If you’ve been searching for a way to build strength, improve posture and move better without hammering your joints, chances are Pilates has come up — and so has the question: mat or reformer? They’re both Pilates, but the experience, the results and who they suit can be quite different. Here’s how to work out which one is right for you.
What’s the difference?
Mat Pilates uses your own body weight as resistance. You’re working against gravity, on the floor, often with small props like a resistance band or a Pilates circle for added challenge. It’s accessible, low-cost, and a great entry point if you’re new to core-focused training.
Reformer Pilates uses a specialised machine — a sliding carriage attached to a set of springs — to add adjustable resistance to every movement. Because the resistance can be increased or decreased at the turn of a dial, the reformer lets you fine-tune intensity in a way mat work simply can’t.
Which builds more strength?
Both build strength, but the reformer tends to get there faster for most people. The spring resistance challenges muscles through a fuller range of motion, and because you can adjust load, it’s easier to progressively overload — the same principle that drives strength gains in traditional weight training. Mat Pilates is brilliant for control, mobility and core activation, but progression is more limited once bodyweight alone stops being challenging.
Which is better for beginners?
This one surprises people — reformer Pilates is often gentler to start with. The carriage supports your body and guides the movement, so there’s less risk of poor form compared to some mat exercises. It’s also low-impact, which makes it a popular choice for anyone returning from injury, managing joint sensitivity, or wanting a full-body workout without high-impact strain.
What about cost and convenience?
Mat Pilates wins on simplicity — all you need is a mat and floor space. Reformer Pilates traditionally meant studio memberships and class bookings, which added up quickly and meant working around someone else’s timetable.
That’s changed. You can now hire a Pilates reformer for home use from as little as $399 a month, with free delivery and no long-term commitment. For anyone who wants the results of reformer training without the studio price tag or the drive time, home hire has made it a realistic option.
So, which should you choose?
If you want a low-cost, flexible way to build core strength and you’re happy training on the floor, mat Pilates is a great place to start. If you want faster progression, adjustable resistance, and a full-body low-impact workout you can do on your own schedule, a reformer is worth the investment — and hiring one means you can try it without committing to a purchase.
Curious what reformer training actually costs to try at home? See current hire packages and pricing here.