Question by artofserendipity: Mat vs. Reformer Pilates?
I was wondering how essential the reformer and other equipment is in pilates. I have decided to start pilates because I suffer from lower back pain and wanted to strenghten my abs and other muscles to help. Also, I am interested in toning my muscles. I took my first class last week at a pilates studio that offers classes for 3 people at a time at a class. The studio had the reformer, the allegro tower, and some other equipment I don’t know about yet. However, my gym also offers pilates classes which are free with membership. My gym does not have the reformer, and the pilates offered is strictly mat pilates. I was wondering if anyone had any opinion as to the importance of the reformer or other pilates equipment. If I will get better results for my back pain using the equipment it might be worth the cost, but I don’t want to have to spend extra if the pilates method can be experienced without the equipment.
Best answer:
Answer by I Know
The equipment is not essential at all. The reformer and cadillac generally make the exercises easier to do. Matwork is the most physically challenging way to do Pilates.
I strongly advise agaist taking classes at the gym. You get what you pay for. Pilates trainers at gyms are not known for having very good Pilates training. Also, certified Pilates trainers are trained to work with injured people, which would be a big plus for you, I would think.
I will say that sounds pricey for a mat class. I’m guessing that that is the highest price they charge, and that you could get a better deal if you purchased more than 1 class. That is how it works at the studio I work out at anyways. I buy 10 mat classes at a time for 0.
Give your answer to this question below!