What type of Pilates is best for YOU?

Choosing The Right Type Pilates Class To Join On Bookamat Booking Software

Pilates in a nutshell:

Pilates is a low impact exercise that focuses on your core. Through this you build up your muscle strength, flexibility, posture and balance. You also don’t need to be flexible in order to do Pilates well. There are different types of Pilates specifically designed for YOUR goals. Find the best fit for you by reading the differences below.

The main types of Pilates:

  • Classical Pilates

Takes it back to Traditional methods that Joseph Pilates created. With Classical Pilates, there is usually a sequence, moving through a range of motion and focusing on all muscle groups. This tends to be more like Yoga in the sense of the full mind, body, and spirit approach

  • Mat Pilates

Based on the Classical Pilates, but focuses much more on the core, with little to no equipment

  • Reformer Pilates

The reformer is a machine with a movable flat surface and is attached to a framework which could include springs, bands, poles and more, for you to hold and balance on. The principal is the same as the Mat Pilates, but the workout is more intensified as you will be using more muscles to stabilise on the machine.

  • Contemporary Pilates

This type of Pilates uses the approach of Classical Pilates, but has been modernised to fit with our modern research and physiotherapy.

So where do you begin with choosing the right one for you?

Depending on your fitness levels, when starting anything new, it’s usually best to start at the bottom to fully  get a feel of it.

You won’t go running a half marathon on the first day of running, so take it easy. Firstly , see what options you have available closest to you.

We would recommend starting with either the Mat Pilates or Classical Pilates first.

If you are someone who frequently do Pilates or yoga, and need an extra challenge, then Reformer Pilates is perfect for you.

As with most classes, adapt the workouts to fit your fitness level and goal. Especially when you’re joining a class for the first time – don’t feel ashamed of resting when you need to. Perform the movements slow at first, it’s so much more important to perform an exercise slower – with good form, than faster – with bad form.

Set your Goal:

What is it that you want to get from Pilates? If you want to incorporate Pilates into your life as a method of LIIS workout, or to wind down after a busy day, then doing a Classical or Mat Pilates will be your ideal choice. 

If your goal at a Pilates class is to break a sweat and to feel like you’ve just accomplished a higher intensity workout, then give a HIIT style Pilates class and Reformer Pilates class a go!

Find a studio close to you:

Do your research and try as many classes as you can, until you feel like you’ve found the perfect class for YOU and most importantly find a studio that is either close to your home, or close to your office.

If you find a studio with the best Pilates studio software, then it will also make managing your classes a breeze!

Romi has been writing for Bookamat since 2020. She loves adventuring, practicing yoga and writing about the latest fitness trends.
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