I did bar classes for a few years and never noticed much difference in my body. Then I started reformer group classes and it totally transformed my body. My cardio and diet were basically the same, so the difference in tone and strength is definitely due to the pilates.

Try solidcore if you want a more challenging reformer-type class

I do Barre3 and love it. I take a break every few months and do other workouts to mix things up, but always go back. It's my feel-good exercise and I definitely see & feel benefits.

Anonymous wrote:Try barre3. There's more cardio and heavier weights than bar method.

Try Pilates mat classes, instead of using the reformer. Also, if you want more aerobic exercise in which you work up a sweat, you need to do something like running, biking or weight classes.

Try barre3. There's more cardio and heavier weights than bar method.

OP I used to do Bar Method for years, after a while it was no longer challenging. I switched to Barre3 and the difference is significant. B3 is nothing like BM. It's way more challenging, the moves are different, we use more props, and there's a cardio component.

I tried the pilates reformer. Didn't like it - but it could just be the studio I tried.

just my perspective but I enjoy vigorous exercise classes, strength training, etc. barre is my easy class but I still work up a small sweat. I used to do Pilates reformer and when I did I never worked up a sweat, but my abs were the most toned/defined than ever. I can’t speak for the rest of my core strength because I also do a lot of yoga and other core exercises. It is a difficult class, but not one that has necessarily a cardio/sweat aspect to it. So overall I would say I saw more core results from Pilates reformer than barre.

Are you adjusting the resistance?

My favorite workout is modified barre, like barre 3. I think the reformer is good for isolated muscle strengthening.

Anonymous wrote:I think neither is a strenuous workout - if that is what you want.

It is if you do it correctly.

Pilates instructor here. Pilates is what you make of it. Reformer Pilates is about doing the exercises with your core engaged, using your breath, and moving thru the transitions smoothly (the transitions become part of the exercises if you do them correctly). Take some privates. You can get an amazing workout even with the beginner classical series. It gets harder as you progress to Intermediate and Advanced.

Well no if you’re doing group classes and not private lessons.

I think neither is a strenuous workout - if that is what you want.

I've been doing the Bar Method (a standard barre workout) for 5 plus years and am ready for a change. I've taken a few pilates classes on the reformer but so far haven't found them as 'hard' as I was expecting. Don't get me wrong they're challenging but for years I've heard people say how pilates is next level etc etc.

Do you think pilates reformer is a better workout than barre classes?