How to Choose a Pilates Yoga Mat

Pilates and Yoga are two distinct but quite similar forms of exercise. Both of them are composed of many different routines but the most essential equipment you'll need is the Pilates and Yoga Mat. The types of exercise a person does on this piece of exercise equipment helps tone and strengthen certain parts of the body while focusing on the hips and trunk.

Mats are used mostly to protect the back during these exercises. Pilates Yoga mats are very useful for those who do these exercises as they provide protection for the back. The routines are usually done on the floor which means the back should be protected using the padding on these mats. Some people ask whether or not Pilates mats may be used for those practicing yoga and vice-versa.

While mats for both exercises may be essentially the same, there is a slight difference in that Pilates mats tend to be thicker since most of the routines will require one to lie on his back. This means the spine has to be amply protected to avoid injuries. An example of this are the Danskin Yoga Pilates mats. Those who do yoga, on the other hand, could manage with a thinner mat since most of the exercises are done standing.

The Benefits of Pilates Exercises

Even with the slight differences between a Pilates and a yoga mat, the things to look for when buying either of them are the same. The following should be considered:

1. Softness - Choose a mat that is slightly firm and not too soft. Too firm or too soft mats can hinder one from achieving balance and alignment.

2. Thickness - The mat you buy should be at least an inch thick to provide enough support and padding to your back when exercising on a hard surface.

3. Width and Length - Find a mat that is long and wide enough for you to be able to perform the exercises comfortably and without risking injury, especially to the back.

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4. Material - If you choose a foam mat, keep in mind that closed-foam mats are made thicker and firmer compared to other ordinary mats. Folding mats are larger, portable and easy to store. These mats are also made of dense materials such as foam and rubber.

Pilates or yoga, mats play an important role in anybody who practices these forms of exercise. Although choosing a mat sounds easy and sometimes insignificant, most people who have been into these exercises for long have realized the value of using a good mat and how this affects their performance.

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Benefits of Pilates and Yoga

When I committed myself to two pilates and one yoga class a week I did it as part of my goal to be healthier. What has pleased me greatly is the emotional benefits that I have received from these two forms of exercise.

Both yoga and pilates require concentration. As someone who tends to have her mind move quickly from one thought to another this mental discipline has also helped me focus better in other areas.

Another unexpected benefit of yoga and pilates was how the mental discipline I had learned helped me when I had to have an MRI of my head and neck. It is scary and claustrophobic to be inside this narrow tube where you can not move.

I reminded myself to breathe the way I had learned in my classes and it made all the difference. I entered a state of quiet mindfulness and was able to get through the lengthy procedure staying calm and actually relaxed. A real achievement for someone who is known to be fidgety and prone to anxiety.

My body is stronger and more flexible. I notice a big improvement in balance and posture. It wasn't until I had to do the pose in yoga where you stand on one foot where I saw that I favored the outside of my right foot. I have had to retrain my foot in order to be able to stand comfortably on either foot. The mental discipline to concentrate on my breathing and the exercises continues to be challenging.

This has surprised me because I would have predicted that I would soon get bored with the repetitiveness of the exercises.Best of all I find that I have more energy. I found that just one pilates class was not enough. Two pilates classes and one yoga class in addition to regular walking seem to give me the vitality that I need.

This past summer I turned seventy years old. I love the fact that I am limber enough to go kayaking and sailing, can keep up with my young grandchildren, and that my mind is energized so I can take my business in new directions.

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