Pilates Machines Better Than Mat Pilates
Whether you think of sliding machines in modern studios or an at-home workout on a mat, Pilates brings to mind full-body exercises that tone, strengthen and align muscles. This popular workout is also said to be good for your gut health, and evidence in favour of this claim has emerged from studies (like this one in the Journal of Human Hypertension) that show Pilates may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
While both forms of Pilates can be effective, there is a lot more to Pilates than the standard exercises you do on the floor, and using a reformer can allow you to tackle new and challenging moves that are simply not possible with body weight alone. This equipment also makes it possible to add more resistance and create a more varied workout for people of all abilities.
The reformer is a large piece of equipment that includes a sliding carriage, platforms at either end of the machine, handlebars on the platform, straps to allow moves like biceps curls and triceps extensions, and springs that make it easier or harder to exercise. Despite its seemingly complex structure, the reformer can be used by all ages and fitness levels and has become particularly popular during the pandemic because it offers a safe alternative to running or lifting weights. Having the ability to use different springs on the reformer means that anyone can make their exercise harder or easier depending on their current fitness level, so it’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to get into pilate machines.
Are Pilates Machines Better Than Mat Pilates?
As a result, a reformer can be more intimidating than mat Pilates for those who are not familiar with the moves and how to perform them safely. It’s worth taking classes or getting a private instructor to ensure you know how to use the machine correctly. It’s also important to note that while some of the movements on the reformer are easier than their counterparts on the mat, it is still a highly strenuous workout and should be done under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
A major benefit of mat Pilates is that it draws on the mind-body connection, encouraging you to connect with your body in ways that aren’t always possible when working out using a machine. This can help with mindfulness and improved proprioception, which improves your sense of movement and awareness of where you are in space. Lindsey Lanquist is a writer for Verywell Fit and specializes in health, wellness, and fitness products.
It’s also easy to add more difficulty and complexity to a mat workout by utilising a range of props like foam rollers or hand weights, which can also help challenge your muscles and increase your strength and flexibility. However, adding more props can also reduce the amount of tension in your muscles and cause them to become less engaged, which is why you need to be careful not to overload your body with too much extra work. This may lead to injury.
