Since Pilates mat workouts and Pilates Reformer workouts offer similar advantages, it does no wonder that newbies are usually confused about which type is right for their current goals and abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the 2 types of classes to help you choose. Working against resistance is important to the five hundred classical Pilates exercises that are designed to train the body’s “powerhouse” the abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks. However, you can accomplish that in New York Pilatesexercise using either a mat, where your own weight creates resistance, or a Reformer, where pulleys and springs produce resistance.