This is the worst title ever, read on to understand why…
by Kerry De Vivo
OK, if you know me AT ALL, you know that using this title is one of the most cringy things of all time. But the questions was posed to me, so let’s tackle it and solve the mystery. The question is, Mat Pilates vs. Reformer Pilates: Which is right for you?? Well, there is NO SUCH THING as “Mat Pilates” or “Reformer Pilates”, there is just THE PILATES METHOD which incorporates both the Mat exercises and the Apparatus. The Reformer (formally the Universal Reformer) is one of many pieces of Apparatus created and patented by Joseph Pilates to assist us with the Mat exercises. The complete Pilates Method incorporates over 500 exercises executed on a Mat or Apparatus which includes, the Universal Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Electric Chair, Arm/Baby Chair, Ladder Barrel, Guillotine, Spine Corrector, Small Barrel, Ped-o-Pull, Neck Stretcher, Toe Exerciser, Foot Corrector, Bean Bag, Magic Circle, Arm Weights, Airplane Board… and indeed there is more. Pfwhhh, that’s a lot. As a traditional Pilates studio, at Excel Pilates Annapolis (EPA) we have, and use, all of this Apparatus along with the Mat exercises through the journey of sessions.
We receive several new inquiries a year from potential clients stating, “I want to do Reformer and NO Mat”. Our response is always one of education about the full Pilates Method and the purpose of the Apparatus. We also share our strong conviction that all sessions at EPA incorporate all aspects of the Pilates Method including the Mat. There are no exceptions. Once informed of the history and purpose of the Mat exercises, usually newcomers understand. We do not waiver from this commitment.
So what is the purpose of the Mat and the Apparatus exercises? The Mat exercises are the foundation of the Pilates Method. The Apparatus was created to assist if deepening the Mat exercises. The Apparatus adds another dimension of control (one of the principles of Pilates). Most of the Apparatus utilizes springs and develops bodies like springs (strong, flexible, articulate and controlled). The Apparatus allows us to have unique relationships to gravity and tap into body awareness and connections we might not discover otherwise such as elongated use of muscles vs. crunch. But ultimately the Apparatus work is to assist in doing the Mat exercises with their intended purpose and accuracy. And it is referred to as Apparatus vs. equipment because the concept is that we utilize our Pilates principles to control and move the Apparatus. When your teacher tells you to control your springs, that is to ensure you are incorporating control and utilizing the Apparatus as such vs. equipment.
Clients who have practiced Pilates for a while often admit the Mat exercises are the hardest. This is not a universal reflection, but a common one. As we work with clients who are new to Pilates and perhaps dealing with injuries, the Apparatus can be very informative and supportive. But we send all clients off after sessions with Mat homework. The beauty of the Mat is it’s portable and once you know it, it’s yours for life.
The Apparatus we use at EPA is custom made and state of the art. It is created with the specifications of Pilates’ original design and routinely maintained. The raised Mats we use are also custom made and have the “just right” density. But we can recommend good Mats to utilize at home.
So the answer to this interesting question is… what is right for you is THE PILATES METHOD which incorporates both the Mat and Apparatus exercises NEVER either/or. These are not random exercises. This is a Method of exercise. What is done on the Mat or Apparatus is in relation to one another. NOTHING is haphazard or random. This is a brilliant Method which is low in impact and high in result. It challenges us physically and mentally. It uniformly develops the body. And it’s fun!
To highlight the masterpiece of the Pilates’ Mat exercises, this month we will share three videos on our social media channels. Each video will highlight each level of the Mat series from beginner to advanced. You will view the progression of the exercises and the genius of Joseph Pilates. Tune in to our Instagram and Facebook accounts. Practice your Mat between sessions and you will gain more out of your in-studio sessions. Utilize our EPA Mobile Library (a vast library of Team EPA teaching an assortment of Pilates workouts, many incorporating the Mat). And remember, you can practice the Mat anywhere….
