Pilates and Yoga Mats- A complement to each other

What is a Yoga Mat?

Yoga mats are small carpets that are used by people practicing yoga. Yoga does not require any complex machinery. All it requires is a mat on which to do the “asana,” or postures.

A yoga mat is the only investment for yoga; in fact, it is an absolute necessity. Yoga mats are now available in several models, patterns, styles, fabrics and textures. Traditional mats were made of cotton or jute, but these days, many other materials are being used for yoga mats. The main aspects to be considered while buying a yoga mat are: the durability, the comfort, weight and ability to fold.

A major essential element in a yoga mat is its ability to grip the floor so that the user does not slip or slide on the floor during the posture. Yoga mats are generally 4-5mm thick, since these mats can be stiff enough not to crease on the floor while being flexible enough to be rolled up, carried and washed. Yoga mats should also handle repeated washing. Some yoga mats these days are also non-toxic and eco-friendly.

So, What Has Pilates Got to do With Yoga?

The exercise regime developed by Pilates did draw on some inspiration from ancient yoga positions, though the two disciplines do have some big differences. Yoga is undoubtedly the more holistic of these two health and fitness routines, while Pilates does try to attain a similar level of physical fitness aims. Pilates exercises use a series of controlled breathing and movement routines, and can be especially effective, for a good shaped body, and helping people look more lean and taller than they otherwise might.

When Pilates was developing his exercises during confinement, the only exercise equipment available was the hospital bed. Through imaginative adaptation of a few yoga positions and a bed, a system of exercises evolved over time, and the bed inspiration can be seen in the Pilates machine or reformer, the mainstay of Pilates exercise gear.

Like yoga, Pilates does focus too on breathing, concentration, precision and control. Also, a person's own body weight serves as resistance in many exercises.

Despite the yoga influence, Pilates really only encompasses small aspects of the enormous yoga discipline, and does not try to compete with it. They are best seen as complementary to each other. It is probably wrong to say yoga is better than Pilates, or vice versa. They are best seen as two possible disciplines in your health and fitness armoury, disciplines which may suit different people at different times.

Are Pilates and Yoga Mats the Same?

It is common knowledge that both the exercises require a good amount of mental concentration and clarity as well as a number of drills by which the body becomes strong. These exercises are usually supervised by an exceptional trainer, one who has mastered both yoga and Pilates.

A Pilate’s mat should be comfortable—and comfort is based on a mat's thickness and firmness. Many yoga and Pilates mats are too thin to provide enough cushions. Other mats are too thick—often too soft to provide enough support. A good Pilates or yoga mat should be thick enough (ideally from 1/8" to 1/4") and soft enough to provide grip, yet firm enough to provide support and cushion.

A high quality Yoga or Pilates mat will conform around your hands and feet to provide a secure grip. It should provide the same amount of grip even when you sweat and should not slide around on the floor as you move. Your mat should also remain flat on the floor and not roll up at the ends. Mats with square corners will tend to curl up after awhile.

The Pilates and yoga mat are more or less of the same design and made from the same materials. It would not be surprising to see that a person, who finishes yoga, takes the same mat and goes to attend a Pilates skill classes. The similarity between the Pilates and yoga mat is what makes them so interchangeable.

Summary:

Pilates and yoga mats are similar in that they are about the same size and used for exercises done on the floor. However, a Pilates mat needs to be thicker than most yoga mats. Because there are so many standing poses in yoga, mats used for yoga have to let the practitioner feel the floor. This is not so important with a Pilates mat. In fact, Pilate’s mats are thicker so that we are padded from the floor. Also, yoga mats are sticky, designed to prevent slipping, a hazard which is not as likely with Pilates exercises.

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