Why Pilates Matwork Should Never Be Left Behind
Thomas, what inspired you to explore the relationship between matwork and Reformer-based Pilates in your own teaching practice?
I’ve been teaching Pilates since 2017 and have always worked comprehensively with the full Pilates repertoire, matwork as well as apparatus-based training. At my studio, Studio Mōtus in Zürich, Switzerland, we offer both Pilates mat classes and small group Reformer classes.
The Reformer is a wonderful piece of apparatus. It’s dynamic, versatile, and offers both resistance and support, making it an incredibly effective and enjoyable way to train. But over time, I’ve seen how essential it is to move fluidly between mat and Reformer—they truly complement each other. Clients who train consistently on both develop a deeper understanding of the method and show more control, strength, and body awareness. In contrast, I’ve seen clients who train exclusively on one format, either only mat or only Reformer, and struggle when they transition to the other. It’s like speaking two dialects of the same language: related, but different enough to require adaptation.
If I could, I would love to offer small group classes using the full range of apparatus, because I believe in the power of working across all formats. But within our current studio setup, offering both mat and Reformer classes provides clients with two strong, complementary approaches.
Coming from a professional dance background, this made intuitive sense to me. Just as a dancer benefits from studying both classical ballet and contemporary styles, a Pilates practitioner gains versatility and depth by exploring the method through multiple formats. It enhances coordination, adaptability, and ultimately, mastery of the method.
That said, I always encourage clients to choose what suits them best. Not everyone needs or wants a comprehensive approach, and that’s okay. What matters most is that they’re moving with intention and practicing Pilates in a way that supports their body and goals, while still having fun!
With the Reformer gaining so much popularity, do you think matwork is being overlooked in many group classes?
There’s definitely a surge in popularity around Reformer group classes right now, and I think it’s fantastic to see Pilates gaining global momentum. Training on the Reformer offers a unique experience; just the sensation of the carriage gliding during footwork feels amazing. It’s engaging, dynamic, and often feels more novel to clients, especially those new to Pilates.
That said, my concern is that matwork is increasingly being overlooked, even though it’s the foundation of the Pilates method. Mat is where we build the fundamentals: core strength, spinal articulation, precision in movement, all without external assistance. When we skip over that, we risk building a practice that looks strong on the surface but may lack depth and control.
At Studio Mōtus, I don’t require clients to take mat classes before joining Reformer because I want people to feel welcomed wherever they’re starting. But I do see the long-term benefit of beginning with mat, or at least integrating it regularly, because it helps clients develop a stronger connection and understanding of their bodies. The Reformer can provide support and feedback, but it can also become a bit of a crutch if we never train without it.
“Ultimately, I want clients to realize their body is a powerful, intelligent instrument on its own. The Reformer enhances that, but it shouldn’t replace it.”
How does matwork lay the foundation for good technique and body awareness on the Reformer?
I believe the Pilates matwork lays a crucial foundation by helping clients develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and their capabilities before the added dynamics and feedback of the Reformer come into play. Without springs, straps, or external resistance, you have to rely entirely on your own strength, control, and coordination.
Matwork builds core strength through exercises like the abdominal series, and it fosters the kind of body awareness and mind-body connection that makes practicing on the Reformer more effective and safer. You learn how to stabilize your pelvis, articulate your spine, and control your breath, all of which are essential when you transition to moving on a gliding carriage under spring tension.
Once that foundation is in place, the Reformer becomes a tool to refine and deepen the work. Clients are less overwhelmed by the mechanics of the machine and can focus more on improving technique, accessing new movement patterns, and building strength with clarity and precision.
Can you share a few examples where returning to matwork has helped your clients improve their Reformer practice?
I can recall several occasions where a client had been training exclusively on the Reformer and hadn’t yet tried a mat class. When I encouraged them to join one, it quickly became clear how different the challenge was. Without the support and feedback of the Reformer, no springs, no straps, no carriage, the matwork revealed gaps in control, core engagement, and body awareness.
The Reformer can assist or even mask certain weaknesses, especially in exercises that require more stability or spinal articulation. For example, a client might perform a beautiful Short Spine on the Reformer but struggle significantly with Roll-Over on the mat. That contrast can be very telling, and so useful.
What I’ve noticed is that after spending time with the mat repertoire, these clients return to the Reformer with a much stronger foundation. Their movements become more intentional, they understand how to generate support from their own body, and the exercises come from a place of real strength and control.
For instructors, what are some key mat exercises that translate powerfully to the Reformer? How do you cue or adapt them?
The Hundred is a perfect example of an exercise that translates across both practices. Other examples include Long Stretch, Up Stretch, Bridging (or Bottom Lift), and many more! As a side note, I’m using the names from the BASI Pilates program, as I know terminology can vary depending on the style of Pilates you practice or know.
I don’t think my cues vary too much between mat and Reformer work, but of course, with the added piece of apparatus, clients need to be even more aware of their setup before the exercise begins, how to execute it correctly, and the importance of safety throughout. Setup is especially crucial on the Reformer, even before any movement happens, because alignment and equipment settings play such a big role in the experience of the exercise.
The Reformer can both challenge or assist a client depending on the spring resistance and the exercise. For example, if a client struggles with the Hundred on the mat, using the straps or adjusting the springs on the Reformer can provide helpful support and feedback, allowing them to build strength and confidence in the movement.
Do you think instructors are using the full potential of incorporating mat-based movement into their Reformer classes?
This is a tricky question to answer as we have many styles of Pilates. What I’ve observed is that there are quite a number of new instructors who focus solely on teaching Reformer. Of course, with the rise in popularity, many instructors now complete Reformer-only certifications and may not get exposure to the full mat repertoire.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing; everyone is looking for something different in their education and teaching practice. Some instructors are teaching in studios where only Reformer is offered, and that’s completely valid.
My belief, however, is to start with the foundational exercises and expand from there. Getting too fancy in our choreography or feeling nervous that our clients are getting “bored” can sometimes lead to overcomplicated class plans before clients have built a strong base. Repetition isn’t always bad!
Incorporating mat-based movement into Reformer classes can actually enhance a session. I usually include at least a couple of mat exercises in my Reformer classes, often at least three or four in the warm-up. It’s a great way to connect clients to their center and their breath before layering on more complexity with springs, straps, and movement on the carriage.
What advice would you give to newer instructors who may feel more confident on the Reformer but are less familiar with matwork’s role in progression?
I would recommend anyone who hasn’t joined a Pilates mat class to try one. The amazing thing about learning the mat repertoire is that once you build a strong practice, you can take it anywhere. All you need is a mat and enough space to move! Personally, matwork is my favorite way to practice Pilates. If I had to choose just one way to train, it would be on the mat. I feel the most connected to my body, but also more grounded.
If you’re considering becoming a certified instructor but feel hesitant to commit to a full comprehensive program, beginning with a mat certification is a fantastic first step. It will build a strong foundation, not only for your personal practice but also if you continue your education with the apparatus.
Ultimately, mat and Reformer-based Pilates are two equally important expressions of the same method. Each offers its own set of challenges, insights, and opportunities for growth. The mat teaches us to rely on our own body strength and control, while the Reformer introduces resistance, support, and dynamic movement that can increase our understanding of the work. When practiced together, they create a more complete, adaptable, and empowering Pilates experience. I truly believe that exploring both allows us, and our clients, to experience the full depth and brilliance of the Pilates method.
