Yoga Mats vs. Pilates Mats
Yoga and Pilates swirl around each other in the same circles of conversation all the time. These two forms of mind-body connective practices are commonly linked incorrectly, mainly because their similarities and differences are misunderstood. Perhaps the biggest misunderstanding is that Pilates and Yoga are the same thing, or that they are just replications of one another. Pilates and Yoga stem from two completely different histories, not to mention their ideology is vastly dissimilar. It doesn’t stop there. Even down to the equipment used in Pilates, such as the mat, which is the most similar piece of apparatus, there are still differences to be aware of.
When purchasing a Pilates mat, be sure that it is necessary. Most Pilates studios offer high quality mats to their students, whereas in yoga classes most students bring their own. If you prefer to tote or not tote your own it is entirely up to you, but if you are planning on practicing Pilates in your own home then a mat is must!
Pilates and Yoga mats are the same in size, texture and colors. Both of which can range vastly, making it almost like shopping for your personal piece of art than for a mat. When it comes to differences between the two, Pilates mats are slightly thicker that Yoga mats. In Yoga it is important that certain poses can be felt through the feet on the floor. This is for balance, and since some of the poses in Yoga require that you’re footing be firmly planted, to do them appropriately. This is not the case with Pilates. There needs to be more padding for Pilates students, because they do more floor work, against the bone structure of the body. Rolling for instance and working form the knees will be most uncomfortable without the necessary cushion.
Another difference is that Yoga mats tend to have a “sticky” almost fly paper consistency to them, in order to prevent slipping when the pose becomes more difficult or needs to be change rapidly. Yoga mats don’t present this hazard so that is not an option needed for Pilates students.
A good Pilates mat should not be thin enough to be considered a “cross-over” mat that just means that it is a yoga mat posing as a Pilates mat. There needs to be at least a half an inch of thickness to the mat for it to be considered a Pilates mat. Make sure that mat you choose isn’t too cushy. It needs to have firmness to it that will give the body the right amount of buoyancy and not allow for the sinking of the body’s weight into the hard floor.
Make sure that your “roll up” Pilates mat is long enough and wide enough for your frame and for your body’s needs. Your flexibility, hip range, shoulder range, and height need to be considered in the purchasing process. It is standard to have these length measurements for a roll up mat: 72”-86”. Widths can range from 21”-39”. Most people like to have roll up mats as opposed to fold up ones, which can be found in studios, but that is also a matter of preference.