Know the Difference

Mat vs Reformer Pilates

Two ways to do Pilates. One delivers faster results. Here is what you need to know before you choose.

The Short Answer

Both Are Pilates. The Reformer Does More.

Mat Pilates and reformer Pilates are built on the same principles: controlled movement, core engagement, breath, and body awareness. The difference is what you are working with. Mat Pilates uses your body weight on a flat surface. Reformer Pilates uses a machine with adjustable spring resistance, a sliding carriage, straps, and a foot bar.

That difference changes everything. The reformer lets your instructor increase or decrease resistance for each exercise based on your level. It supports your body through movements that would be impossible on a mat. And it challenges muscles in ways that body weight alone cannot reach. For most people, reformer Pilates delivers faster, more visible results.

STOTT V2 Max Reformers at Art of Pilates

Side by Side

Mat vs Reformer Pilates Comparison

Feature Mat Pilates Reformer Pilates
Resistance Body weight only Adjustable spring resistance plus body weight
Equipment Mat on the floor Sliding carriage, springs, straps, foot bar
Range of Motion Limited by floor contact Full range supported by the carriage
Difficulty Adjustment Hard to modify mid-exercise Springs adjust instantly for your level
Core Engagement Good for basics Deeper activation through resistance and instability
Muscle Toning Gradual with body weight Faster results from adjustable resistance
Back Pain Support Limited spinal support on the floor Carriage supports spine while building core strength
Injury Recovery Some modifications available Springs reduce load, carriage guides safe movement
Exercise Variety Dozens of mat exercises Hundreds of exercises across all positions
Beginner Friendly Can feel challenging without guidance Machine guides movement, instructor adjusts resistance

The Real Difference

Why the Reformer Gets Better Results

Mat Pilates is a good workout. But if you are choosing between the two, here is why the reformer wins for most people.

Adjustable Resistance Changes Everything
On a mat, your body weight is the only resistance you have. On the reformer, springs let your instructor dial the difficulty up or down for each exercise. That means a beginner and an advanced client can do the same movement at completely different intensities.
The Carriage Supports Your Body
If you have back pain or joint issues, lying on a hard floor and using body weight creates pressure in places you do not want it. The reformer carriage supports your spine and lets you build strength without loading the areas that hurt.
More Exercises, More Positions
A mat limits you to prone, supine, and seated positions. The reformer lets you work standing, kneeling, side-lying, and in positions that are impossible on a flat surface. That variety keeps your body adapting and progressing.
Visible Results Come Faster
The added resistance from the springs means your muscles work harder in every session. Clients who switch from mat to reformer consistently report that they see toning, posture changes, and core strength improvements faster than they did on a mat.

Our Approach

Why Art of Pilates Focuses on the Reformer

Kathy Affrunti started Art of Pilates with a clear belief: if you are going to spend 50 minutes working out, the reformer will give you more for your time than a mat. Every studio was built around that idea.

We use STOTT V2 Max Reformers, which are among the best machines available. Each studio has only 9 of them, and every class is capped at 10 people. Our instructors have completed over 600 hours of training, which means they know how to adjust the spring resistance, modify exercises for arthritis or injury, and push you when you are ready for more.

That kind of precision is what the reformer makes possible. It is hard to replicate on a mat, and it is impossible in a room with 18 or 20 machines and a screen telling you what to do.

Pilates reformer setup at Art of Pilates Long Island

Which One Is Right for You

The Reformer Is the Better Choice If...

You want faster results than body weight alone can deliver. You deal with back pain, joint stiffness, or arthritis and need a workout that supports your body while building strength. You have tried mat classes or at-home Pilates apps and felt like you were not getting anywhere. You want an instructor who adjusts the workout to your body in real time. Or you simply want the best version of Pilates available on Long Island.

Mat Pilates is still a good workout if you prefer working at home or do not have access to a studio. But if you have the option to work on a reformer with a trained instructor who knows your name, the reformer will get you where you want to go faster.

If you want focused one-on-one time, private sessions on the reformer give you 50 minutes of completely personalized instruction.

Reformer Pilates studio at Art of Pilates

Try the Reformer

Book a Class at Any Studio

New clients start with a $31 orientation class. All packages work at any of our three Long Island locations.

Huntington

140 E. Main St, Huntington, NY

631-459-4313
View Schedule
Greenvale

87 Glen Cove Road, Greenvale, NY

516-646-6628
View Schedule
Commack

6401 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY

631-354-3219
View Schedule

Common Questions

Mat vs Reformer Pilates FAQ

What is the main difference between mat and reformer Pilates?
Mat Pilates uses body weight as resistance on a flat surface. Reformer Pilates uses a sliding carriage machine with adjustable spring resistance, straps, and a foot bar. The reformer allows you to increase or decrease resistance for each exercise, supports your body through a wider range of motion, and enables movements that are not possible on a mat.
Is reformer Pilates better than mat Pilates?
For most people, reformer Pilates delivers faster and more visible results because the adjustable spring resistance challenges your muscles in ways that body weight alone cannot. The reformer also provides better support for clients with back pain, joint issues, or injuries. Mat Pilates is still a solid workout, but the reformer adds a level of precision and progression that mat work lacks.
Can beginners do reformer Pilates?
Yes. The reformer is actually easier for many beginners than mat work because the machine supports your body and helps guide the movements. At Art of Pilates, every new client starts with a $31 orientation class that teaches you the reformer, the springs, and the straps before joining regular group classes.
Why does Art of Pilates only offer reformer classes?
Art of Pilates focuses on the reformer because it delivers better results for clients at every level. The adjustable spring resistance means your instructor can tailor the difficulty to your exact ability, and the machine supports safer movement for clients dealing with pain or injury. With only 9 reformers per studio and instructors with 600+ hours of training, every client gets personal attention in every class.
How much do reformer Pilates classes cost compared to mat classes?
Reformer classes at Art of Pilates start at $31 for the orientation class. Single drop-in classes are $40, and packages bring the per-class cost down to $37-$38. While reformer classes typically cost more than mat classes at other studios, the results come faster and the instruction is more personalized because of the small class sizes.

Ready to Try the Reformer?

Your orientation class is $31. Pick the studio closest to you and find out why reformer Pilates gets better results.

Huntington Greenvale Commack

Get in Touch

Still Have Questions?

Fill out the form and we will help you figure out the best way to start.

Art of Pilates gift card

Give the Gift of Pilates

Purchase a gift card in any amount for friends and family. Valid at all three of our Long Island studio locations.

Buy a Gift Card