Pilates Mat

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A Pilates mat is the primary piece of equipment needed for a Pilates workout. In fact, the original exercises created by Joseph Pilates were designed to be performed entirely on a simple mat placed on the floor. And while he later designed several other apparatus and subsequent exercises, the core movements are still done on the floor.

If you’re new to Pilates it is often a good idea to start out by taking some classes at a local gym or studio. This is recommended for two reasons. First, as with any form of exercise, without proper technique injuries can occur. Many of the movements require proper core support and breathing technique, which is much easier to learn through a qualified instructor. Secondly, because most reputable Pilates studios and commercial gyms provide mats for their customers, there is no need to purchase one in order to get started.

Once one understands the basic techniques needed for this kind of exercise, it is not uncommon for one to start doing these workouts from the comfort of home. If this is the direction you choose to go, you will want to purchase a quality Pilates mat. However, since not all mats are created equal, there are some things to consider before you spend the money.

The first thing one needs to know when it comes to finding the perfect surface for your workout is that Pilates and yoga mats are not the same thing. Yoga mats are not designed for the type of exercise typical of a Pilates workout. They are generally thin and are meant primarily as a means of giving traction to hands and feet during the various poses of a yoga routine. By comparison, Pilates-style of exercise requires a much thicker mat in order to provide a higher degree of padding between you and the floor.

A quality Pilates mat should be at least a half-inch thick, and many people prefer them to be even thicker. Many of the exercises, if done on a mat that is too thin, can be quite uncomfortable to say the least. This is particularly true of those exercises that require one to lie on their side, as the hips can bruise against the hard surface of the floor. These mats should also be relatively firm as well. If the mat is too soft, it will not offer the proper amount of support, which can throw off your balance and alignment; both of which are of paramount importance.

It is also important to purchase a mat that is large enough for your body. It should be long enough to allow your entire body to lie on top, without any overhang. They should also be at least wide enough so that your shoulders are properly supported on both sides.

Finally, a Pilates mat can be purchased in one of two basic varieties; the roll-up and the fold-up. Roll-up mats, while they do take up less space, are typically thinner but still effective for most situations. However, for those that want the ideal, fold-up mats are the way to go. They are not only larger, but also thicker and offer a much higher degree of support.

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