AORA Studio
Reformer vs Mat Pilates
Two approaches. Different tools. Similar principles.
They share the same roots
Both reformer and mat pilates are built on the same principles developed by Joseph Pilates: controlled movement, core engagement, breath coordination and body alignment. The fundamental philosophy hasn't changed.
The difference lies in the equipment. Mat pilates uses your body weight on a mat. Reformer pilates uses a spring-loaded machine that adds variable resistance to every movement.
Neither is 'better'. They serve different purposes, and many people do both. But if you're choosing between them, here's what matters.
The reformer adds resistance and support
The reformer's springs create resistance that you push and pull against. This means your muscles are working through a greater range of motion and under more consistent tension than they would on a mat.
Interestingly, the reformer can also make some movements *easier*. The springs support your body weight during exercises that would be very demanding on a mat, making it accessible for people recovering from injury or new to exercise.
This dual role, adding challenge where you're strong and support where you're not, is what makes reformer pilates effective across all fitness levels.
What results can you expect?
Mat pilates excels at building core stability, improving flexibility and developing body awareness. It's excellent for learning the fundamentals and can be practised anywhere with minimal equipment.
Reformer pilates tends to build lean muscle tone faster because of the added resistance. It's particularly effective for targeting glutes, inner thighs and deep core muscles that are harder to isolate on a mat.
Reformer classes also tend to feel more varied. The machine allows for hundreds of exercise variations, so sessions rarely feel repetitive. Most people find the 50 minutes passes quickly.
In terms of calorie burn, reformer pilates typically burns more per session due to the resistance element, though this varies with class intensity and individual effort.
Which one is right for you?
If you enjoy structure, variety and a full-body workout with visible results, reformer pilates is worth trying. The equipment does a lot of the thinking for you: your instructor sets the springs, and you focus on moving well.
If you prefer simplicity, portability and a quieter, more meditative practice, mat pilates is a great choice. It demands more from your own body awareness since there's no machine to guide you.
At AORA, we offer reformer pilates exclusively because we believe the machine allows us to deliver a more personalised, effective class in a small-group setting. But we respect both disciplines.
- Reformer is ideal if you want faster visible results
- Mat is great if you want a practice you can do at home
- Reformer offers more exercise variety per session
- Both improve posture, flexibility and core strength
- Reformer is often better for injury rehabilitation
“The reformer doesn't make pilates easier. It makes it more precise.”
Try reformer pilates for yourself
Experience the difference at our Bristol studio with a 3-class intro pack.