A good Pilates mat will make your sessions more enjoyable, more comfortable, and safer.
Working on a secure, comfortable surface will allow you to relax and focus on your workout, rather than worrying about slipping around. A quality Pilates mat is thus an essential item.
As this activity has grown in popularity, Pilates mat workouts have become more and more common. Whereas equipment workouts are usually one on one, and thus expensive,
Pilates mat workouts can be conducted in larger groups, and are thus much more accessible. A good mat is essential to practice safely. They are sold in a variety of thicknesses, colours and materials, so consider the following to find the one that's right for you:
- Most important is a comfortable, non-slip surface, big enough for you to move around without sliding onto the floor.
- Thickness varies from 1.5 to 6mm thick - anything over 6mm is unstable. You will also find thin travel mats, which provide little more than an anti-slip surface.
- Standard length is 6 foot (183cm), and standard width is 60cm, although wider models, up 80cm, will help you stay off of cold, hard gymnasium floors!
This is not an expensive item, with prices typically running from ?5 - ?15, and will last for years if treated well, so it is worth spending a little extra to get one that really meets your needs.
