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Is Pilates a good way to stay in shape?

According to Deepika Sharma, personal fitness expert, Pilates isn’t about sweating harder or showing off fancy moves. At its heart, it’s about building strength, improving posture, staying flexible, and learning to breathe with control. The movements are slow, precise, and surprisingly humbling.

“The reformer, the machine most people picture when they hear ‘Pilates,’ looks like a bed on rails with springs, straps, and a foot bar. It may look harmless, but don’t be fooled. Those springs can either assist you in stretching or challenge you with resistance. The sliding carriage keeps your body in line,” she elaborated.

Mat vs Reformer

Mat Pilates includes those exercises that are done manually — ones that the body can do. Reformer Pilates involves those done by the body with the help of machines and external equipment.

Kavita Prakash, Founder of Pilates for Wellbeing, added that in the original classical Pilates method, equal emphasis was placed on both mat work and equipment-based exercises.

“For those with injuries or movement limitations, starting with equipment work, such as the Reformer or other spring-assisted apparatus, can provide the support needed to build strength and stability. As practitioners progress and feel more stable, incorporating Mat work into their routine can help them develop a deeper understanding of their body and their progress in the practice,” she elaborated.

According to Prakash, mat work is particularly beneficial in helping practitioners become more aware of their body’s alignment and movement patterns, allowing them to track their improvement. For those who may not have access to a fully equipped Pilates studio, Mat work can still be practiced with props, enabling them to continue building their Pilates practice.

Pilates is great for core strength (Source: Freepik)

Why not just stick to the mat?

The mat can only take you so far. The reformer offers things the floor can’t:

• Support for rehab so you can train safely through injuries.
• Deeper stretches without forcing them.
• Balanced strength and mobility as resistance builds both together.
• Even training for both sides of your body, no cheating with your “strong” side.
• Instant feedback, so you notice every wobble or loss of control.

In simple words, Pilates includes a mixture of body and machine that helps improve stability and endurance. While both kinds of exercise are good, their results differ at times.

Mistakes to avoid

Sharma added, “Where people often go wrong is treating the reformer like a gym machine. More springs don’t always mean more difficulty, in fact, heavier springs often make the exercise easier by carrying you,” she said, adding that the loud slam when the carriage crashes back is a result of just poor control. Overstretching for Instagram might look impressive, but it usually just invites injury,” she warned.

Getting started

• Start lighter, not heavier.
• Move slowly and breathe with intention.
• Stay aligned and control the movement both ways.
• If you’re new, don’t wing it, get some guidance and nail the basics first.

Pilates isn’t about doing more, faster. It’s about doing better. And the reformer makes sure you learn that lesson, whether you like it or not.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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