Pilates has become one of the most popular types of fitness classes around, and many people find it gives them immediate physical and mental benefits. And yet, if you’re new to Pilates, you might be wondering, should you start with Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates? Though each of these class styles can offer improvements to your strength, energy, and mental health, they differ in a few important ways. Here, we’ll walk through the differences between them to help you decide whether to start with Reformer Pilates in Chicago or Mat Pilates near you.

What Is Mat Pilates?

Mat Pilates takes the essence of Pilates, including strength, control, flexibility, and movement flow, and brings it to the floor using a cushioned mat and sometimes small props like bands or Pilates rings. This style relies entirely on your body weight for resistance, which means you’re the one creating the challenge and controlling every move with your own strength and balance. If you’re looking for Mat Pilates near you, you can expect it to be very beginner friendly and less intimidating, since there’s no special equipment required.

What Is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates takes the concepts of traditional Pilates and brings them to a specialized machine called a reformer. It looks like a long, narrow bed frame with moving parts attached to it. If you walked into a studio, you would immediately notice rows of them lined up because they are larger than a yoga mat and have a very distinct design.

A reformer uses springs, straps, and a sliding carriage to provide resistance throughout your workout. The machine lets you adjust the intensity, which can make exercises either easier or more challenging depending on how strong you are and what your goals are. Many people who take Reformer Pilates in Chicago love the workouts because they feel more tailored to their bodies in ways that a mat alone can’t always offer.

The Benefits of Starting With Mat Pilates Near You

If you’re brand new to Pilates, there’s something grounding about beginning with mat work. Taking a Mat Pilates class near you will teach you the foundations of breath control, body awareness, alignment, and proper movement before you add machines into the mix. You’ll learn to feel how your muscles connect to one another as you move, and that awareness can carry over into any future Pilates class, whether it’s another mat session or a Pilates Reformer class down the road.

Mat Pilates is also a great way to build confidence in your practice because everything you need is right there, and it is also less intimidating for many people.

Why People Choose Reformer Pilates in Chicago

Once you’ve gotten the hang of basic Pilates, you might be curious about what a Reformer Pilates class in Chicago can do for your fitness. The reformer machine adds a wider variety of movements that aren’t possible on the floor, including deeper stretches, strength elements, and the opportunity to progressively challenge yourself without needing free weights or other tools from the gym.

Additionally, many Pilates instructors design their reformer classes so that participants feel supported as they learn, which can be especially helpful if you’re working around injuries or have specific strength goals. The adjustable springs mean you can work at your own pace and build up to more advanced strength work safely, making Pilates Reformer classes in Chicago perfect for a range of fitness levels.

How to Decide Which One to Try First

Whether you try Mat Pilates near you vs. Reformer Pilates in Chicago will depend on your own body and what you want to get from your workouts. If you love the idea of a mindful practice that will teach you to feel every muscle and breath in your body, Mat Pilates might be your best first step. It can help you build a foundation that you’ll be able to carry into more advanced formats as you grow stronger.

On the other hand, if you’re eager for a challenge and want to see strength gains while enjoying the support of an instructor, starting with Reformer Pilates might light that fire under you from the very beginning. Many beginners find that the reformer’s adjustable resistance makes certain movements more accessible and enjoyable than they expected, especially when they’ve got a great instructor guiding them through every class.

If you’re a beginner and want extra support, booking a personalized Pilates class is also a great choice.

Why a Blend Might Be Best

You don’t have to choose just one forever. In fact, seasoned Pilates lovers often mix mat and reformer workouts to get the best of both worlds. Mat sessions can deepen your body awareness and core connection, while reformer classes can more dramatically improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Whether you’re joining Pilates classes at a studio or exploring different options like beginner Pilates near you, giving both styles a try can help you figure out what feels right for you.

What to Look for in a Class

When you finally book that first class, whether mat or reformer, look for words like “beginner,” “intro,” or “level 1” in the class description. A good instructor should cue your alignment, offer modifications, and help you feel connected to your body through every movement. Also, it’s always helpful to remember that Pilates isn’t about perfection, and it’s always okay to be a beginner.

At the end of the day, the best Pilates practice will be the one you actually enjoy and stick with, since that’s how you’ll get the benefits in your daily life. That could mean beginning with a Mat Pilates class near you, signing up for a Pilates Reformer class in Chicago, or bouncing between both formats as your strength and curiosity grow. What matters most is that you’re moving your body, connecting your breath, and building a fitness habit that feels good over the months and years to come. There’s no wrong way to start.

Book Your First Session

At Sandy Greiner Pilates, we blend classical and contemporary Pilates with current movement science to help you accomplish your fitness or rehabilitation goals. Our certified teachers have expertise in developing sports-specific and condition-related protocols. We believe that when it comes to movement, one size does not fit all. Your session is personalized for your goals, with an eye on alignment, biomechanics, and the right number of repetitions to help you gain strength without risking injury.

To get started, book your first session today.

Mat Pilates vs. Reformer Pilates: Which One Should You Start With?