Celeste and Deanna’s First-Time Pilates Experience
In this episode of Two Brunette’s and a Gay, Celeste and Deanna shared their first experiences with two different styles of Pilates—Reformer and Mat. Celeste, who was new to the Reformer Pilates trend, admitted she had been hesitant but quickly saw its benefits.
“I was late to the Reformer trend, but it’s definitely effective,” she shared.
On the other hand, Deanna had more experience with Mat Pilates and voiced her preference.
“Most people prefer Reformer, but I tend to prefer Mat,” Deanna revealed, sparking an insightful debate on the two styles.
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What’s the Difference?
The key difference between the two styles comes down to equipment and technique. Deanna explained that Reformer uses a machine called a Reformer, which includes resistance bands to help work on strength and control.
“Reformer Pilates is more about resistance training,” she said.
In contrast, Mat Pilates focuses on using your own body weight to build strength. “Mat Pilates is more about controlling the movement and using your body weight,” Deanna added, offering an in-depth look at both approaches.
Which One is Right for You?
The real question is, which style should you choose? Celeste and Deanna both highlighted the benefits of their respective styles. If you prefer resistance training and want to focus on building smaller muscle groups, Reformer might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with body-weight exercises and like the flexibility of working without equipment, Mat Pilates could be a better fit.
Deanna summarised the decision perfectly: “Reformer is more intense, but Mat is more versatile.”
Both styles offer unique benefits, and there’s no right or wrong choice. It’s about finding what fits best with your fitness goals and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the resistance of Reformer or the simplicity of Mat Pilates, both are excellent ways to improve strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.
Topic time in podcast and video: 05:10 – 07:25