“Change happens through movement, and movement heals”
Joseph Pilates
Being involved in the Fitness Industry since 2016, and at the age of 28, my love of training revolved around cardio, sprinting, circuit training, group fitness classes, weights and all things combined. I loved nothing more than hitting the treadmill, and then hitting the floor for some burpees.
Fast forward 10 years, and as my body was aging, and so were my clients, I was learning to appreciate my body (and theirs!) in a whole new light! This led me to regularly joining a friend at a weekly Pilates Reformer session, and 6 months later resulted in me registering for Pilates training to become qualified myself in Mat and Reformer Pilates. And it’s honestly become one of my favourite styles of training!
Pilates was founded by Joseph Pilates, in the early 1900’s. He was born in Germany in 1883, and during World War 1, he was working in hospitals and developed a system of rigging springs to the hospital beds to enable bedridden patients to improve their strength and recovery. In the 1920’s he moved to America and it was here that he opened his first studios, and ‘Contrology’ sessions started, which would later become known worldwide as Pilates.
5 Benefits of Mat & Reformer Pilates
Improved posture and balance Improves core strength and help to decrease back pain Enhances body and breathing awareness.
It decreases stress and boosts your mood Effective low impact workout What is the difference between Mat and Reformer Pilates?
The Pilates Reformer is a traditional piece of equipment, originally designed by Joseph Pilates. It consists of a carriage, and a spring and pulley system, to offer a full-body workout consisting of strength, flexibility, control and co-ordination.
Mat Pilates is done using bodyweight only, and again offers a full body workout consisting of strength, flexibility, control and co-ordination.
Prior to my Pilates training, I had more experience on the Reformer, and was quite surprised after completing 3 days of exercises for both Mat and Reformer, how challenging Mat Pilates could be. You can certainly challenge your strength more on the Reformer, due to adjustment of the springs, but you also get a little more control and support from the carriage by using the Reformer. The Reformer is also a fantastic piece of equipment to use with clients post-injury/rehab, as it does offer a little more support.
Both Mat and Reformer Pilates have amazing benefits. The Reformer can be a really fun piece of equipment to work out on, but ultimately Mat Pilates is more readily available for people to do anywhere, anytime. A lot of Pilates exercises cross over from one program to the other, and most people find benefit from combining the 2 different formats in their training.
Here’s what some of our Be Hotters have to say about Pilates:
“I love it because you can get an intense hard core workout and break a sweat without flogging yourself with cardio. There are lots of benefits I have found but particularly the breathing as I’ve been able to use that in the other sessions” Brenda
“Great workout without the cardio strain. You can feel your muscles working hard. I love the focus of engaging your core while exercising with Pilates. The techniques of breathing and using your core transfers easily to other types of workouts. I love the reformer because it is easier to isolate and focus on your core while working out.” Julie
“I have found Pilates to be awesome for improvement in my mobility, balance, core strengthening and mind/muscle connection. I really enjoy our Pilates whether it be on the mat or on the reformer! Love it!!” Debbie
References:
Origins of Pilates | Balanced Body
