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Pilates mat or Pilates reformer; differences and benefits
What is better, to practice Pilates mat or on the floor, or Pilates reformer or on machines? This is one of the big doubts about this method, because theyare not different disciplines, but phases or steps of the famous method created by Joseph Pilates. In fact, Pilates mat, as Kathy Corey -a living legend of Pilates- says, the work on the floor would be the final step of the method, when you have already acquired the strength, technique and control enough to work with your own body weight.
Thus, the ideal would be to start practicing Pilates on machines, which assist the movement and allow to perform the exercises safely and learning the correct technique, especially if there are injuries, pathologies or limitations in the movement. And among the machines designed by Joseph Pilates, the reformer is certainly the most popular and versatile, although there are more: the cadillac, the chair, the barrel or the spine corrector (especially for back work).
But it is true that Pilates classes on the floor have popularized this method and have made it an accessible discipline for everyone, since the cost of Pilates classes on machines is usually much higher. In practically any gym or sports center we can find Pilates classes on the floor, while Pilates with machines is usually limited to specialized studios or more exclusive clubs.
It is also true that, although it is the final step method, Pilates classes on the floor today are designed for a general audience and include adaptations for all types of physical condition, which reduces the intensity and risk. Although, as you can imagine, it is more difficult to get hurt in a Pilates session on machines, which also tend to be done in small groups or in a personalized way, which makes them safe and effective.
The most important differences between Pilates mat and Pilates on machines
Here is a summary of the main differences between the two types of Pilates, which will help you choose one or the other depending on your goals or physical condition:
- Type of training. Pilates mat uses your own body weight during the exercises, which can be a challenge for those who don't have much body control or fitness. That is why it is so important that the classes are taught by certified Pilates professionals who are able to propose adaptations for everyone. Pilates work on machines can add resistance, but they also offer support and much more control, allowing for very intense or targeted training (for example, for dancers or golfers) or, on the contrary, completely therapeutic.
- Material. Pilates mat can be practiced only with a mat, although it is normal to also use balls or fitballs, elastic bands or Pilates rings (magic circle). Pilates on machines is usually practiced mainly with a reformer, a kind of stretcher with a sliding trolley, springs, bars and ropes with handles, which allows multiple Pilates exercises with control, resistance and fluidity. In a pilates studio you will usually find other machines and accessories, such as the cadillac, another classic pilates machine, ideal for therapeutic sessions.
- Classes. Pilates sessions on the floor are usually in a group, sometimes too big, which makes it difficult to have a personalized treatment and postural correction. The classes of Pilates reformer or in Pilates studios are done in small groups or even individually, which allows a totally personalized work, which is, in fact, the essence of the method.
- Muscle work and exercises. Pilates on the floor usually focuses on core work and overall control of the body, while the machines allow a wide variety of exercises (the method includes hundreds) to work the entire musculature of the body even in isolation if necessary (for example, in case of injury, decompensation or to improve a sporting gesture).
- Focus of the classes. Pilates on machines has a clear therapeutic approach. In fact, it is a method not only recommended but also taught by physiotherapists as part of the recovery of patients. And is that it can treat, improve and prevent all types of injuries. On the floor, the therapeutic effect is much more limited and, if the teacher does not have sufficient training or experience, it can be counterproductive for people with pathologies or injuries.
- Cost. The price of Pilates mat classes is quite a bit cheaper than machine classes, and it is even usually an activity within the quota of sports clubs. However, given its customization, Pilates classes on machines have a higher cost, so it is not a method accessible to everyone.
What do Pilates mat and Pilates on machines have in common?
A lot! Since both types of pilates are part of the original method created by Joseph Pilates, for whom the practitioner had to start with pilates machines and accessories to, once acquired sufficient control and technique, be able to practice on the floor, the last step.
Thus, both Pilates mat and Pilates reformer or on machines should follow the same principles or pillars of the original method. They are not different disciplines, but phases or steps of the same system, in which the floor work is an evolution of the machine work that requires greater control and mastery of the body.
In both cases, the fundamental pillar is the control of the core and the conscious execution of the movement. Both types of Pilates require stability and precision, and seek body harmony. With both options the muscles are toned and elongated, posture is improved, strength, endurance and flexibility are gained, joint mobility is improved and postural and back pathologies are prevented.
Pilates mat and machine Pilates also share the importance of breathing and concentration, two key elements of the method. Breathing is coordinated with each exercise and the mind-body connection is constant, making the practice both a physical and mental workout that increases concentration and mental focus.
Both mat and floor Pilates prioritize quality over quantity and pursue the same goals: improving posture, balanced strength, mobility and coordination. The difference is not in the principles, but in the level of demand and control required at each stage.
As you have seen, the choice between Pilates mat or Pilates on machines depends mainly on your situation and goals: if you have an injury or need to do a specific or safer workout, the recommendation is Pilates on machines (such as the reformer or cadillac). If you don't have any injury and you don't have a big budget, the alternative can be floor pilates. In both cases it is very important to practice pilates with certified instructors who follow and respect the original method created by Joeph Pilates.