If you are practicing Pilates, an exercise system focused on improving flexibility, strength, and body awareness, Pilates mat is a necessary piece of equipment in performing the exercise because it requires a padded surface under your body. Pilates is an excellent exercise routine that will allow you to strengthen your core muscle groups, which include your abdominal, back and chest muscles. By strengthening these muscles you will not only be able to create a streamlined midsection, but also protect your lower back from injury. Many of its exercises are done on the floor, such as lying, thats why the mat could be extremely beneficial to carry out the job far better and will allow you to perform more challenging exercises without discomfort.
A good Pilates mat should be at least 1/2-inch thick. The size must be adequate to ensure that it is large enough to accommodate all of the Pilates exercises. The minimum recommended length is 6 feet and the minimum recommended width is 2 feet. Pilates mats that are used in Pilates studios are usually larger than mats purchased for home use. It should also be firm to support the user to perform the exercises properly. This is especially true when Pilates exercises are performed on hard floor surfaces. A mat that is too soft will not support balance and alignment properly.
Aside from Pilates exercises, it can be also used for stretching and yoga because of its thickness and comfortability. They also have the benefit of not being too cushy, which would make it difficult for you to balance on.
For Pilates Exercises such as Open Leg Rocker and Rolling Like a Ball, both exercises involve rolling backward from a seated position onto your shoulders. This can cause pain when done on a hard floor, but the Pilates mat will keep this comfortable. Other exercises like Side Plank and Side Lying Leg Lift can also be easier to do on a mat because the hips and knees will be cushioned.
Stretching on the other hand is much more comfortable if done on a Pilates mat. The mat is lightweight and can be rolled up and fastened shut to be very portable. You can take it to the office or the park so you always have a clean, comfortable place to stretch. Daily stretching reduces stress and increases flexibility.
For yoga, use this mat under your regular yoga mat to make your seated and lying yoga poses such as the spinal roll safer and more enjoyable. The Pilates mat will also make your ending corpse pose or Savasana more enjoyable when you lie on your back after a yoga class.
Having a good Pilates mat is very important. These kinds of mats have a thickness which is ideal for Pilates exercises because it provide adequate cushioning for your spine/back.
GoFit GF-PMAT Exercise Mat (72″ x 24″) - This Mat is a professional-grade mat just like the ones used in Pilates studios. It is an absolute must for performing all the various forms, exercises and methods pertaining to Pilates in total comfort and style. The GoFit mat is a full ½ inch thick with closed cell air pockets to provide a soft, yet durable design. It also has a ribbed surface for a better feel during use and to provide a non-slip performance surface.
Airex Fitline 180 Exercise Mat (72″ x 23″) - This Mat is great for abdominal or fitness workouts. It is narrow and features a non-slip surface with 4/10" thick padding to protect you from hard floors. It has good cushion support for your back/spine. The Fitline is lightweight and portable and the closed cell structure repels moisture. Great for use both indoors and outdoors.
Mat-Black Pebble Finish - This mat has good cushioning at 3/8″ thickness. More importantly it can be rolled for storage.
Other types are:
Folding Mats - is a high quality mat. This is a mat that is similar to the quality of studio Pilates mats in its size and firmness. This mat would not be considered a portable mat because of the weight and size and would be an appropriate mat to select for home use where the mat would be permanently laid out on a floor.
Roll Mats - is a less expensive mat that can be rolled up and put away when not in use. This is also a suitable mat for taking to classes because it typically has straps for rolling up and carrying.
In order for Pilates mat to be always in good shape and to last a longer time, it should be given proper care. Make certain that you keep it in a place where it will not be damaged by something or poking a hole in it. Keep it also from sunlight when not in use. To keep your mat clean, never wear the same shoes you wear outside while exercising. You can pick up all kinds of bacteria and viruses on the soles which can transfer to the mat, which could easily make you sick. To wash it down, use either warm soapy water or water and a mild solution of baking soda. Let the mat dry thoroughly before rolling it up to prevent mold or mildew. And to prevent the mat from curling, change the direction in which you roll it up after use. Roll it up from the end where you rolled it out. Alternating the direction every time will keep the mat from developing a curl at the end.
Indeed Pilates mat are necessary in performing an exercise. If you are interested in mat, please check and visit the Beach Bumpers.
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