Yoga And Pilates Mats: The Difference

Pilates is one form of physical fitness program that includes rolling movements. As such, Pilates mats are crucial equipment of this exercise.

You must bear in mind that yoga mats are different from Pilates mats. The former needs thinner mats because the method involves a lot of standing poses. A thicker mat is needed for Pilates because it involves a lot of rolling movements intended to stimulate the spine.

A thicker mat offers safety to your spine and helps prevent spinal injuries. Furthermore, the mat should be long and wide enough to cushion your body when it rolls.

You can buy your mats online, either on SHOP.COM, eBags.Com or Buy.com. When browsing for a mat, you may consider the following:

Cap Barbell PVC Pilates Mat:

A PVC mat that measures 68 inches in length and 24 inches in width. This one-fourth-inch thick mat weighs only 4.8 pounds.

SteadyGrip Yoga/Pilates Mat:

This mat has a length of 68 inches and width of 24 inches. The bottom surface is non-slip which provides added stability. It has rounded corners to ensure constant flatness when in use. The mat is doubly thick compared with typical Pilates or yoga mats. The additional thickness gives the mat the ability to conform to your feet or hands to give you a secure grip. Furthermore, the mat has heat-sealed edges giving it extra durability and improved anti-bacterial properties.

GoFit Premium Pilates Foam Mat: 

Wai Lana Pilates Yoga Metro Bag Blue with Yogi Mats:

This bag provides a stylish and convenient way of carrying your Pilates apparel. The bag, with a Yogi Mat accompaniment, features a flap-over design that is easy to close courtesy of its magnetic closure. It has three compartments that are spacious enough to hold your essentials. You can place your bottled-water in its padded pocket without worrying about spills.

The bag is made of washable and durable microfiber and has a shoulder strap that you can adjust and a handle for a convenient way of carrying it around. Another unique design feature of this bag is the hideaway straps that have Velcro to hold the Yogi mat securely and snugly at the bottom. This leaves extra room inside your bag for clothes and accessories necessary for your workout.

A well-equipped studio has its own mats so you do not need to bring one. They have also instructors to guide you on how to use the mat.

But if you are planning to do your exercises at home with Pilates videos as your guide, you need to take careful consideration when choosing and buying your own mat.