mat equipment
DESCRIPTION
Check out how to pick the best Pilates mat equipment.TRANSCRIPT
How to Pick Pilates Mat Equipment
The most essential piece of pilates equipment isn’t a bulky machine or something that’s going to break the
bank.
It’s actually really portable and is important to most pilates exercises.
In fact, you can use it to replace other pilates equipment as there are
alternative exercises to the traditional pilates exercises done on machines.
Have you figured it out yet?
It’s important to have a proper mat to do pilates on.
It’s different from the typical yoga mat as it is bigger, thicker and more
durable.
The reason for this is that many of the stretches and postures have you
balancing on your knees, wrists and elbows so you will require support in
order not to get an injury.
In addition, because it provides proper support, it limits the amount of pain
which may be experienced so you are able to push through and execute
moves properly.
You can use the mat to enhance your sense of balance and coordination.
The more comfortable you become using your mat, you will see an
improvement in doing the moves with ease and you will be less at risk for
injuring yourself.
Pilates mats are bigger than yoga mats as they permit you to extend
your limbs without getting off the mat.
They are made to provide protection to your spine so you can feel confident
enough to execute all the pilates moves you want without worrying
about injury.
In fact, many pilates mats are available that include an arch barrel
which gives even more support to the back and shoulders.
Here are considerations for determining which pilates mat is the
right investment for you:
Thickness – Pilates and yoga are similar to an extent. This is the reason the two exercises have different mats. If you do pilates on a yoga mat then do the same moves on a pilates mat, you will feel the difference in a major way. The recommended thickness for a mat
is at least ½ inch.
Size – The minimum recommended size for a mat is 6 feet in length and 2
feet wide. This will give you all the space you need to execute all your movements without worrying about
rolling off the mat.
Firmness – The mat should be soft but firm enough to support your body when you are on a hard floor surface.
Type – There are a variety of mats available but the best ones allow you
to roll them up and carry them around. You can take your mat from home to
the studio with ease.
Taking Care of your Mat
You have to know how to maintain your mat so that it lasts for a long
time.
Taking care of it means you don’t just leave it lying around for the dog to use
as a new chew toy or for the kids to use it as a canvas to draw on.
It also means that you should keep it clean and dry.
Wipe it clean and hang it to dry so that it doesn’t develop mold or other
damaging microorganisms.
Another reason to keep it clean is so it doesn’t develop unhealthy bacteria
that can make you sick.
