Making Exercise Count

If you're interested in getting into Pilates, you'll quickly learn that there are generally two types of exercises — mat Pilates and reformer Pilates. The former type takes place on a floor mat, while the latter involves the use of a reformer machine. There's little question that reformer Pilates can seem intriguing and appealing, but if you're a beginner, you can't go wrong by starting with mat Pilates. Look for a local practitioner who specializes in mat Pilates and book an introductory session to learn more. Here are some reasons that mat Pilates is best for a beginner.

It's Simpler To Understand

Mat Pilates is generally easier to understand than reformer Pilates because the movements and postures are simpler. It can take a bit of an adjustment period to get used to working with a reformer, and when you're new to Pilates and don't have a deep base of knowledge about the various postures, this can seem overwhelming. Positioning your body on a mat while your instructor leads you through a series of postures and movements can be easier for a beginner to grasp.

It's Easier On Your Body

When you incorporate a reformer into your Pilates routine, you're adding a considerable amount of resistance to each posture. While many people enjoy the challenge of reformer exercises and use this device to build their muscles, this may be difficult for your body as a beginner. You don't want to push yourself so hard that your muscles are sore for a few days after each Pilates session. In some cases, your muscle soreness could discourage you from continuing. It's better to challenge your body only moderately with mat Pilates, and then eventually build your strength until you're ready to tackle reformer Pilates if that's of interest to you.

It's Better For Practicing At Home

Regardless of how frequently you schedule your mat Pilates sessions, you'll likely want to do some practicing at home. Working on what you've learned between sessions will improve your confidence when you work with your practitioner, as well as help you to learn new postures and movements during each session. If you have specific Pilates goals, home-based practice can help you to achieve these goals faster, too. When you focus on mat Pilates, you can easily perform these movements at home on a yoga mat. Reformer Pilates movements, of course, are impossible to practice at home because you don't have access to this type of equipment.

For more information, contact a company like  Stretch Studio.