Mat and Reformer Pilates share the same foundations: controlled movement, careful alignment, breathing and a strong focus on the core. Both can help improve strength, posture, flexibility and body awareness, but the experience of each can feel quite different.
If you are considering a Pilates holiday, understanding those differences can help you choose the right classes or retreat. But don’t worry, we’re on hand to offer personalised advice too!
Mat Pilates is performed on the floor using your body weight for resistance. Classes may also incorporate small pieces of equipment such as resistance bands, Pilates rings, balls or light weights.
Although it requires less equipment, mat Pilates is not necessarily the easier option. Without the support of a machine, your body must provide much of the stability and control.
Mat Pilates classes are widely available at wellness retreats and luxury hotels, making them easy to incorporate into a broader holiday.
Reformer Pilates uses a specialist machine with a sliding carriage, adjustable springs, straps, head rest and a footbar.
The springs provide resistance, while the carriage and straps can also support the body through different movements. This allows exercises to be adapted for complete beginners or made considerably more challenging for experienced practitioners.
Additional equipment such as Pilates hoops, balls or blocks may be used for certain exercises.
Reformer Pilates is often taught privately or in smaller groups because each participant requires their own machine.
The most obvious difference is of course, the equipment. Mat Pilates relies primarily on your own body weight, while a Reformer uses adjustable spring resistance and a moving carriage.
The Reformer also provides a wider variety of exercise options and can offer additional support during certain movements (this often make it a great choice for injury rehab). Mat Pilates is more portable and can be practised almost anywhere.
Both methods use the same principles of control, precision, concentration and coordinated breathing.
Both can be suitable for beginners.
A beginner mat class provides a straightforward introduction to the principles of Pilates without the distraction of unfamiliar equipment. However, some people find the support provided by a Reformer helpful when learning particular movements.
The quality and format of the tuition matter more than the equipment. A private Reformer session can be ideal for a complete beginner because the instructor can adjust the machine, explain every movement and monitor alignment closely.
Either can be challenging.
The Reformer’s springs can add resistance and target muscles in ways that are difficult to replicate on a mat. However, advanced mat Pilates can be extremely demanding because you must control and stabilise your body without assistance from the equipment.
The intensity will depend on the exercises, resistance, pace and your instructor, as well as your own experience and fitness level.
Choose a mat Pilates holiday if you enjoy group classes, want to combine Pilates with yoga or other activities, or prefer a programme that you can easily continue at home.
A Reformer Pilates holiday may be better if you want individual attention, more varied resistance-based exercise or the opportunity to develop your technique using specialist equipment.
You do not necessarily need to choose between them. Many Pilates retreats we recommend combine mat and Reformer sessions, giving you the benefits and variety of both. And the chance try something new if you have only practised one option before.
Some hotels use the word “Pilates” to describe mat-based classes only, while others have dedicated Reformer studios and specialist instructors. At certain hotels, Reformer sessions are private and must be reserved before arrival.
We know which of our hotels offer mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates or both. We can also advise where classes are included within a programme and where private sessions can be added to a more traditional holiday.
Please do call us on 020 8968 0501 for personalised recommendations.
Please provide us with some basic contact details and your message. We will be glad to help. If you would prefer to call us, we’re on 020 8968 0501 or, for international callers: 00 44 20 8968 0501
