When attending a Pilates class at a devoted studio, you’ll usually discover specialised gear like reformers or train balls. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re seeking to observe at dwelling or in a fitness center, having at the least a fundamental mat is important to your exercise. Pilates may be very fluid, so the mats are thicker and extra slippery than yoga mats, permitting you to transition between workout routines and repetitions simply, says licensed Pilates teacher Julie Erickson, CPI, CPT.
To search out the perfect Pilates mats, we spoke with licensed Pilates instructors to be taught extra about what key options to search for when looking for a high-quality choice. Then, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime choices at dwelling, performing standing, mendacity, and kneeling Pilates strikes and stretches. We rated every choice for grip, consolation, portability, sturdiness, and worth. We additionally had a yoga and Pilates teacher from our Evaluation Board evaluation this text for accuracy.
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Key Specs
Dimensions: 75 inches x 23 inches x 8 millimeters | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Weight: 3.1 kilos | Our General Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for these seeking to improve their Pilates observe with a high-quality, well-cushioned Pilates mat.
Why We Love It
With Goldilocks-perfect cushioning and a non-slip grip on a number of surfaces, Airex’s Pilates 190 Mat was a shoo-in for our greatest total spot. Due to its stable cushioning and assist, we will simply transfer by means of our complete observe with out taking a break as a consequence of joint discomfort, which is widespread for us. We additionally love that this mat is massive sufficient for full-body workout routines with out us having to reposition ourselves.
Throughout testing, we cherished its regular grip as we flowed by means of Pilates workout routines, together with cardio-driven sequences and static and dynamic actions. We by no means felt this mat transfer on the carpet, hardwood, or tile flooring, and we felt comfy performing each slower- and faster-paced workout routines. With a mild, cozy ribbed texture, it supplies glorious grip for our ft and fingers, even once they get sweaty. Plus, it’s grippy sufficient to assist totally different sock textures with out us sliding round. We additionally love that it’s a breeze to wipe clear with soapy water.
Potential Flaws
- As a result of this mat is so lengthy, it feels considerably cumbersome and tough to hold round. It’s light-weight and will be transported if wanted, however we favor to make use of it in our dwelling exercise area.
Most Helpful Perception
“This mat has enhanced my Pilates observe by offering a snug and supportive layer and safety from onerous flooring surfaces. I can transfer freely, doing full-body workout routines while not having to reposition or pause to permit my joints to relaxation. I’m utterly centered on train actions versus the gear I’m exercising with.” —Jessica Christopher, Verywell Match product tester
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Key Specs
Dimensions: 72 inches x 23 inches x 10 millimeters | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Weight: Not listed | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for many who desire a supportive, grippy mat and/or have delicate pores and skin and want an choice made with out latex and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Why We Love It
Constructed from naturally sourced supplies, Balanced Physique’s EcoWise Mat is our prime choose for many who prioritize assist when looking for the suitable Pilates mat. With thick cushioning and a raised sample that gives superior grip, this mat strikes the right steadiness of stability and assist. After we use this mat on our hardwood flooring and carpet, it stays utterly in place. Plus, it grips our socks and naked ft nicely, stopping us from slipping and sliding, even once we get sweaty throughout extra intense strikes.
We love that this mat is hypoallergenic, which makes us really feel comfy touching it to our naked pores and skin with out worrying about any irritation. It’s tremendous straightforward to scrub, and in contrast to another mats we’ve used up to now, it doesn’t give off or maintain onto any odor. We wipe ours down with a disinfecting wipe after use and love that it dries extremely quick. We additionally love that it’s light-weight and simple to move and retailer.
Potential Flaws
- This Pilates mat didn’t utterly flatten after unboxing, and a crease stays even after a lot of use. Nevertheless, this didn’t influence our Pilates observe; the crease simply doesn’t look the perfect aesthetically.
Most Helpful Perception
“This mat enhances my Pilates observe due to its elevated grip. I discover it extra steady and simpler to make use of than a thicker mat. I additionally love that it’s lengthy as a result of I can transfer round greater than I may with a smaller mat. I might advocate this mat to others, particularly in the event that they’re in search of a pure choice that gained’t irritate their pores and skin.” —Danielle Auger, Verywell Match product tester
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Key Specs
Dimensions: 71 inches x 23 inches x 5 or 8 millimeters | Materials: Pure rubber | Weight: 1.2 kilos | Our General Ranking: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for many who need to put money into a long-lasting, well-cushioned Pilates mat for a dwelling fitness center.
Why We Love It
Should you’re prepared to take a position in your house fitness center and know you need to observe Pilates long-term, Bala’s The Play Mat needs to be on the prime of your checklist. This mat is skinny however gives unimaginable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood flooring and jute rug, and supplies cozy assist, particularly to our hips when mendacity on our aspect and knees once we’re on all fours. Plus, we really feel steady and safe, by no means shedding our grip, even throughout sweatier exercises.
