Pilates Mat
Pilates Reformer Machine or Mat? What’s Your Best Choice For Your Pilates Workouts – 7 Items to Consider
If you’re a current Pilates exercise enthusiast or just looking at beginning a Pilates program, you’re probably wondering about what equipment you should use to get the most out of your effort. While there are several options available to choose from, a mat or Pilates Reformer Machine are probably the two most common. To make the determination as to what equipment would work for you; here are a few things you should consider.
- Portability of a mat verses Pilates machine -A mat is easily portable and can be folded up and put away. The best quality constructed reformers are fairly stationary and are likely to stay in one place once they are set. Either works well in any area of the home designated for working out or if you workout in a Pilates Studio.
- “Clothing Awareness” – This is a cute way of noting that clothing that is extremely loose can get caught in the moveable carriage of the reformer while that same clothing isn’t really an issue when using a mat. What is an issue for both the mat work and reformer when wearing loose clothing is what may be revealed on the body due to the various exercises performed and positions used in a Pilates routine. Of course, wearing an outfit that clings to the body and allows for great flexibility is the preference for both mat and reformer work.
- Experience – Although the choice is ultimately yours, many experts agree that a beginner Pilates student would be better off to start his or her training on a mat. This allows for comprehension of basic fundamental Pilates techniques before increasing the difficulty level of the exercises. You can learn how to perform the moves accurately before going on to the advanced techniques that the reformer allows you to use. Having said that, the reformer does give the opportunity for a more challenging workout with more exercise options than the mat.
- Exercise Movement Limitations - While the mat is great for beginners and will certainly provide you with results, as previously mentioned, the reformer can give you a more challenging workouts because resistance bands that are available on the machine. In addition, the number of moves that can be performed on a reformer outnumbers those that can be done on a mat. If you have an injury or limited range of motion, reformer work is a preference over the mat because it allows an exercise to be modified to accommodate that condition.
- Cost – You could probably wrangle your own personal Pilates mat for under $20 out of pocket. A reformer on the other hand does take a little more dough. Depending on the quality and durability, you can get a no frills reformer for as little as $250 and a multi-functional high quality machine for $1,500 with multiple choices in between.
- Fastest Results – Regardless of which option you choose, you will get results with a mat or reformer provided that you are consistent with the workout routines. However, it is very common to see more results more quickly by using a Pilates reformer.
- Provides the Most Fun - The good news is that Pilates is fun no matter what manner you exercise…although I’ve heard from many folks that the reformer work has been the most fun and because of that they’ve stuck to their workout routine, unlike all the others where they have given up.
While advance mat work would be the ultimate goal for the most effective results oriented workout, until that advanced level is attained the reformer work or regular mat work are excellent options to start with.
About the Author
If you’re ready for a workout that will help you get the body you want and have fun doing it, take a look at the Aero Pilates Reformer. Now you can get your workout done in the comfort of your own home with quality durable equipment. Learn more about this reformer at www.squidoo.com/aeropilatesreformer. This Pilates reformer machine is the one that will get you to reach your goal!
