Yoga and Pilates studios often require you to bring your own mats to class. In both types of workout, the proper equipment will help you execute the exercises more effectively and have an overall better experience in class. Although you may use a yoga mat for Pilates practice, you benefit from selecting a mat designed specifically for Pilates.
Yoga Mats
Yoga consists of a series of exercises, or poses, aimed at improving physical flexibility and energy flow. Mats in yoga are called sticky mats because they have a specially designed surface that enhances your ability to grip the mat with your palms and feet. Various materials are used to make mats, including latex, cotton, rubber and microfiber. Some mats feature eco-friendly, renewable materials, like bamboo. Yoga mats range in thickness from 3.2mm to about 5.5mm. Some premium mats may be as thick as 6.4mm. A standard sized mat is 24 inches by 68 inches. Extra-long mats extending as long as 74 inches are available in specialty stores and online.
Pilates Mats
Pilates consists of a series of exercises focusing on the core muscles, most of which are performed in a supine or prone position. Because Pilates requires a good deal of rolling, Pilates mats should be at least 1/2 inch thick. Typical Pilates mats are 72 to 86 inches long and range from 21 to 39 inches wide. Mats may roll up for easy transport or fold for vertical storage. Most Pilates mats are made of foam or rubber. Look for a closed-cell construction, as opposed to a regular pressed foam mat, as it provides a firmer and thicker surface on which to work.
Cost Comparison
You can buy yoga mats in a myriad of stores--from big box outlets to grocery stores. They range in price from $15 to more than $100. The price depends on the brand, the material and the size of the mat. Eco-friendly mats and extra long mats usually carry a higher price tag. The portable roll-up style Pilates mat ranges from about $20 to more than $50. The features offered with the mat, like a fastening strap, and the brand name influence the mat's price.
Considerations
Your particular needs will help you decide which type of mat you need for each discipline. In yoga, a thinner mat helps you feel the floor in standing and balancing poses. However, if you practice a yoga style focused on seated poses and breath work, a thicker mat may be more appropriate. Composition of the mat could be important if you have sensitivities to latex or other manufactured materials. The more advanced you are in your Pilates practice, the more rolling exercises you will execute and the thickness of your mat becomes paramount. In both disciplines, if you plan to practice in a studio or fitness center, portability is a key consideration when choosing a mat.
Misconceptions
Some people believe that any mat will work, and buy a cheap mat to use in class. Underestimating the importance of your mat in either discipline will lead to a poor experience in class. Using the proper mat in a yoga class prevents slipping and helps you truly experience the poses rather than focusing on preventing a fall. In Pilates, the wrong mat creates discomfort on the tailbone and spine, distracting you from the focus you need to execute the exercises. In some cases, the wrong mat makes certain moves impossible.
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