Sturdiness is the place this Pilates mat shines—we have now used it for over a 12 months and haven’t seen any indicators of wear and tear and tear. It actually appears the identical because the day we obtained it. It doesn’t maintain onto any odor, and sweat marks are straightforward to scrub with cleaning soap and water. We additionally love its aesthetically pleasing modern design that curves on the prime. Plus, it is accessible in two thickness choices, so you may choose the correct quantity of cushioning to your wants.
Potential Flaws
- This mat is pricier than different mats on our checklist. Nevertheless, we predict its high quality exceeds its worth.
- Whereas this mat isn’t essentially heavy, it’s a bit cumbersome to hold. To treatment this, we bought a mat strap to make transport simpler.
Most Helpful Perception
“This mat is price its price, particularly due to its sturdiness. Should you’re prepared to splurge up-front, realizing you gained’t have to interchange it, then I would definitely advocate it. It’s comfy, sleek-looking, well-designed, and long-lasting.” —Abby Moore, Verywell Match product tester
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Glorious assist, particularly for the again and elbows
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Simple to hold with hooked up straps
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Price range-friendly
Key Specs
Dimensions: 70 inches x 22 inches x 10 millimeters | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Weight: 1.8 kilos | Our General Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for many who are thinking about making an attempt Pilates for the primary time or who’re desirous about making it a daily a part of their health routine.
Why We Love It
The additional thickness and assist supplied by Stott’s Pilates Categorical Pilates Mat make it our prime choose if you happen to’re easing your method into a daily Pilates observe. Its glorious cushioning supplied us with nice assist, which we notably seen when performing strikes whereas mendacity on our again and when holding elbow plank poses.
We love that it gives top-notch grip, letting us move by means of our observe with out worrying about slipping or any mat motion, regardless if we apply it to hardwood flooring, tiles, or open air on concrete. We discovered this mat straightforward to roll up and transport, due to its hooked up straps.
Potential Flaws
- After we used this mat open air, we discovered that it heated up shortly in direct daylight. Should you plan on utilizing this mat open air, chances are you’ll need to keep on with a shady space.
Most Helpful Perception
“Consolation is the place this mat shines. My knees, elbows, and again really feel nice! My again, specifically, feels higher with this mat than another mat I’ve ever used earlier than. Its thick cushioning lets my again sink in, and I really feel so supported and comfy. Its thick, gentle texture helps assist my joints and bones, permitting for longevity in poses that require stress, like elbow planks.” —Samantha Aronson, commerce manufacturing assistant and Verywell Match product tester
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Reminiscence foam-like cushioning that holds its form
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Strong grip on varied surfaces, together with hardwood and carpet
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Offers glorious joint assist
Key Specs
Dimensions: 70 inches x 23 inches x 25 millimeters | Materials: Excessive-density foam, rubber | Weight: 3.2 kilos | Our General Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for many who desire a excessive stage of cushioning and luxury throughout their Pilates observe.
Why We Love It
If you wish to really feel such as you’re training Pilates on a cloud, you’ll love HemingWeigh’s 1” Thick Yoga Mat. Its thick, reminiscence foam-like cushioning holds its form nicely and helps us really feel supported and comfy all through each transfer of our observe. And, as exercisers who are likely to get sore hand and wrist joints, this mat helped us carry out strikes we beforehand felt discomfort doing when utilizing our thinner, much less supportive mats.
In contrast to another mats we’ve used, this one has glorious grip on all surfaces, together with carpet and hardwood flooring. We felt secure and safe, by no means slipping or sliding, even throughout intense, sweaty exercises. Its easy texture makes it straightforward to scrub, and it doesn’t maintain onto any odors. Plus, it’s light-weight and straightforward to hold, due to its included strap.
Potential Flaws
- Though light-weight, as a consequence of its cushioning, it’s fairly thick when rolled up, which can make it more difficult to retailer.
Most Helpful Perception
“This mat may be very comfy. The truth that it’s one inch thick may be very noticeable. It has a reminiscence foam really feel, which feels nice on my fragile joints. I like that I’m capable of put extra stress on my joints due to this mat.” —Jacob Fox, Verywell Match product tester
Pilates Mats We Additionally Examined
We spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime Pilates mats, however solely 5 impressed us sufficient to make our last checklist of suggestions. Though we favored a few of this mat’s options, it finally didn’t meet our rigorous necessities to be chosen as a prime choose.
- Gaiam’s Necessities Health Mat gives a budget-friendly worth and an ideal grip on onerous flooring. Nevertheless, it felt inflexible and uncomfortable to make use of, and our fingers and ft slipped as we turned sweaty. Our nails scratched this mat’s floor simply, and it held indentations lengthy after our observe ended.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since publishing our preliminary research-based roundup of the perfect Pilates mats, we’ve re-evaluated our earlier picks and spent over 4,200 minutes hands-on testing prime choices. That is now a totally examined article, solely offering our hands-on expertise with every advisable Pilates mat.