Pilates – Mat
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Pilates Mat 3/8″ Thick Air-Foam Blue $10.00 |
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Denise Austin – Mat Workout Based on the Work of J.H. Pilates (VHS, 2000) $3.95 |
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GAIAM PILATES BEGININING MAT WORKOUT WITH ANA COBAN $5.95 |
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ACTIVE CYCLING DANCE GYM YOGA SPORTS FITNESS RUNNING PILATES MAT S M PANTS BR $24.95 |
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PILATES CONDITIONING FOR WEIGHT LOSS & MAT WORKOUT VHS $3.59 |
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Pohlman The Complete Pilates on Mat $6.00 |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout (DVD, 2002) $0.99 |
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Micro Clean Antimicrobial Yoga Pilates Mat Purple Durable Extra Thick Soft Foam $17.98 |
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Aeromat Yoga Pilates Fitness Exercise Stretching Mat $49.95 |
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Denise Austin – Mat Workout Based on the Work of J.H. Pilates (DVD, 2001) $7.99 |
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OneTouch Pilates Mat 3/8″ Thick Air-Foam Blue 5R $24.99 |
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New Stable Durable Pilates Yoga Exercise Workout Mat $19.99 |
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Your Ultimate Pilates Body® Challenge: At the Gym, on the Mat, and on the Move $8.50 |
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Romana’s Pilates – Power House Mat Workout (DVD, 2004) $7.99 |
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Manduka Black Mat Pro for Yoga or Pilates Mat 71″ x 26″ (BMS7126) $84.00 |
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Manduka 71″ x 26″ New Black Mat Pro Yoga Pilates Mat & Practice Tote Bag $134.50 |
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Stott Pilates – Essential Matwork for Beginners (VHS, 2001, Requires Mat) $19.99 |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout (DVD, 2002) Brand New/Sealed $7.99 |
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Denise Austin – Mat Workout Based on the Work of J.H. Pilates [VHS] Denise Austi $3.87 |
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TAI CHI CIRCLE ROUND YOGA MEDITATION PILATES MAT 60″ $39.99 |
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DELUXE DURABLE Extra Thick 1/4″ Yoga Pilates Gym mat ~~~OCEAN MIST $0.99 |
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DELUXE HEAVY WEIGHT Soil Resistant NonSlip Back 1/4″ Pilates yoga mat OCEAN $19.99 |
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YOGA PILATES MAT BAG EXTRA LARGE NIP ~CHINESE CHARACTER $9.99 |
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4pc YOGA MAT Set Block Exercise Strap Pilates Gym NEW $19.99 |
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Extra Large Laundry Bag Yoga-Mat Pilates Horse-Tac $10.00 |
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YOGA MAT – Exercise Mat PILATES MAT with bag $10.00 |
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HOME FITNESS YOGA PILATES NON SLIP MAT- STRAP- 2 YOGA BLOCKS COMPLETE KIT $29.95 |
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New Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout Fitness DVD $14.98 |
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Romana’s PILATES-Mat Challenge Workout Power 1h NEW DVD $12.08 |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout (VHS, 2002) $1.99 |
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7 FT, EXTRA LONG, PURPLE YOGA/PILATES MAT, TRADITIONAL THICKNESS, FREE MAT BAG $19.99 |
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Polo by Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Black Exercise Yoga & Pilates Mat $131.05 |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout (2002, VHS) NEW n PLASTIC $5.00 |
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Pilates – Intermediate Mat Workout [VHS] Living Arts, Ana Caban NR (Not Rated) $3.87 |
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Hilary Burnett’s Pilates Advanced Workout DVD Mat Fitness Exercise Core Abs $7.95 |
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Sunny Fitness Pilates Yoga Exercise Mat Blocks 4 Set $34.95 |
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Malibu Pilates Pro Chair, with Arms, 6 DVDs, Mat & extra Spring $255.00 |
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j/fit Pilates Yoga Mat (Black) 80-8600-BLK NEW $25.14 |
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j/fit Pilates Yoga Mat (Blue) 80-8600-BLU NEW $25.14 |
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j/fit Pilates Yoga Mat (Burgundy) 80-8600-BUR NEW $25.14 |
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j/fit Pilates Yoga Mat (Coffee) 80-8600-COF NEW $25.14 |
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j/fit Pilates Yoga Mat (Green) 80-8600-GRN NEW $25.14 |
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j/fit Pilates Yoga Mat (Hot Pink) 80-8600-HPK NEW $25.14 |
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j/fit Pilates Yoga Mat (Olive) 80-8600-OLV NEW $25.14 |
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j/fit Pilates Yoga Mat (Orange) 80-8600-ORG NEW $25.14 |
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j/fit Pilates Mat Carry Strap 80-9015 NEW $9.67 |
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Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout (DVD, 2002) $4.99 |
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The Pilates Studio International Pilates Mat Training Manual $6.50 |
