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| Hi,
I am new to pilates and need to buy a mat. Is there anything I need to consider when choosing this. Are they the same as yoga mats? What difference to the different thinknesses make?
I am nearly 6'2" tall, how long should the mat be?
Many thanks |
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| You will definitely want a thicker mat for pilates than you would for yoga.
That said, I like Hugger Muggers Tapas Ultra mat for both yoga and pilates, but in general I think most people would prefer something thicker than that for pilates. Stott Pilates has really nice mats. Often in my class I will have people use two or three yoga mats for pilates, but of course it would be much cheaper to purchase a "pilates mat" than a few different yoga mats 
I find a thicker mat is typically needed because of the rolling exercises (rolling like a ball, open leg rocker, the seal, etc., I've noticed that if I don't have a thick enough Mat I really hurt my tailbone), also a thicker mat is helpful for exercises like the roll up that require sequencing through the spine, and some prone exercises that tend to put a preassure on the ASIS and cause discomfort for some
Edited by Kapotasana 2008-05-24 12:24 PM
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| Yes, a yoga mat can be a bit thin for the rolling exercises. I don't know where you are, but I have just picked up a brillian exercise mat for £10 from Tesco! Camping mats are a cheap option and should be plenty long enough for you. They tend not to have quite the grip that a yoga mat would have though, but in class some people put a thin cheap yoga mat over the camping mat and it is still much cheaper than a basic yoga mat. You can get great Pilates mats on the internet if you want to spend £28! Not much if you are going to be using it for the rest of your life!!  |
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| I definitely agree that thicker mats are better for pilates exercises. I bought a yoga mat and also did pilates exercises on it but my tailbone really hurt with certain exercises. With the thicker mat I have now (also a quite cheap one) I have no problem. How long have you been doing pilates?
I've started with it after hearing that Kate Winslet does pilates too and I am a big fan of her. Probably a stupid reason But I really like it!
Now I've also started with yoga which I enjoy doing too. |
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| i know that pilates may always get your body better...
http://www.da-pialtes.co.il |
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Choosing a pilates mat
