24/10/2025
💪 Reformer Pilates vs Mat Pilates — Which is best for YOU?
As a physiotherapist, I often get asked: “Should I be doing Reformer or Mat Pilates?”
The truth is — both have fantastic benefits, but the right choice depends on your goals, experience, and any injuries or conditions you may have. 👇
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🧘♀️ Mat Pilates – The Foundation
✅ Builds core strength and body awareness
✅ Can be done anywhere — minimal equipment needed
✅ Challenges stability, balance, and control using your own body weight
Best for:
• People new to Pilates or recovering from injury (can start gentle and progress)
• Lower back pain or postural issues
• Those wanting to improve movement control and deep core activation
💡 As a physio, I love using Mat Pilates to retrain stabilising muscles and restore functional movement patterns.
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🔩 Reformer Pilates – The Game Changer
✅ Uses springs, pulleys, and resistance for a full-body workout
✅ Allows both assistance and challenge — great for all levels
✅ Excellent for targeting specific muscles and improving alignment
Best for:
• Joint pathologies (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder osteoarthritis) — resistance can be controlled precisely
• Post-surgical rehab (e.g., ACL, shoulder stabilisation, spinal surgery)
• Athletes looking to enhance strength, flexibility, and movement efficiency
💡 As a physio, I use the Reformer to support early rehab safely and then progressively load as strength improves.
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🩺 In short:
• Mat Pilates = foundation, control, and stability
• Reformer Pilates = support, resistance, and precision
Both can complement each other beautifully — and when guided by a physiotherapist, can be tailored to your exact needs and recovery goals. 🙌
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✨ Your body, your movement, your choice — with the right guidance, both paths lead to strength and confidence!
