Benefits of reformer Pilates compared with mat Pilates, apart from cost

[thepollyanna]

What are the main benefits of reformer pilates over mat pilates, cost aside? Or I suppose, the disadvantages?

Reformer has advantages for me. I like the resistance aspect, which is much easier than using bands in mat Pilates.

That said, one weekly session of mat Pilates complements reformer perfectly and is beneficial for core work and stability in particular.

So, I’d say both have advantages and so both work well together.

Reformer Pilates has some dangers - if the machines aren’t set up right or you’re not using them right you can really injure yourself.

(Not a benefit obviously! Just a difference between the two).

Bigger range of exercises, more resistance.

A reformer can help add support to make some challenging exercises like teaser more easily achieved with proper form so it’s better (I think) for rehab / recovery training. It can also add resistance and force to make exercises more challenging so also good to stretch your practice further. Better still is the addition of a tower ;)
about 70% of reformer classes being offered these days aren’t true Pilates however- they’re exercises on a reformer, amd might be as useful as shouting at a lettuce. Anything where the teacher is just giving instructions of which moves to do and doesn’t have specialist Pilates training (nb “level 3” sounds good but that’s the basic entry level) & doesn’t make individual adjustments and comments is a waste of money vs a decent mat class. It’s pretty hard to actually teach with more than about 4 in a class, so studios of 10 with someone who’s actually a PT are pointless.

I have a reformer machine at home it’s where I dump ironing , and it is useful when it is grim weather outside either too hot, too cold, too rainy etc to do half an hour and listen to a podcast. I don’t do normal Pilates so can’t compare but having one at home is a huge convenience. It fits in quite well with my other exercise activities, swimming, walking and tai chi.

I’ve not known anyone get injured in the well over 250 reformer classes I have done to date…

But the studio I go to is physio led, and small classes.

I do think though that both reformer and mat classes go hand in hand.

@TurningPointe - there have been injuries associated with reformer Pilates - it’s not a regulated industry so anybody can open up a studio, not have adequate training, so tell people to move in the wrong ways or not set up the machines properly. So it’s worth being aware to check training/qualifications esp if you’re doing reformer pilates - www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/apr/04/reformer-pilates-boom-injuries

I think the main injury risk is falling off it during lunges etc as it’s padded, moving and up high compared to being on the floor! That’s where I’ve had a mishap anyway. Or being on a light sprint and not being prepared for the lack of support

As I said, I go to physio led studio where I have personally done more than 250 classes.

I am treating this thread as a direct comparison between the best mat work Pilates versus the best reformer Pilates…. and so not including the many cowboy outfits out there on both counts.

Ok - treat the thread how you want, but the OP asked for advantages and disadvantages of reformer. One of those disadvantages is that a poorly run reformer class is more dangerous than a poorly run mat class. 🤷‍♀️

People who do mat Pilates think they are better than people who do reformer. In fact it's already started I see. It's dressed up, but it's there 🥱

imo they are both excellent and it has changed my life. Whichever is more accessible for you is the best 😊

I’m not sure a reformer has a bigger range of exercises, as mat pilates is only limited by the creativity of the instructor as you can create endless variations on classic Pilates moves . I love mat pilates but I don’t think it is better than reformer