April 2nd 2025
People often wonder what the difference is between Matwork and Reformer. Some even vehemently prefer one over the other. After working with the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels and even Barre for 17 years, I still can’t choose a favourite – because I love it all. Each tool works your body in different ways but one is not easier than the other – just different. When I go into a Mat class I know I’m going to work hard. This is because you don’t have the support from the equipment – it’s just your body and the mat. While there are many Matwork exercises that are too tough for the average aging adult when contracting the inner core properly and applying the 6 Pilates principles regarding breath and alignment the “easiest” exercises can be the toughest. There are Matwork warm up exercises that are still my “go-tos” because of how it challenges the inner core stabilizers. It is good to strengthen muscles but it is better to strengthen them in a functional way and it helps to go back to the basics.
The reformer is easier in one way but harder in another. You can use the footbar and ropes to work your arms and legs but you can adjust the resistance. It is harder in the sense that you are on a moving surface so you require more core to stabilize while the carriage moves. People often prefer the reformer because of all the things you can do with the ropes and foot bar. The Reformer is amazingly versatile – you can even change the traditional Footbar for a higher and softer “Rehab Bar” or a Jumpboard (which can be used for jumping or adding variety for foot placements) or trampolines for cardio jumping. However, both Matwork and Reformer exercises are endless. You can tweak each exercise to make it more suitable for the body according to posture type, limitations and goals with any piece of equipment. So you can adjust the intensity on either the mat or the reformer especially with the added props or variations. Often, the choice of equipment being used depends on what is most suitable for the person. One goal might be better achieved on the Mat and others on the Reformer. I love having as many different options as possibly on hand when creating programs for different people and it keeps the workouts fun!
Written by Katherine Murray
