Matwork vs. Reformer Pilates: Which is best for you?

It’s no secret that we seriously LOVE Pilates at LFN. Not only because of the incredible benefits for our physical strength, flexibility and power, but also because how clear minded and accomplished it leaves our community feeling.

We’ve been getting asked a lot of questions lately about Pilates, like about which form of Pilates is best: Matwork or Reformer? Have you ever thought the same thing?

With that in mind, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about both, so you can know the full story and make up your mind about which will work best for you & your goals.

Matwork Pilates

Benefits

·      You’re going to get a full body workout! In Matwork Pilates, you use your body weight and often, additional accessories such as Pilates balls, booty bands and light hand weights to complete the workout. It’s you, your mat & your equipment, without the assistance of anything else (aka a reformer).

·      Are you a Pilates beginner? Awesome! Matwork is great for teaching you to maintain full control of your body & your muscles rather than replying on the assistance of the cables in Reformer Pilates.

·      You can feel the burn a lot deeper in certain exercises: When you do booty work such as clams, upper body work like push ups and core work such as ab curls, it’s simply you that has to move, again without the assistance of a reformer or additional equipment.

·      If you love to get a sweat up, our matwork classes are phenomenal for creating an epic cardio burn. Lots of repetitions, lots of pulses and lots of fun!

Things to consider: 

·      If you’re recovering from an injury, Matwork Pilates could may be too high of an intensity for you & your body. i.e. if you have a shoulder injury, push ups and overhead presses may not feel great for you. Reformer offers alternative options for these moves.

Reformer Pilates

Benefits

·      Reformer Pilates involves the use of a piece of equipment known as the Pilates reformer. It has a sliding carriage, springs and cables to add/ take resistance away.  You choose your workout intensity based on the spring resistance you’re choosing for each exercise

·      The Reformer is like a support system for your body, helping you to have perfect positioning for each move.

·      Using the springs on the reformer, almost acts like a piece of equipment at the gy, you’re able ot make the resistance heavier or lighter and train your body to gain muscle & strength, just like at the gym

·      Reformer is great for rehabilitation of injuries as you don’t directly weight bear through your body (you’re supported by the reformer). Depending on what your injury is, your exercise physician may even prescribe reformer Pilates classes to you.

·      Reformer is for everyone from beginner to advanced & all age groups!

Things to consider:

·      Honesty, nothing! Reformer is a great form of exercise for everyone, and everyone we’ve worked with has nothing but positive experiences!

So, which will you be giving a go, Matwork, Reformer Pilates or both? Whichever it is, good choice! Book in your next Pilates class with us at LFN right here.