| Good quality Pilates mats are essential for making | | | | a mat with rounded corners as the square cornered |
| your workout comfortable, pleasurable and safe whilst | | | | ones tend to curl up. |
| at the same time allowing you to relax and | | | | One of the first things to consider when purchasing a |
| concentrate. Most people when starting out on the | | | | mat is are you going to use it just at home or do you |
| journey of discovering the benefits of Pilates exercise | | | | need one that is portable to take with you to classes? |
| will begin with mat workouts before moving on to the | | | | Roll up Pilates mats are very light weighing only a |
| more involved and expensive equipment. | | | | couple of pounds and are ideal for taking to classes, |
| Pilates is a safe way to exercise and improves body | | | | and some have a removable shoulder strap making |
| strength and flexibility. Workouts are designed to tone | | | | transporting even easier. |
| and strengthen the core postural muscles providing | | | | The most hygienic mats are made from closed cell |
| support to the spine and also teach breathing | | | | impermeable foam which is non-absorbent and wipe |
| awareness and tone surface muscles. | | | | clean. They are also thicker and firmer than the foam |
| A great number of these exercises can be performed | | | | type giving a better surface for workouts. These |
| on a Pilates mat and there are several things to | | | | types of mats are non-slip, with a ribbed top side and |
| consider when buying one as they are available in a | | | | a smooth bottom side. |
| variety of sizes, styles, thickness, materials and colors. | | | | On average they are 25 inches wide and 76 inches |
| Pilates mats are similar to Yoga mats but need to be | | | | long, but they do vary some being much shorter, so |
| thicker, preferably at least half an inch thick. The added | | | | make sure to choose one that is right for your size |
| thickness is needed to help reduce the load on bones, | | | | and that allows plenty of space for movement. |
| joints and pressure points and also helps support the | | | | Folding Pilates mats are normally bigger and thicker |
| spine and knees. | | | | that roll up mats which makes them more suited to |
| It is important to buy a mat that is comfortable but firm | | | | home use, although there are some on the market that |
| enough to offer adequate support. A mat that is too | | | | are lighter and have fitted handles for transporting. This |
| flexible will not provide enough support for balance and | | | | type of mat is wipe clean and anti skid. |
| correct alignment. | | | | The better quality folding mats are more like those |
| Unlike Yoga mats, Pilates mats are not sticky, making | | | | used in exercise studios and if you have the space |
| movement easier, but should still offer a secure grip | | | | and can afford one is definitely the best investment. |
| for hands and feet. To avoid tripping accidents choose | | | | |