So you want to start the New Year with good intentions of getting fit and healthy. One thing is for sure, Pilates is the best place to start! Pilates will help you to build the foundations needed to get fit, strong and reduce the risk of injury while doing so.
But which form of Pilates should you choose?
Mat is always a good place to start especially when you are completely new to Pilates. I say this because when you do your first Pilates mat class there is literally only a mat to contend with. Once you lie on it all you have to think about is your body, your breathing and your movement. Easy! (There's a little bit more to it then that but you know what I mean). In a mat class you will use your body weight throughout the class to create resistance which can be very difficult. Mat Pilates can be quite the challenge from beginners level to advanced and anyone who has done an advanced class will know how much of a great workout it can be. Not for the faint hearted!! Time and time again I see that many people find it difficult to hold there own body weight in certain positions especially if there are injuries or issues with certain movement.
This is where the Reformer really helps! The Reformer acts as a support system and assists the body with the use of spring tension however there is a lot more to learn on your first Reformer session compared to your first mat session. Before you even start to bring the body into the correct alignment and go through correct core engagement and movement, you have to get to grips with the moving carriage, the coloured springs, the footbar, the shoulder rests, the straps, the headrest...the list goes on. At first sight it can feel intimidating. That being said, the Reformer gives the body support. Its designed to help you move better. If you find you are unable to support your own body or struggle to position your body for exercises on the mat then the Reformer may be the right choice for you as it really helps to correct form and technique quicker then being on the mat which gets results quicker too. Once technique is developed the intensity of a Reformer session can be increased by either increasing the spring tension or lowering the spring tension which creates instability and forces the body to work harder. Either way you can get a full body workout while also working on flexibility and mobility in the same session. Many elderly clients choose to do Reformer because they find it easier to get onto and off of the machine rather then get to and from the mat on the floor. So which one should you do?
Both forms of Pilates are extremely beneficial. You will learn to move more efficiently in both, you will learn how to engage the deep core muscles and correct breathing technique in both Reformer and Mat. Both will help you in your day to day lives and sports/activities. From an instructors point of view and having a background in pain and injury treatment I would point my clients in the direction of the Reformer if they presented with chronic pain or injury or indeed recovering from injury. But whichever you choose to do its important to note that to get the most out of your Pilates and to see results whether it be pain relief, improved strength or flexibility it must be practiced regularly.
