Getting the most out of your workouts isn’t just about consistency and wearing the correct clothing – it’s also about having the right equipment.
There are various forms of Pilates and yoga depending on what type of workout you want to do and what your body needs, from hatha yoga to mat Pilates (the two most popular forms). Each form requires different equipment, clothing and accessories in order for you to gain the maximum benefits and to have a safe, comfortable workout.
Both Pilates and yoga are popular forms of exercise to do at home as they don’t necessarily require large pieces of equipment or 1-to-1 instruction. They are both low impact workouts that centre on bodyweight resistance, however including certain pieces of equipment can be beneficial in a number of ways. They can provide additional support for your body, make poses more challenging to hold, and increase your strength and balance.
Many pieces of equipment, such as foam rollers, ankle weights, yoga wheels, resistance bands and workout mats can be used for both yoga and Pilates, making them cost-effective and multi-functional workout purchases.
What is the best thickness for a yoga and pilates mat?
The best thickness for a yoga mat is an eighth of an inch (around 3mm). At this thickness, the mat allows for even contact with the floor, helping you keep your balance and form. For a pilates mat, you want something much thicker – between 8 and 15mm. This is because your body requires more support for Pilates.
However, if you’re in the market for a mat to use for both yoga and Pilates, a mat around 6mm thick is ideal.
How often should you do Pilates?
In order to gain the full benefits of Pilates, it is recommended that you do a 20-minute Pilates workout at least three times a week. But if you want to improve your strength, flexibility and endurance, the maximum number of sessions recommended in a week is five.
However, before starting any new type of exercise, please talk to a medical professional to make sure it’s the right exercise for your body.
How do muscle rollers work?
Muscle rollers work by applying pressure to your muscles as you move over them. By doing this, they help relieve muscle tension, soreness and inflammation, and also increase blood flow and joint range.
Muscles rollers can be used all over the body, with the most beneficial areas being the legs, back and upper arms.