Mat Pilates vs.
Reformer Pilates

If you've been looking into Pilates, you've probably come across two popular options: Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates.

Both are designed to build strength, improve body awareness, and help you move with greater control—but the experience can be quite different. So which one is better?

The answer depends on what you're looking for.

What Is Mat Pilates?

As the name suggests, Mat Pilates is practiced on a mat, using your body weight as the primary source of resistance.

The exercises focus on controlled movements, core engagement, stability, posture, and alignment. You may also use simple props such as resistance bands, Pilates balls, or light weights to add variety and challenge.

Because you aren't relying on a machine, Mat Pilates teaches you to develop strength and control using your own body.

Benefits of Mat Pilates

Regular Mat Pilates can help you:

• Build core strength and stability
• Improve posture and alignment
• Develop better balance and coordination
• Strengthen the glutes, legs and upper body
• Improve mobility and flexibility
• Develop greater body awareness
• Practice controlled, intentional movement

It's also an incredibly accessible form of exercise. You don't need a large machine or specialised equipment—just a mat and enough space to move.

What Is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates uses a specialised piece of equipment called a Reformer.

The machine consists of a moving carriage, springs, straps and a footbar, which allow you to perform Pilates exercises with adjustable resistance and support.

The Reformer can make certain movements more challenging, but it can also provide assistance during others. This versatility is one of the reasons Reformer Pilates has become so popular.

Depending on the exercise and spring setting, the Reformer can help you focus on strength, stability, mobility, balance or control.

Mat Pilates vs. Reformer Pilates

While the fundamentals of Pilates remain similar, there are some key differences.

Neither is inherently "better." They're simply different ways of practicing Pilates.

Which One Is Better for Beginners?

Both can be great for beginners.

Mat Pilates can be a particularly approachable starting point because there is less equipment to learn and you can focus entirely on understanding the basic movements.

Reformer Pilates can also be beginner-friendly, particularly when you're working with an experienced instructor who can adjust the springs and help you understand how the equipment works.

If you're completely new to Pilates, the most important thing isn't whether you choose a mat or a Reformer—it's finding an environment where you feel comfortable learning proper technique.

Which Builds More Strength?

This is where things get interesting.

The Reformer allows you to adjust resistance using different springs, which can make exercises progressively more challenging. However, Mat Pilates can also provide a significant strength challenge, particularly as you progress to more advanced movements and variations.

Because Mat Pilates relies heavily on your own bodyweight, it can be surprisingly demanding.

The key is consistency and progression—not simply which piece of equipment you're using.

What About Core Strength?

Both forms of Pilates place a strong emphasis on the core.

Rather than thinking of the core as simply your abdominal muscles, Pilates encourages you to coordinate your abdominal muscles, back, hips and pelvis to create stability while you move.

This can translate into better posture, balance and control both inside and outside the studio.

Which Should You Try?

If you're deciding between Mat and Reformer Pilates, think about what kind of experience you're looking for.

Choose Mat Pilates if you:

• Want a simple, equipment-free approach
• Are new to Pilates
• Want to focus on foundational movement
• Enjoy bodyweight strength training
• Want something you can eventually practice anywhere
• Want to combine Pilates with other forms of movement

Try Reformer Pilates if you:

• Enjoy using equipment
• Want adjustable resistance
• Like variety in your workouts
• Want to explore more advanced Pilates exercises
• Enjoy a more specialised studio experience

And there's no reason you can't do both.

Pilates at LX Portal

At LX Portal Yoga, our Mat Pilates classes focus on controlled movement, strength, stability and body awareness in a welcoming boutique studio environment.

You don't need previous Pilates experience to join, and our teachers provide guidance and variations so you can work at a level that feels right for your body.

If you're looking to build strength while improving your posture, mobility and control, Mat Pilates is a great place to start.

And if you're already practicing yoga, Pilates can be a fantastic complement to your practice—particularly for developing core strength and stability.

Ready to try it?

Come experience Mat Pilates at LX Portal and see how it feels for yourself.

New to the studio? Try 3 Weeks Unlimited for €30 and explore Mat Pilates alongside Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Barre Yoga and our other classes.

Your body doesn't need to choose between movement styles. The best practice is the one that keeps you moving, learning and coming back.