Barre vs. Mat Pilates vs. Reformer Pilates
At Redlands Barre, we often hear questions like “Can Pilates help me lose weight?” or “Is Pilates better than Barre?” With so many fitness options available, it can be challenging to know which class will best help you reach your goals. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between Barre, Mat Pilates, and Reformer Pilates classes so you can choose the right one for you.
Barre Classes: The Blend of Ballet, Pilates, and Strength Training
Barre classes at Redlands Barre are a fun, dynamic blend of ballet-inspired movements, Pilates, and strength training. These classes focus on small, controlled movements designed to tone and sculpt muscles, particularly in the arms, legs, glutes, and core. If your goals include improving posture, increasing muscle endurance, and achieving a leaner physique, Barre might be your perfect fit.
How Barre Helps You Reach Your Goals:
- Muscle Toning: By focusing on high repetitions and isometric holds, Barre targets specific muscle groups, helping to sculpt and define your body. Resistance training is the number one way to build muscle, so using slightly heavier weights in a barre class can help you build that definition you’ve been after!
- Flexibility and Balance: With its roots in ballet, Barre improves flexibility and balance, giving you better posture and less pain in daily life.
- Core Strength: Every Barre class includes a core-focused section, helping you strengthen your abdominal muscles and prevent injury.
- Cardiovascular Endurance: It’s no secret that Barre is our fastest-paced class, and the faster movements will help you hit the recommended 150 minutes per week of cardiovascular activity.
Are Barre Classes Good for Weight Loss?
Barre is a fantastic low-intensity option for hitting your cardiovascular goals and burning calories. Weight loss is simply a function of burning more calories than you consume, so taking several barre classes each week combined with a healthy diet is a great way to increase your calorie burn and shed a few pounds.
Mat Pilates: Core Strength and Stability from the Ground Up
Mat Pilates classes are all about building core strength, flexibility, and stability through floor-based exercises. Unlike Barre, which involves more movement and use of weights, Mat Pilates focuses heavily on controlled, deliberate motions to engage and strengthen the deep muscles of your abdomen, back, and pelvis.
How Mat Pilates Helps You Reach Your Goals:
- Core Strength: Pilates is synonymous with core work, making it ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their midsection, which supports every movement you make.
- Flexibility: Mat Pilates includes a lot of stretching, which helps increase flexibility and elongate muscles.
- Posture Improvement: Strengthening the core and back muscles leads to better posture, which can alleviate back pain and improve your overall alignment.
Can Mat Pilates Help with Weight Loss?
While Mat Pilates isn’t as intense as cardio workouts, it builds muscle, which can boost your metabolism. It’s a great addition to a balanced fitness routine, especially if your focus is on building strength and improving flexibility.
Reformer Pilates: Resistance for Total Body Strength
Reformer Pilates classes take your practice to the next level by using a specialized machine known as the Reformer. This apparatus uses springs and pulleys to create resistance, offering a challenging workout that engages the entire body.
How Reformer Pilates Helps You Reach Your Goals:
- Full-Body Strength: The Reformer challenges multiple muscle groups at once, providing a comprehensive workout that strengthens your entire body.
- Increased Muscle Definition: The added resistance from the Reformer helps build and tone muscles, particularly in the arms, legs, and core.
- Flexibility and Range of Motion: The Reformer allows for a greater range of motion, which can enhance flexibility and joint health.
Is Reformer Pilates Better Than Barre or Mat Pilates for Weight Loss?
We don’t like to play favorites around here! Depending on the class being taught, Reformer Pilates can be just as intense as a Barre class in terms of cardiovascular work and calorie burn. While you may not get as sweaty, you’ll find it is possible to burn just as many calories and leave feeling a great burn from a Reformer class. The Reformer’s ability to engage the entire body makes it a powerful tool in a weight loss regimen, especially when combined with cardio exercises (like those found in a Barre class) and a balanced diet.
Which Class Should You Take for Results?
So, which class should you take to achieve your fitness goals? The answer depends on what you’re looking to accomplish:
- For Core Strength and Posture: Mat Pilates is your go-to. It builds a strong foundation that supports every other aspect of fitness. Because it is just you and the mat, this class is harder to “cheat”, and you may be surprised by the intensity of this class!
- For Muscle Toning, Flexibility, and a Full-Body Burn: Barre offers a full-body workout with a focus on sculpting and lengthening muscles, ideal for those seeking a lean physique. This class includes cardio and resistance training, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to lose a few pounds.
- For Full-Body Strength and a Relaxing Atmosphere: Reformer Pilates provides an intense, resistance-based workout that can accelerate muscle definition and fat loss. This class is a crowd favorite for the stretching, toning, and calm atmosphere. While it may not include the cardio element of a barre class, it is still an excellent option for those looking to tone up and see changes in their physique.
Ultimately, combining different classes at Redlands Barre will give you the most comprehensive results. Each class offers unique benefits that, when combined, provide a well-rounded fitness routine that addresses strength, flexibility, endurance, and weight loss.
Ready to Get Started?
Join us at Redlands Barre and discover the right class for you. Whether you’re looking to tone up, slim down, or simply feel better in your body, we have a class that can help you reach your goals. Our friendly instructors are here to guide you every step of the way!
Ally Gillespie
Redlands Barre Studio Owner