Which Is Harder: Mat Pilates vs Reformer? The Truth Might Surprise You
Updated: Sep 13
Is Reformer Pilates Really Harder Than Mat Pilates?
If you’ve ever peeked into a Pilates studio, you’ve probably seen those impressive reformer machines and thought, “That must be way harder than mat Pilates.” It’s a common assumption, especially because reformer classes often come with a higher price tag and a reputation for being more advanced.
But is reformer Pilates really more challenging than mat work? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think and the truth might just surprise you.
The Myth: “Reformer Is for Pros, Mat Is for Beginners”
Let’s start with the myth that mat Pilates is “easy” and reformer Pilates is “hard.” This belief is everywhere, on social media, in conversations with friends, and even in some studios.
It’s easy to see why: reformer machines look intimidating, and the resistance springs seem to promise a tougher workout. Plus, reformer classes are more expensive, so it’s natural to assume you’re paying for extra intensity.
But here’s the reality: both mat and reformer Pilates can be incredibly challenging, and which one feels “harder” depends on your body, your experience, and the way the session is structured. In fact, many people are surprised to find that mat Pilates can leave them just as sore, and sometimes more so, than a reformer session.
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What Actually Makes a Pilates Session “Hard”?
To really answer which is harder, we need to look at what creates challenge in a Pilates workout. Three big factors come into play: gravity, resistance, and support.
Gravity: On the mat, your body weight and gravity are your main sources of resistance. Every time you lift your legs, stabilize your spine, or control a roll-up, you’re working against gravity alone. This means your deep stabilizing muscles are constantly engaged, and there’s nowhere to hide if those muscles are tired or weak.
Resistance: The reformer adds adjustable springs, which can make exercises both easier and harder. Some exercises, done with lighter springs, require more control and stability, while heavier springs can be used to add load for strength-building. But contrary to adding challenge, the reformer can be used to provide assistance, too, making some moves more accessible than they would be on the mat.
Support: The reformer’s moving carriage and straps can help guide your movement and provide feedback. On the mat, you’re responsible for your own control against gravity, which can be more demanding for your brain and body.
What Does the Research Say?
The reformer's reputation comes from how it looks: springs, straps, and a carriage that moves. A mat costs twenty dollars and rolls up in a closet.
When researchers have compared the two head to head, the equipment has made almost no difference to the results.
A 2020 study followed fifty-eight sedentary women aged 25 to 50 for eight weeks, three sessions a week. Twenty-one trained on the mat, twenty on the reformer, and seventeen did neither (Bastik & Cicioglu, 2020). Both Pilates groups improved compared with the group that did nothing, and neither group ended up with better results than the other.
A 2025 trial used the same eight week design with thirty amateur soccer players, ten on the mat, ten on the reformer, and ten who carried on with team training alone (Yılmaz et al., 2025). Both Pilates groups improved; the group that only played soccer did not. The reformer group came out ahead on a few explosive and agility tests, and finished level with the mat group on sprint speed, flexibility and balance. The reformer's edge showed up in athletes who were already training six days a week, and only on explosive power. That means matbased workouts are worth a closer look.
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Mat Pilates: Surprising Strength and Subtle Difficulty
Mat Pilates is considered an essential component of the Pilates method, developed by Joseph Pilates. It’s accessible, requiring only a mat and perhaps a few props, and can be done anywhere.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you. Classic mat sequences like the “ab series” or “teaser” can humble even seasoned athletes. Because you’re using only your body weight, every muscle must pitch in to stabilize, control, and move with precision.
Mat Pilates also tends to highlight imbalances and weaknesses. Without equipment to guide you, you quickly discover which side is stronger, which muscles fatigue first, and where your posture needs work. This is why some instructors say mat work is the true test of Pilates technique and control.
Which Is Harder? It Depends on Your Body and Your Goals
So, is reformer Pilates always harder? Not necessarily.
If you’re used to the feedback and support of the reformer, switching to the mat can be a wake-up call for your core and stabilizers. For those seeking more resistance-based strength work, the reformer offers endless progression. For people looking to master fundamentals, improve balance, and develop total body control, the mat can be the ultimate challenge.
Ultimately, the “hardest” Pilates is the one that challenges your weaknesses, not your strengths. Many experienced practitioners find that alternating between mat and reformer keeps their practice fresh and their bodies balanced.
What Do You Need for Each?
Mat Pilates: Requires only a mat and small props like a resistance band or ball. It’s the most accessible way to practice and can be done at home, in a hotel, or outdoors. The main requirement is body awareness and focus, since you won’t have external feedback.
Reformer Pilates: Requires access to a reformer, which can be a major investment ($2,000 to $4,000) or a membership at a studio. It’s fantastic for variety, progression, and learning new movement patterns, but does require a larger investment.
If you’d like to read more about choosing a reformer or other equipment for your home Pilates practice, read our article about creating the perfect home set up.
Myth Busted: Mat Pilates Is Not the “Easy” Option
If you’ve always assumed reformer Pilates is harder, you’re not alone, but the truth is, mat Pilates can be just as challenging, depending on your body and your practice.
Both formats offer unique benefits and can push you to your limits in different ways.
If you’re looking to explore both at home, Prompt Pilates is designed to help you do exactly that, building sessions around your goals, equipment, and experience so you can challenge yourself, stay consistent, and never get bored.
Make It Your Practice
Finding a workout you love is challenging enough; having your workout fit the day you're actually having shouldn't keep you from it. Prompt Pilates is an app that builds a personalized Pilates session around your body, your equipment and the time you have, and progresses as you get stronger. Join the Prompt Pilates waitlist for two free weeks at launch.
References
Bastik, C., & Cicioglu, H. I. (2020). Comparison of the effect of the mat and reformer pilates exercises on the waist-hips ratio and body compositions of the middle-aged sedentary women. Progress in Nutrition, 22(Supplement 1), 50-57. https://doi.org/10.23751/pn.v22i1-S.9784
Yılmaz, O., Kaplan, T., & Batalik, L. (2025). Randomised controlled study on the effects of pilates exercises in soccer: Comparing mat and reformer methods on physical and technical performance. PLoS One, 20(5), e0324129. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0324129
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