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Stott Pilates Eco Friendly Yoga Mat NEW! $25.00 |
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STOTT PILATES Eco-Friendly Mat in Midnight / Twilight ST-02044 $44.99 |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout (DVD, 2002) $4.99 |
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ACE’s Guide To Pilates Mat Training DVD (2006) $5.99 |
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Cory Everson 4-Piece Yoga Starter Set-blue mat, wedge, strap -pilates exercise $33.00 |
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Classical Pilates Technique – The Complete Mat Workout $7.99 |
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OneTouch Pilates Mat 3/8″ Thick Air-Foam Blue 5R $24.99 |
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60″ x 1/4″ TAI-CHI CIRCLE ROUND YOGA PILATES MAT $44.95 |
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Oval PIYO Sticker – decal pilates yoga fusion gym health workout pose mat love 1 $3.99 |
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Shakti Mat Nail Mat//Pilates Mat/Yoga Mats/acupressure $9.99 |
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Manduka New Black Mat Pro Yoga or Pilates Mat & eQua Mat Towel $118.00 |
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Aerobic Mat 2 x 6 Feet – BLACK NEW Pilates Gymnastics $18.50 |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout (VHS, 2002) $2.25 |
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A.M./P.M. Pilates Mat Workout (DVD, 2002) $2.50 |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout with Ana Caban DVD Gaiam Mind Body Health $5.00 |
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~~NIP~~ Yoga Pilates Mat Bag strap gym large ~BUTTERFLY $9.95 |
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NEW PROSOURCE YOGA TOWEL SKIDLESS MICROFIBER PILATES GYM EXERCISE MAT 68″ x 24″ $10.95 |
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NEW GREEN PROSOURCE YOGA PILATES 1/2″ THICK EXERCISE MAT 71″ LONG $19.95 |
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Pilates Mat 3/8″ Thick Air-Foam Non-Slip Yoga Mat by OneTouch Blue Color 5R $18.99 |
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Denise Austin – Mat Workout Based on the Work of J.H. Pilates (VHS, 2000) $0.49 |
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Apollo Foldable Vinyl Fitness Workout Exercise Yoga Pilates Mat $34.95 |
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Three Mat Pilates DVD’s with Ana Caban + CD $14.99 |
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MANDUKA eKO SuperLite Travel Mat Pilates Yoga MIDNIGHT Easy to Pack &Transport $39.00 |
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MANDUKA eKO SuperLite Travel Mat Pilates Yoga ACAI Easy to Pack Transportable $39.00 |
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MANDUKA eKO SuperLite Travel Mat Pilates Yoga THUNDER Easy to Pack Transportable $39.00 |
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Classical Pilates Technique – The Complete Mat Worko… $17.50 |
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BAMBOO WITH GREEN TRIM EXERCISE MAT FOR YOGA PILATES 70X36 $5.99 |
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NEW PINK PROSOURCE YOGA PILATES 1/2″ THICK EXERCISE MAT 71″ LONG $19.95 |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout (DVD, 2002) Ana Caban $1.99 |
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VALEO FOAM EXERCISE MAT-yoga pilates workout fitness gym exercise $35.50 |
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MANDUKA BLACK SAGE PRO Yoga Pilates Mat New LIMITED EDITION 71X26 GREEN $107.00 |
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LONG MANDUKA BLACK SAGE PRO Yoga Pilates Mat New LIMITED EDITION 85X26 GREEN $138.00 |
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Harbinger 340902 Anti-Microbial Pilates Mat $23.75 |
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LAVA MANDUKA EKO Yoga or Pilates Mat New biodegradable $68.00 |
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YOGA CARRIER BAG PILATES MAT MESH ADJUST STRAP HS049 $3.28 |
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2-VIDEO A.M. AND P.M. PM. PILATES MAT WORKOUT $4.77 |
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Zenzation Hot Yoga & Pilates Mat Towels for Bikram, Ashtanga, Iyengar Exercise $49.95 |
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Winsor Pilates Mat Workout Kit DVD EXTRA THICK MAT Bonus Meal Plan PLUS!! EXC!! $30.00 |
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Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout with Ana Caban VHS $2.00 |
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Beginning Pilates Mat Workout (DVD 2007) $3.00 |
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Romana’s Pilates – Mat Challenge Workout (DVD, 2004) $9.95 |
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Zone – Pilates Mat and Ball Workout (DVD, 2001) $15.74 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Enviornmentally Friendly Fitness Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $35.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Enviornmentally Friendly Fitness Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $35.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Enviornmentally Friendly Fitness Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $35.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Enviornmentally Friendly Fitness Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $35.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Fitness Premium Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $39.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Fitness Premium Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $39.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Fitness Premium Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $39.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Fitness Premium Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $39.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Fitness Premium Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $39.99 |
