The great results of Pilates can be achieved through the proper execution of the exercises. However, to work out adequately you will also need some equipment. THE main piece of equipment in Pilates is the Pilates mat. You know you’ve found the perfect Pilates mat if it can accommodate all your exercise routines, particularly the challenging ones that require lots of space and comfortable support. But how to find that perfect mat? We will tell you right here and now.
Why a Good Pilates Mat is Important
Pilates is all about stretching exercises and different kind of moves that are mostly performed an a mat. It is necessary that you have a good Pilates mat which can support your movements and can provide excellent cushioning for your body. Using the proper Pilates mat serves as a preventive measure against slipping injuries and other unforeseen harm to your body. Another purpose of your Pilates mat is that Pilates moves can simply be performed better because the surface of the mat supports certain motions and movements. Nothing beats giving 100 percent effort to your Pilates workout with a peaceful and secure mind knowing that your Pilates paraphernalia are durable and of great quality.
What to Consider When You Buy a Pilates Mat
The main functions of a Pilates mat are to protect the body and support it through the exercises. It is a good practice to keep in mind these important ideas before purchasing the most appropriate Pilates mat. When you buy a mat make sure to online reviews and customer opinions just to make sure that the quality is right. However, there are general aspects that you have to take into consideration that might not apply to everybody. Here is what you must be aware of.
The Right Size and Thickness
The size of a Pilates mat is extremely important. You should consider the variety of activities that you will use this mat for before you can decide on the appropriate size. Lets, have a look at the size ranges of Pilates mats. The minimum size of a typical mat is 2′ wide and 6′ long. There are larger folded versions that reach up to 4′ wide and 8′ long. These types of mats are found in Pilates studios with a lot of space. To cushion your body effectively, the Pilates mat must be at least a half inch thick. It should be relatively thicker than a Yoga mat or Yoga mat towel because of the difference in routines. If you’re considering bringing your Pilates mat on your travels, you can look for a smaller sized one that you can easily store in your luggage. Folded Pilates mats are perfect for traveling.
The Right Material
The raw components used for the fabrication of Pilates mats indicate the quality of the material. Pilates mats are mostly made of rubber and foam but compared to yoga mats, they have limited options in materials. They must be thicker, which makes them more prone to collecting germs (which leads to an unpleasant smell). Furthermore, i’s necessary that your Pilates mat has excellent firmness and good traction strength. Make sure that the material dries quickly and is easy to clean. Eco-conscious folks might want to go for a latex free, non-toxic Pilates mat. Those are mostly quite thin which makes them air out very quickly (that’s a good thing). Non-eco mat, especially the cheaper kind, sometimes produce toxic smelling fumes which go away after a couple of weeks. If you buy a mat that smells like plastic or foam, just let it air out for some time and it will be good to go.
The Right Quality
Select the perfect Pilates mat by considering major features and qualities first. The first thing that you have to look at is the traction strength of the mat. Can it help you hold a pose for a long time without slipping? The next quality to consider is the absorbency of the material. Cotton mats have good absorbency levels but they are rivaled by newly developed synthetic materials today. You must also consider the firmness of the mat because in order to balance your body, you must have a strong base support. Health issues like allergies make the smell and texture of the materials important things to check too. Mats made from natural materials have strong odors compared to their synthetic counterparts and they are more textured because of the raw materials used. It is also great if you can find compact versions of Pilates mats as in Yoga where you can just store the mat in a simple Yoga mat bag. That way, when you travel, it will be easier and more convenient.
The Right Price
In any kind of purchase, it’s a must that you get your money’s worth. This is true with Pilates mats too. The best quality should be equal to the best price. Generally, Pilates mats have reasonable prices which is why they are the first things to be purchased by a beginner. They are usually less than a hundred dollars and most of them are in the $20 price range. They have almost similar prices to cheap Yoga mats. Mostly, the price is dependent on how many new features are included but you can always find sale items that have good quality.
Purchasing the perfect Pilates mat is one of the essential steps to get you started with your Pilates exercises. There are standard considerations that you have to look into but at the end of the day you will be the one using the mat so it’s best if you have a good idea of what’s suitable for your needs.
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