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Q: Pilates Mats ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: Pilates Mats
Category: Miscellaneous
Asked by: goosetek-ga
List Price: $20.00
Posted: 16 Apr 2003 08:36 PDT
Expires: 16 May 2003 08:36 PDT
Question ID: 191216
I am trying to find the best (or a very good) Pilates Mat.  I don't
really know what is important in a Pilates Mat.  How thick should it
be, what is the best material, are there other considerations.  Lets
say I am willing to pay between $40 and $200.00 for the mat.  I am in
a writing in a hurry so let me know if I need to provide more
specifics?  There is a brand call Cresent Moon that looks like a good
Mat to me for starters?  I am 6 foot 2 inches tall, approx 210lbs. 
Thanks.
Answer  
Subject: Re: Pilates Mats
Answered By: tlspiegel-ga on 16 Apr 2003 17:00 PDT
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hi goosetek,

Interesting question to research... I learned a lot!  I personally own
a very nice Yoga mat from Living Arts -GAIAM - and you will see that
company last on my list of recommendations for you.  (The mat I've
recommended is not the same as what I bought - because mine is for
Yoga.)

A mat will have a non-slip surface which should provide you with the
ability to do your moves and poses without having the mat slide across
the room!

Basically a Pilates mat will be plusher, but both a Yoga or Pilates
mat are going to be similar in many respects, and you can use either
one.  From my selections for you thickness (H) went up to 2" at the
first company... The Mat Superstore.

Because you are quite tall I have also included a mat that is 100"
long from Barefoot Yoga.  I tried calling them, but I was put through
to a voicemail system.  All the other companies I spoke to a person
directly.

It's all a matter of preference to what you feel is most important: 
length, thickness, and width are going to be variable - however, I
have selected 4 different mats for you to peruse and I sincerely
believe any one of them would work well for you.

OK... here we go:

The Mat Superstore
http://mat-superstore.com/
sales@drivespeed.com
1-800-718-1710

Plush Pilates and Yoga Mat - (Scroll to 3rd from the bottom of Page)

"The Plush Pilates and Yoga Mat features a natural, chemical-free
cotton shell that is smooth to the touch, and comfortably padded to
protect all the parts of your body that make contact with the floor.
Stuffed with 8 pounds of pure cotton batting, the extra-large 72 x 36
inch Plush Pilates and Yoga Mat provides you with a 2 inch cushioned
base for practicing fundamental yoga and Pilates exercises."

Totally washable in washing machine.

72L" x 36W" x 2H"
$69 + 9 S+H
Color=natural

=======================================

Barefoot Yogo
http://www.barefootyoga.com/stickymats.html#Anchor_Premium
info@barefootyoga.com
1-877-227-3366

100"L X 26W" (no thickness given)
$100 + S&H
Color= Black

"The Premium Black Mat is a new, innovative yoga mat designed for
performance and longevity.  It has a slip-resistant surface and
remains consistently firm and flat on all floor types.  Its durability
is superior to any mat currently available."

recommendations:

"If you are serious about yoga, there is no other mat"
-Shandor Remete

"I'm surprised at how much I like my 100" Black Mat. It has an
excellent not-sticky grip and its texture is solid, not mushy or
stretchy. I feel very grounded when I'm on it. And finally, a mat
that's long enough."
-Erich Schiffman, 6'-4"

=======================================

Crescent Moon
http://www.crescentmoonyoga.com/Item.asp?cid=2&scid=2&pid=29&rdir=1

Crescent Moon
22601 Old Canal Road, Yorba Linda, Ca 92887

info@crescentmoonyoga.com
Phone: 714 282-9600 
Fax: 714 282-9056 


size: 76"L x 25L" x 1/4H"
$59.00 + S&H
Color= Black

"The Deluxe SteadyGrip mat is a longer and wider version of our
regular mat. This mat is 76 inches long and 25 inches wide, which is 8
inches longer and one inch wider than our regular mat. This mat is
perfect for taller individuals that need more room to stretch out."

size: 76"L x 25L" x 1/4H"
$59.00 + S&H
Color= Black

"Just as with our other SteadyGrip mat, this mat is twice as thick as
most common Yoga or Pilates mats and features ‘heat-sealed’ edges for
greater durability and enhanced anti-bacterial properties. The
additional thickness provides more cushion and allows the Yoga and/or
Pilates mat to conform around your hands and feet for a more secure
grip. The Deluxe SteadyGrip mat has a unique non-slip bottom surface
for added stability and features rounded corners that will stay flat
in use."

From the FAQs:

"Q. What is the best way to care for my SteadyGrip mat?
 
 A. Please note that this mat is unlike any mat you have used before
and will provide a unique, more cushioned feel than perhaps you are
used to. With just minimal care your mat should last for several years
of regular use.