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Ecowise Latex Free Fitness Premium Yoga/Pilates Mat – NEW $39.99 |
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Koi Fish Reusable 18oz Single Wall Glass Bottle with Flat Screw Top-BPA FREE $15.95 Glass bottles are intended for cold drinks only. Hand wash to protect food-safe inks.s. Features ?Capacity: 16 ounces… |
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Mat Pilates 4 PowerMix $17.99 Chill grooves and downtempo beats perfect for active Pilates, Yoga and stretching. The rhythmic songs are perfect for breathing and flowing movements. This CD starts at 100 BPMs for the warmup, moves to 95 for the workout and slows to 75 for the cooldown…. |
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Power Music Mat Pilates 3 Power Mix $13.32 Workout One BPM Song Title 100 Pan Klai (Relax) 95 Sensations 95 Spanish lullaby 95 Fellin` Fine 95 Pizzicato 95 Mind Free 95 Chance 95 Wildflowers 95 Zen lounge 95 Believe 95 Tom Tom 95 Wanna Get Down 95 Breathe Short Break 85 Passion Short Break 70 Krakatoa Invigorate your class with these downtempo chill out style grooves, continuously mixed and blended for Mat Pilates and ac… |
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Mat Pilates PowerMix Vol. 3 $8.99 … |
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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout [VHS] $0.01 “Remember what Joseph Pilates said,” instructor Ana Caban says. “‘You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions.’” Pilates has become very popular and for good reason. By working the core muscles (the abdominal and back muscles in the center of your body) you improve strength and posture and develop a lean, long line. Certified Pi… |
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Stott Pilates – Advanced Matwork [VHS] $14.98 In this intensive workout, Moira gives you the ultimate pilates challenge. STOTT PILATES ADVANCED MATWORK 2nd Edition is a high-powered, revitalizing workout designed to ensure you achieve your optimal level of fitness and well-being. This is a brand new tape featuring the same exercises as the First Edition, but in a different, more balanced order. Demonstrated and Narrated by Moira Stott-Merrith… |
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Stott Pilates – Essential Matwork [VHS] $4.00 Moira Stott-Merrithew has updated Essential Matwork, changing the order of exercises to better balance the body. This is a superb, 63-minute introduction to the Stott Pilates method. First Stott-Merrithew goes through the fundamental principles of breathing, imprinting, and how to stabilize the abdominals, shoulders, and back. Her warm-up practices these principles. Then she works your body thorou… |
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ExerBeat $19.39 Bring the Fitness Club to Your Living Room! Ever used the following excuses? “I’m too busy to go to the gym!” “How can I find time to work out when I have kids?” “I hate dieting!” “If only I could have fun working out with my family at home.” ExerBeat is a rhythm-based fun fitness game for people of all ages who want to stay in good health. With 155 exercises and a variety of menu options, ExerBea… |
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Dreamgear DGWII-1128 7 In 1 Fitness Bundle for Nintendo Wii Fit $24.00 Includes Power Fit charger 2 wristbands 1 headband remote holsters jeli sleeve fitness mat and nylon travel bag… |
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Wii Fit Yoga Mat $17.00 Cushions and reduces impact on the flooringSpecial material improves grip and support for trainingBesides the front and bottom layer, the durable inner mesh layer prevents stretching and rippingIncludes a storage strap for easy storage… |
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Memory Foam Pilates Mat $46.99 Work out in comfort with a memory foam Pilates matSports mat features an auratex coverFitness mat measures 2 inches thick x 24 inches wide x 68 inches long |
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Impex Marcy Pilates Mat $26.49 These Marcy Pilates mat is great for all floor workouts like Yoga, Pilates, and stretching. This exercise mat includes a mesh storage bag and features a durable web supported foam surface providing a cool dry workout. |
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Deluxe ‘Clean PVC’ Eco-friendly 72-inch Yoga/ Pilates Mat $25.99 This ‘Clean PVC’ yoga/Pilates mat is made of PER (Polymer Environmental Resin), and is more sensitive to the environment and your health than mats made of standard PVC foam. This mat provides the traction and cushioning you need for top performance. |
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Deluxe Blue Yoga and Pilates Mat $21.99 This durable yoga mat features a cushioned, non-slip surface. This washable, lightweight and comfortable mat is thick, dense and not only provides adequate padding, but holds up extremely well over time. |
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TRAINERmat for Pilates PRO PLUS by G2 Lifestyles $23.99 Get in shape and relax your body at home with this Trainermat for Pilates mat. This mat features detailed step-by-step instructional illustrations printed directly on the surface. |
