Pilates can attract anyone with a desire to tone and shape their bodies. From stay-at-home moms to CEOs to retired grandparents, all of us want to get in on the advantages of this workout – core strength, body flexibility, and lean muscle tone. In recent times, Pilates has gone beyond the secret agendas of professional dancers to the forefront of the fitness industry. As a result, many people are realizing the benefits of a Pilates workout. Newcomers often wonder whether they should employ a mat or a reformer, which is the equipment that was developed by Pilates creator, Joseph Pilates. Knowing more about this fitness art will help you figure out if it is for you and how to practice it.

Get Active with Your Mat!

The truth is that mats and the reformers show very little difference in terms of fitness benefits. The 500 classical Pilates exercises can be done on the mat, in which your body weight acts as the resistance, or with the reformer, in which pulleys and springs create resistance; both of these are generally equally effective.

Pilates mat classes are recommended for newcomers to the art of Pilates. In fact, most experts insist on mat work for beginners. The reason is that the body can become confused and overwhelmed when trying to adapt to the Pilates routine and a reformer apparatus at the same time. For beginners’ convenience, mat classes are overflowing in abundance at your local gym or fitness center. Most students begin to employ the reformer after three months of once-a-week mat classes. You can also buy a Pilates DVD, a popular item on the market, and a mat of your own and get active right in your living room. Whenever you think you are ready for a reformer, go ahead and pick one up from any fitness equipment store.

Students of the mat begin to see improved strength, posture, agility and flexibility, as well as toned muscles, within a few months. For even more results, students can take advanced mat classes, which really give the body a strong workout.

Move on

When you’re ready for the reformer, don’t let its complicated appearance discourage you. However, do consider taking a few private sessions to get the hang of it before you embark on the challenge alone. The resistance created by the pulley and spring system provides a tougher strength and endurance workout than mat classes. This is because the resistance has increased to more than just your weight, as was the case with mat Pilates.

After adapting yourself to its use, you can invest in a reformer; just make sure that it comes fully equipped with instructions and an instructional DVD. The reformer enhances the range of adjustments that can be made to the exercises. As a result, it allows people with limited range of movement or injuries to safely do modified exercises.
On the flip side, the additional resistance leads to more strength-empowered exercises, which lend themselves to a more intense workout.

Decision Time

Still can’t decide between mat or reformer work? Most people can reap similar benefits from either approach. Experts claim that both workouts will help strengthen your ‘powerhouse,’ your stomach, lower back, hips, and buttocks. Additionally, it will tone your body, thereby rendering daily activities and sports easier to perform. Experts agree that the deciding factor is often whether the new Pilates performer got appropriate instruction in the beginning.
Whether you decide in favor of the mat or the reformer, make sure your decision fits your comfort, strength, and fitness levels. As most experts say, it is wise to employ the mat when you begin Pilates and gradually move on to the reformer in later stages. Additionally, fitness classes are a good idea for Pilate’s beginners and private sessions are recommended for those beginning on the reformer. Both methods will assure you a higher level of strength, fitness, and overall health. So, don’t waste another second - go get in shape!