When most people mentioned Pilates, they usually take it that it is done on the Vibratory Polishing Media mat. Beginners to Pilates, prefer to start with pilates mat exercises thinking it is much easier and the way to go before progressing on to the reformer, which looks rather threatening and tough.There are definite differences between using Pilates equipment, namely the reformer verses just doing Pilates on the mat. Here are some basic differences that are obvious to all.Pilates mat exercises are great if you have limited space at home and you want to train at home or anywhere. The mat is very portable, takes up much less room, and is less expensive than a machine. You can roll it up and put it away when you are done with your workout. You can take it with you on vacation, or even to work.You will get a fantastic work out in the comfort of your own home or just about anywhere you like unlike the bulky machine.However, these are other more important factors to consider when making a decision. Ask yourself the following questions:Do you have any core strength?Do you suffer from some kind of chronic pain?Are you tight and stiff and wants to improve flexibility?Joseph Pilates created the Pilates equipment pieces to assist his patients in the army camp. The purpose is to support the human body and make it safe and easy for his injured or de-conditioned patients to get stronger.All the machines like the Trapeze Table, Reformer, Stability Chair, Ladder Barrel and more are created to make some routines that seems impossible, possible. We took most daily activities for granted. For instance, people who had lower back injury, lost their strength and flexibility of the spine. It is not easy for them to get out and up from a chair.Here are more reasons why Pilates equipment is your obvious choice.1.Support & ChallengeMost beginners new to Pilates are weak and have no core strength. It is hard to have them try to lift their hips off the floor in mat exercises. In a standard mat repertoire of Pilates routines, there are a number of such routines. If we take the same exercise onto the reformer for instance, it will be much easier. With both feet in the foot straps, the resistance of the spring helps to support this same hip lift. There is no struggling, holding of breath or tension from shoulders in an effort to perform this routine. This is just one of the many examples of the kind of exercises that can be easily performed on the reformer.2.Economy of TimeWhen you compare the result of working 60mins on mat verses on the machine over a period of time, it has been proven people working with machines are stronger, have better overall muscular strength and endurance. In fact, they developed better stamina and core as well.