- We consulted an extra professional, an authorized private coach and Pilates teacher, to make sure that our recommendation on selecting Pilates mats is correct and updated.
What to Search for When Looking for Pilates Mats
- Thickness: One of many foremost indicators of Pilates mats versus different train mats you may discover within the fitness center or at a yoga studio is thickness. This extra thickness supplies joint assist for the backbone, knees, wrists, and extra. Should you are likely to expertise joint ache, think about a thicker choice for added assist.
- Cushion: Some mats supply extra cushioning than others—some are softer and extra pliable, whereas others are thick and agency. The kind of Pilates mat you select can enhance the problem or present extra assist throughout sure workout routines, says Erickson. Pilates teacher Laura Quinn, CPT, says that firmer mats present a steady, supportive floor superb for sustaining your steadiness throughout varied Pilates workout routines.
- Density and Materials: Density is commonly mistaken for thickness, however these are two separate components to think about. A denser mat sometimes means it’s extra sturdy and can maintain as much as positions held for longer intervals with out leaving indentations within the mat. Mats made from closed-cell or high-density foam are denser, higher high quality, and stand up to longer use.
- Floor Texture: The floor of Pilates mats tends to be easy or frivolously textured. This helps you glide and carry out strikes extra fluidly. Should you are likely to get sweaty, chances are you’ll need to go for a frivolously textured choice for added grip.
- Portability: Should you plan to take your mat on the go, you’ll need one which rolls up nicely, is light-weight, and comes with a strap for straightforward journey. Select a smaller, lighter mat if you happen to plan on taking it with you usually. A heavier, bigger mat may go finest if you happen to plan on utilizing it in your house exercise area.
How We Examined the Pilates Mats
To search out the perfect Pilates mats, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime choices at dwelling whereas performing varied workout routines and stretches. When testing Pilates mats, we consider every choice primarily based on the next key standards.
- Grip: To judge for grip, we think about whether or not the mat supplies sufficient grip to maneuver by means of our observe comfortably. We attempt the mats on varied surfaces, together with hardwood, tile, and carpet, and spot whether or not their grip adjustments as soon as we begin to work up a sweat.
- Consolation: When contemplating consolation, we take into consideration whether or not the mat supplies ample cushioning and assist throughout strikes that require sitting, mendacity down, standing, and kneeling. We additionally observe if we really feel any stress factors or discomfort when utilizing the mat.
- Portability: When assessing portability, we think about how mild the mat is, how simply it rolls up, and whether or not it comes with a strap for straightforward journey. We additionally observe how straightforward it’s to retailer.
- Sturdiness: When sturdiness, we ask ourselves if the mat reveals any indicators of wear and tear and tear over time. Is it straightforward to scrub and keep? Does it maintain onto any odors?
- Worth: We test every mat’s worth after we consider all different key standards to evaluate whether or not it’s price it. Do we predict it’s priced pretty? Would we solely purchase it on sale? We prioritize Pilates mats whose high quality exceeds their worth and that we’d advocate to family and friends.
Our Consultants
We consulted consultants at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of. The next consultants suggested us on what key options to search for when looking for a high-quality Pilates mat. Though we select merchandise independently, professional enter helps inform our selections.
- Julie Erickson, CPI, CPT, licensed Pilates teacher and authorized private coach at Pilates for Life
- Anne Bertram, MFA, CMA, CHHC, licensed motion analyst, licensed Pilates teacher, and director of Structural Components LAB
- Laura Quinn, CPT, licensed private coach and head Pilates Teacher at Alo Strikes
Incessantly Requested Questions
How thick ought to a Pilates mat be?
Most Pilates mats are at the least a half-inch thick (12.5 millimeters) to assist your backbone and tailbone through the class. Nevertheless, some extra transportable ones are as skinny as 6 millimeters (about 0.2 inches).
Can I take advantage of a yoga mat for Pilates?
Pilates mats are typically easy as a substitute of textured, and their thickness is designed to assist your backbone throughout sure workout routines. You might discover that utilizing a skinny, grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates workout routines harder and even uncomfortable.
What measurement mat is finest for Pilates?
Pilates mats are typically round 24 inches by 72 inches. Nevertheless, there are bigger choices accessible that will work higher for taller people and people who favor to not reposition their mats for full-body workout routines.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., is a Pennsylvania-based health teacher and health author. She’s captivated with discovering steadiness, whether or not performing tons of or making an attempt to nail the king pigeon pose. She believes there’s not rather more motivating for an on-the-ground exercise than a beautiful, useful Pilates mat.
Further reporting by Sarah Anzlovar
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD is a personal observe dietitian who works as a contract author, recipe developer, meals photographer, and model marketing consultant. She enjoys Pilates lessons and is aware of how necessary the right mat is for sustaining correct type and getting by means of probably the most grueling exercises.