Anabel fitness, the company who brought us TheShu a while ago, now makes a Pilates glove called TheGlove. It's made for Pilates or yoga. I like it because it's very light, and the part over the palm improves your grip but still lets air in so that your hand stays cooler and drier.
Why a Pilates Glove?
People don't usually wear Pilates gloves. But there are some good reasons to consider it: Do your hands sweat when you exercise? Do you ever worry about slipping on the mat or Pilates equipment? I know there are certain Pilates exercises where I sometimes feel concerned about slipping. Tendon stretch and long back stretch on the reformer, for example. For those who do yoga, sometimes a pair of no-slip gloves and socks are easier than lugging a mat somewhere - like on vacation. There are other times as well that one might want a barrier between ones hands and the mats or equipment in a public workout space.
The Fit
This glove is not as form-fitted as many Pilates and yoga gloves are. It's not made out of a stretch material. The grip and back parts of the glove are made of a recyclable TPE material, and they are trimmed out with lycra. These gloves are reversible. That way you can wear them and not be so grippy -- if you have need of a glove like that.
TheGlove is available in unisex sizing, small and large. I have a med-large hand, but on the thin side. The large fits, but there is extra fabric that bunches up across the back of my hand. It doesn't affect performance at all, but it does affect the look a little. There is a small velcro strap strap that tightens the glove at the wrist. I had a 6 foot tall guy try the glove on and there was no way. So men with large hands, this is not for you, yet.
The Cost
At $24.00 for the original style and $34.00 for the master, extra grip style these gloves cost more than some Pilates and yoga gloves I've seen. But you get a glove is light, easy wash and dry, and made of recyclable material with fair trade labor. And they work. I've done done Pilates in them, and some yoga on the floor without a sticky mat, and I did not slip. The glove comes in black, grass, and tangerine - in case you really want to be noticed.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
