TL;DR
Mat Pilates is accessible and affordable ($10-15/class) at most gyms and studios in Phnom Penh. Reformer Pilates is harder to find but available at The Shape Lab, GO Pilates, FlowClub, and The Place. Choose Reformer for faster body composition changes and rehabilitation. Choose Mat for flexibility, budget training, and building foundation. Most expats end up doing both.
The Basic Difference
Mat Pilates uses your bodyweight on a floor mat. Reformer Pilates uses a sliding carriage with spring resistance.
That's the simple version. Here's what actually matters when choosing between them in Phnom Penh:
| Factor | Mat Pilates | Reformer Pilates |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment needed | Mat only | Reformer machine |
| Cost per class | $10-15 | $15-30 |
| Availability | Everywhere | Limited studios |
| Beginner friendly | Yes | Yes (with good instructor) |
| Injury rehab | Limited | Excellent |
| Strength building | Moderate | High |
| Variety | Lower | Higher |
Why Choose Reformer Pilates
Faster visible results
The spring resistance allows progressive loading. You can increase difficulty as you get stronger, which translates to faster muscle development.
Better for rehabilitation
Controlled movement on the machine is safer for injured bodies. Springs support weight and limit range of motion.
More engaging
Hundreds of exercise variations using the carriage, straps, and springs. Most people stick with Reformer longer because the variety keeps them interested.
Immediate feedback
The machine tells you when you're cheating. If you're not engaging correctly, the carriage won't move smoothly.
Why Choose Mat Pilates
Lower cost barrier
Mat classes run $10-15 compared to $15-30 for Reformer. Over a year of twice-weekly practice, that's significant.
Available everywhere
Almost every yoga studio, gym, and wellness center offers mat Pilates. Reformer is limited to specialized studios.
Foundation building
Many instructors recommend starting with mat to learn fundamental movement patterns before adding equipment complexity.
Practice anywhere
Once you know mat Pilates, you can practice at home, while traveling, or anywhere you have floor space.
Where to Practice Pilates in Phnom Penh
Reformer Pilates Locations
The Shape Lab (BKK1)
STOTT certified instructors. Beginner Reformer classes available. $17.50-30/class.
Best for: Precision technique, rehabilitation
GO Pilates at GO GYM (Toul Kork)
Most transparent pricing. Semi-private (3:1): $25. Group Reformer: $20.
Best for: Value, Toul Kork residents
FlowClub (BKK1, Toul Kork)
Spacious studio environment. Beginner-friendly atmosphere.
Best for: First-timers, social atmosphere
The Place (BKK1, Toul Kork, Aeon)
Group Reformer included in membership. Day pass: $15 (includes class access).
Best for: Those who also want gym access
Align Pilates (K1 Tower, Toul Tompoung, Boeung Snor)
Technical alignment focus. Multiple locations.
Best for: Posture correction
Mat Pilates Locations
Almost everywhere. Mat Pilates is offered at The Shape Lab ($15), GO Pilates ($15 non-member), The Place (free with membership), United Yoga Asia, most hotel fitness centers, and various yoga studios.
If mat is your preference, location convenience should be your primary factor.
The Hybrid Approach
Most serious practitioners in Phnom Penh do both. Here's a smart weekly structure:
Budget
$60-80/month
- 1x Reformer at GO Pilates ($20)
- 2x Mat at The Place (membership)
Intermediate
$100-150/month
- 2x Reformer semi-private ($50)
- 1x Mat at home or studio ($15)
All-in
$200+/month
- 1x Private Reformer ($50)
- 2x Group Reformer ($30-40)
- Mat practice as needed
Which Studios Offer Both
These locations let you mix Reformer and Mat without switching studios:
| Studio | Mat Price | Reformer Price | Package Deals |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Shape Lab | $15 | $17.50-30 | Credit system |
| GO Pilates | $15 | $20-50 | Member discounts |
| The Place | Included | Included | Membership |
| FlowClub | Available | Available | Check packages |
Starting Recommendations
Complete beginner, never done Pilates
Start with mat classes
The Place day pass ($15) is the cheapest way to try. Once comfortable with terminology and basic exercises, transition to Reformer.
Experienced with mat, want to try Reformer
Book a semi-private session
GO Pilates ($25 for 3:1 ratio) offers personal attention without private session pricing. FlowClub's beginner Reformer classes are also designed for this transition.
Coming from injury/rehabilitation
Start with Samata's clinical program
Their physiotherapy background means they can assess your condition and design appropriate progressions. Move to fitness-focused studios once cleared.
Want fast body composition results
Prioritize Reformer
The Shape Lab's progressive approach or GO Pilates private sessions will deliver faster visible changes than mat-only practice.
Budget-conscious but want Reformer access
The Place membership
Includes group Reformer classes. If you'd use the gym anyway, this is the most economical path to regular Reformer access.
Common Misconceptions
'Reformer is only for advanced practitioners'
- False. Beginner Reformer classes exist at most studios
- The machine actually makes some movements easier because springs provide support
'Mat Pilates doesn't build strength'
- False. Mat absolutely builds strength, particularly core
- It's just slower for progressive overload compared to Reformer
'You need mat experience before Reformer'
- Partially true. Some foundational understanding helps
- Many people start directly on Reformer with good results
'Reformer is just for women'
- False. Joseph Pilates developed it for male athletes and boxers
- Several Phnom Penh studios have male instructors and clients
Equipment Quality Matters
Not all Reformer machines are equal. High-quality brands (Balanced Body, Stott) provide smooth, controlled movement. Cheap knockoffs can feel jerky and limit exercise options.
Studios with confirmed quality equipment:
- The Shape Lab (Stott-aligned equipment)
- The Place (professional-grade)
- GO Pilates (purpose-built studio)
If a Reformer feels cheap or unstable, find a different studio. Your safety depends on equipment quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reformer better than mat Pilates?
Neither is objectively "better." Reformer provides faster strength gains and more variety. Mat provides accessibility and foundation. Most practitioners benefit from both.
Can I lose weight with Pilates?
Pilates builds lean muscle and improves posture, which can change body composition. For significant weight loss, combine with cardiovascular exercise and nutrition changes.
How often should I do Pilates?
For noticeable results, aim for 2-3 sessions per week. Once weekly maintains current fitness. Daily practice is unnecessary and may lead to overtraining.
What should I try first in Phnom Penh?
For mat: The Place day pass ($15) gives you a low-risk trial with gym access. For Reformer: GO Pilates group class ($20) offers the best first-timer value.
Can I do Pilates with back pain?
Clinical Pilates is often prescribed for back pain. However, start with a medical assessment. Samata in BKK1 combines physiotherapy with Pilates specifically for rehabilitation.
Make Your Choice
Ready to start Pilates in Phnom Penh? Here's the simple decision tree:
Want Reformer access? Check out our complete Pilates studio guide for detailed reviews and pricing.
Just want to try mat? Any gym with classes will work. The Place day pass ($15) includes unlimited classes.
Have an injury or chronic pain? Start with physiotherapy or Samata's clinical program.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Browse our verified fitness listings to compare studios and find the right Pilates option for your goals.
Looking for more fitness options? Check out our guides to gyms and Pilates studios in Phnom Penh.