Use & Care Instructions:
The SteadyGrip mat ships with a surface film that wears off after
several sessions. You may want to clean your mat right away to improve
the feel. As with most mats, there is a conditioning period during
which the surface becomes tackier. To clean your mat and to shorten
the conditioning period, use a damp cloth and mild household cleanser
that does not contain ammonia or alcohol. Due to the natural oils from
your body, you may need to wipe down your mat occasionally to keep it
tacky.

To store your mat after use, turn your mat so the logo side is down
and roll-up your mat. The logo-side should remain facing outward. Due
to the added thickness of the SteadyGrip mat, creases may develop on
the underside depending on how tightly you roll the mat. These creases
will not affect the mat’s performance or durability."
 
=======================================

GAIAM - Living Arts
http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=gai&category%5Fname=l2%5FPilates&product%5Fid=95%2D0519

Phone: 877-989-6321 
Canadian customers: 800-254-8464 

Customer Service
Gaiam, Inc.
360 Interlocken Blvd., Suite 300
Broomfield, CO 80021-3440

To place your order by mail, include your completed order form with
product numbers, styles and quantities. Also include a credit card
number, personal check or money order payable to Gaiam for the total
amount of charges including shipping and handling, gift wrapping fees,
oversize charges and sales tax if applicable.

Fit Mat by Gaiam 

"A durable and comfortable mat is essential for many exercise
practices. Durable premium Fit Mat provides an airy cushion made of
dense foam that is textured to increase stability and security. Ideal
for restorative poses and Pilates or BalanceBall workouts."

68"L x 24"W x 1/4"H
$40.00 + $7.95 S&H  
Color= Black 

=======================================

Google Search: "Pilates Mats"  "Pilates Mat tall person"  "Yoga Mat"

Best regards,

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

Request for Answer Clarification by goosetek-ga on 17 Apr 2003 20:50 PDT
It seems that most of the recommended mats are approx. 1/4 inch thick.
 I would like to find something like the Crescent Moon or Gaiam style
but with more thickness (at least 3/8's but preferbly 1/2 inch or even
3/4's inches thick).  Do you know where I can find a Pilates mat as
discribed?  I would like to avoid the cloth type materials.  Thanks,
JW

Clarification of Answer by tlspiegel-ga on 17 Apr 2003 21:33 PDT
Hi again,

I'm searching for a thicker mat as I write this, and I'll post what my
findings are.

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

Clarification of Answer by tlspiegel-ga on 17 Apr 2003 22:50 PDT
Hi goosetek,

I've been able to locate thicker mats - again at varying prices and
colors, and have listed them in no particular order.  I hope one of
these will meet your satisfaction.

OK... here we go! 

Sissel-Online.com
http://www.sissel-online.com/products/exercise_mat.php
AM-102 
80"L x 40" wx 5/8"H 
$59.99  
Green

=======================================

BodyTrends.com
http://www.bodytrends.com/products/mats/thickaeromats.htm

72"L x 39"W x 5/8"H
$105.99 
Blue

=======================================
 
Kmart
http://www.bluelight.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1201441

Go Fit Deluxe Pilates Mat
Item no: 1201441
72"L x 24" W x 1/2"H
$39.99 
Blue

=======================================

New England Fitness Company
http://www.nefitco.com/am382472_pilates.html

72"L x 24"W x 3/8"H
$24.99
Blue, Black, Purple, Green 

=======================================

New England Fitness Company
http://www.nefitco.com/aeromat_582372.html

Aeromat Exercise & Rehab R58-2372 
72"L x 23"W x 5/8:H
$59.99 
Black, Blue or Green 

=======================================

New England Fitness Company
http://www.nefitco.com/AM5162472_mat.html
 
Aeromat All Purpose Mat F516-2472 
72"L x 24"W x 5/16"H
$29.99 
Black, Blue or Purple 

=======================================

New England Fitness Company
http://www.nefitco.com/Airex_180_exercise_mat.html

Airex 180 Exercise, Yoga & Pilates Mat 
72"L x 23"W x 7/16"H
$58.99 
(color appears to be aqua - greenish/blue)

Note: The manufacturer indicates a length of 72" for this mat in their
product literature. When measured, the length is 69 1/2"L

=======================================

Search:  

Pilates mat thickest
Yoga mat thick
Exercise mat thickest

Best regards,

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher
goosetek-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars and gave an additional tip of: $5.00

Comments  
Subject: Re: Pilates Mats
From: tlspiegel-ga on 18 Apr 2003 13:56 PDT
 
Hi goosetek,

Thank you very much for the nice rating and a tip!  Very much appreciated.  :)

Enjoy your workouts!

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

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