Making Sense of Pilates Exercise Programs

Understanding Mat Classes, Reformer Classes, and Private Instruction

Oct 28, 2009

Pilates studios offer exercisers an array of options. Group classes, semi-private classes and private instruction are common offerings. How does one decide?

A newcomer can find the exercise options at a Pilates studio overwhelming. Reformer classes, mat classes, and private instruction: What do they mean and what combination of offerings will produce the best results?

Pilates Mat Classes are Among the Most Popular Offerings

Pilates mat classes are extremely popular. Mat classes are readily available and fairly affordable. They can be found not only in studios, but in traditional gyms, community programs, and on a host of home-based exercise videos. These classes require nothing but a mat and a bottle of water.

Though mat classes are attractive for many of the reasons listed above, they do not provide participants with the best introduction to Pilates. Pilates is a sophisticated approach to exercise. It requires a body awareness that most people need help cultivating. Each Pilates exercise is informed by five basic principles. These principles include breathing, imprint and release, rib cage placement, scapular movement and stabilization, and head placement. The principles dictate breathing patterns and body placement for each exercise.

Entering a mat class without an understanding of the basic principles can be a frustrating experience. While an exerciser may be able to keep up with the class, she will struggle to understand the nuances of each exercise. As a result, she will not reap maximum benefit from her workout. Several private sessions with a Pilates instructor prior to taking mat classes will greatly enhance her understanding of, and ability to correctly perform, Pilates mat exercises.

Semi-Private Classes, or Reformer Classes

Most Pilates studios offer semi-private, or reformer classes. These classes are usually comprised of one Pilates instructor and approximately four participants. Because there are few participants, the instructor is able to provide more individual attention and correction. The exercises performed on the reformer are different from those performed in mat classes. Resistance is offered in the form of springs attached to a rolling carriage. A participant can performing exercises lying on her belly or her back. She may sit or stand. A variety of props can also be used to add further challenge or assistance to exercises.

For those who have been taking mat classes for some time, reformer classes are a fun change. The feel of the exercises is different, and the added resistance is challenging. But reformer classes offer the most benefit when combined with other Pilates exercises. Because many of the exercises are performed lying down, the core mucles are not challenged as much as they would be if the body were in other, less stable positions. Reformer exercises have many benefits, but they should be looked at as one offering among many.

Private Classes Make Use of All Pilates Machines

Though the most expensive option, Pilates instructors can offer the best of Pilates to students in their private sessions. In a private session, an instructor can offer one-on-one instruction using all of the apparatus at her disposal. The mat, reformer, cadillac, and stability chair all have much to offer. When used together they can offer a comprehensive workout that is customized to the exerciser's individual needs.

It can be difficult to hire a Pilates trainer for private sessions on a regular basis. Individual instruction is crucial at the beginning, when students are just beginning to understand the principles of Pilates. After a few sessions, students can effectively take advantage of mat and reformer classes. If possible, checking back in with a trainer every couple of months can help keep a student motivated and enable her to fine-tune her technique.

Pilates Studios Will Work to Create the Best Mix of Offerings for Each Individual

Every Pilates student has a different set of needs and limitations. Finances, time, and devotion to the practice are all important factors to consider when determining the appropriate array of classes. Often introductory private classes are recommended, followed by mat classes. Because many of the Pilates apparatus can enhance an exerciser's ability to complete mat exercises, students choose to create a mix of mat, semi-private, and private classes in their routines. This practice also keeps exercising fresh, fun, and challenging.

The copyright of the article Making Sense of Pilates Exercise Programs in Pilates is owned by Christine Harmon. Permission to republish Making Sense of Pilates Exercise Programs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.