises without bearing their weight on sensitive areas such as their knees. Thanks to the shape of the reformer, there are many opportunities to modify exercises. So, if a particular motion or contact point is causing an issue, the instructor can help the participant find an alternative that works the same muscles.
More Exercise Variations
The reformer opens up an entirely new world of exercise possibilities. Thanks to its design, participants can do exercises while standing, sitting, lying down, and in various other positions.
This allows Reformer Pilates classes to take individuals through more exercises than are available on the mat, which challenges the body and stimulates the mind. No more boring sets of the same exercises you always do; instead, the reformer will always keep you guessing!
Try Reformer Pilates for Yourself!
Yoga mat Pilates is a good option for keeping yourself active. Still, you can see even better results from a reformer. Thanks to its substantial range of adjustability, support for physical limitations, and extensive exercises and movements, Reformer Pilates has become more popular than ever.
If you want to see what all the buzz is about, contact RTR Pilates to sign up for a beginner class. Our instructors will always be happy to educate you on how the reformer works and help you set it up appropriately for every class!
