ATM Props

Here are some of my favorite props for ATM classes. Some people can get comfortable lying flat on a concrete floor. Some people need more to accommodate their structure, injuries, or chronic tensions. So I’ve broken my list down to the “must haves” (for most), and the “nice-to-haves” (for some people, sometimes).

Must haves:

Thick blanket or mat

I especially like to use a furniture moving blanket for my ATM classes, because it’s just the right balance of grippy/slippy and padding, and it holds up to me rolling and sliding over it, without costing too much.
This is my favorite so far (for its overall weight and quality):
US Cargo Heavy Duty Supreme Mover (95 lb/Doz weight

A heavy comforter might work as well, as would a thick exercise mat or yoga mat. The only drawbacks are that the comforter might sometimes bunch-up on you, and the yoga mat might sometimes be too sticky.

Recently I’ve discovered “extra-wide” Pilates mats, which seem wonderful. The extra width and padding make these better than yoga mats, while being similar in size to a moving blanket folded once (just more $$$). The extra padding makes these a nice (premium) alternative to the moving blankets.
Aeromat Dual Surfaced (extra-wide) mat

Towel(s)

Just whatever you have around your house, which you can wash as needed, is perfect.
You can build up (for extra thickness) with a garden knee pad (see below).

Sometimes nice to haves:

Blanket(s)

A Mexican blanket (or yoga blanket)(or 2 or 3) is very versatile for folding to create a head rest or to roll up under your knees. This is a link to one example. I don’t have, nor do I promote, this particular one. It’s just an example.

Soft padding

For when extra softness is appreciated, like building up your head support, or placing under or between your knees.

I have (and am very happy with) these ones, but the last I checked they were no longer available (at least not on Amazon): TruContour Lumbar support pillow

Any wide strip of 2″ memory foam would work (or two 1″ pieces doubled up).
8″ x 18″ are the dimensions of the one I have.

Sometimes provided (by the instructor) in class:

Garden Knee Pad(s)

Something firm to “raise the floor” when needed, without being too hard. These are easy to wipe down between classes. You might think that you’re OK on your back without anything behind your head, but one or two of these might make your head even more comfortable (and movement and breath more free). Any standard garden knee pad will do, but the compact ones (~7″ wide) are most common and convenient.

Foam Roller

6″ foam rollers are great for under the knees when you’re on your back, especially for people with tight backs or hypermobile knees. Unfortunately it’s not feasible, typically, for your instructor to carry a stock of them to/from a class. Luckily most people don’t really need them (especially if you have a blanket you can roll up). But if you have one, and you really like having one under your knees, feel free to bring one to class.

PT/Physio supply stores might have some pretty basic white ones that are perfect (and quite low cost). Or you can order fancier ones online from Amazon or OPTP. Given the choice, standard density (medium firmness) is probably best. Don’t go shorter than 18″ (24″ is probably ideal, but a rare find).