When attending a Pilates class at a devoted studio, you’ll typically discover specialised gear like reformers or train balls. Nevertheless, in case you’re seeking to apply at residence or in a fitness center, having at the least a fundamental mat is crucial 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 seek out the most effective Pilates mats, we spoke with licensed Pilates instructors to be taught extra about what key options to search for when searching for a high-quality choice. Then, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime choices at residence, 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 Evaluate Board assessment 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 Total Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Finest for these seeking to improve their Pilates apply 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. Because of its strong cushioning and help, we are able to simply transfer via our complete apply with out taking a break on account of joint discomfort, which is frequent 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 beloved its regular grip as we flowed via 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, comfortable ribbed texture, it offers glorious grip for our toes and arms, even once they get sweaty. Plus, it’s grippy sufficient to help completely 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 troublesome to hold round. It’s light-weight and might be transported if wanted, however we desire to make use of it in our residence exercise house.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat has enhanced my Pilates apply by offering a snug and supportive layer and safety from arduous flooring surfaces. I can transfer freely, doing full-body workout routines without 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 Total Ranking: 5/5
Who It’s For
Finest for many who need a supportive, grippy mat and/or have delicate pores and skin and wish an choice made with out latex and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Why We Love It
Constituted of naturally sourced supplies, Balanced Physique’s EcoWise Mat is our prime choose for many who prioritize help when looking for the fitting Pilates mat. With thick cushioning and a raised sample that provides superior grip, this mat strikes the proper steadiness of stability and help. After we use this mat on our hardwood flooring and carpet, it stays utterly in place. Plus, it grips our socks and naked toes 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 simple to scrub, and in contrast to another mats we’ve used prior 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 plenty of use. Nevertheless, this didn’t influence our Pilates apply; the crease simply doesn’t look the most effective aesthetically.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat enhances my Pilates apply due to its elevated grip. I discover it extra secure 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 might with a smaller mat. I might suggest this mat to others, particularly in the event that they’re on the lookout for a pure choice that received’t irritate their pores and skin.” —Danielle Auger, Verywell Match product tester
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Key Specs
Dimensions: 71 inches x 26 inches x 5 or 8 millimeters | Materials: Pure rubber | Weight: 1.2 kilos | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Finest for many who wish to spend money on a long-lasting, well-cushioned Pilates mat for a residence fitness center.
Why We Love It
When you’re prepared to take a position in your house fitness center and know you wish to apply Pilates long-term, Bala’s The Play Mat must be on the prime of your record. This mat is skinny however provides unimaginable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood flooring and jute rug, and offers comfortable help, particularly to our hips when mendacity on our facet and knees once we’re on all fours. Plus, we really feel secure and safe, by no means dropping our grip, even throughout sweatier exercises.
Sturdiness is the place this Pilates mat shines—we’ve used it for over a 12 months and haven’t seen any indicators of damage and tear. It actually appears the identical because the day we obtained it. It doesn’t maintain onto any odor, and sweat marks are simple to scrub with cleaning soap and water. We additionally love its aesthetically pleasing modern design that curves on the prime. Plus, it is out there in two thickness choices, so you possibly can choose the correct amount of cushioning to your wants.
Potential Flaws
- This mat is pricier than different mats on our record. Nevertheless, we expect 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 Worthwhile Perception
“This mat is price its price, particularly due to its sturdiness. When you’re keen to splurge up-front, realizing you received’t have to interchange it, then I will surely suggest it. It’s comfy, sleek-looking, well-designed, and long-lasting.” —Abby Moore, Verywell Match product tester
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Glorious help, particularly for the again and elbows
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Straightforward to hold with hooked up straps
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Finances-friendly
Key Specs
Dimensions: 70 inches x 22 inches x 10 millimeters | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Weight: 1.8 kilos | Our Total Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Finest for many who are enthusiastic about attempting Pilates for the primary time or who’re fascinated by making it a daily a part of their health routine.
Why We Love It
The additional thickness and help provided by Stott’s Pilates Specific Pilates Mat make it our prime choose in case you’re easing your means into a daily Pilates apply. Its glorious cushioning supplied us with nice help, which we significantly observed when performing strikes whereas mendacity on our again and when holding elbow plank poses.
We love that it provides top-notch grip, letting us movement via our apply with out worrying about slipping or any mat motion, regardless if we apply it to hardwood flooring, tiles, or outdoor on concrete. We discovered this mat simple to roll up and transport, because of its hooked up straps.
Potential Flaws
- After we used this mat outdoor, we discovered that it heated up shortly in direct daylight. When you plan on utilizing this mat outdoor, you could wish to keep on with a shady space.
Most Worthwhile 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 some other mat I’ve ever used earlier than. Its thick cushioning lets my again sink in, and I really feel so supported and cozy. Its thick, tender texture helps help my joints and bones, permitting for longevity in poses that require stress, like elbow planks.” —Samantha Aronson, manufacturing assistant and Verywell Match product tester
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Reminiscence foam-like cushioning that holds its form
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Stable grip on numerous surfaces, together with hardwood and carpet
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Gives glorious joint help
Key Specs
Dimensions: 70 inches x 23 inches x 25 millimeters | Materials: Excessive-density foam, rubber | Weight: 3.2 kilos | Our Total Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Finest for many who need a excessive stage of cushioning and luxury throughout their Pilates apply.
Why We Love It
If you wish to really feel such as you’re working towards 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 cozy all through each transfer of our apply. And, as exercisers who are inclined 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 protected and safe, by no means slipping or sliding, even throughout intense, sweaty exercises. Its clean texture makes it simple to scrub, and it doesn’t maintain onto any odors. Plus, it’s light-weight and simple to hold, because of its included strap.
Potential Flaws
- Though light-weight, on account of its cushioning, it’s fairly thick when rolled up, which can make it more difficult to retailer.
Most Worthwhile 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 in a position to 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 record of suggestions. Though we appreciated a few of this mat’s options, it in the end didn’t meet our rigorous necessities to be chosen as a prime choose.
- Gaiam’s Necessities Health Mat provides a budget-friendly worth and an important grip on arduous flooring. Nevertheless, it felt inflexible and uncomfortable to make use of, and our arms and toes slipped as we grew to become sweaty. Our nails scratched this mat’s floor simply, and it held indentations lengthy after our apply ended.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since publishing our preliminary research-based roundup of the most effective Pilates mats, we’ve re-evaluated our earlier picks and spent over 4,200 minutes hands-on testing prime choices. That is now a absolutely examined article, solely offering our hands-on expertise with every advisable Pilates mat.
- We consulted a further knowledgeable, a licensed 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 principal indicators of Pilates mats versus different train mats you would possibly discover within the fitness center or at a yoga studio is thickness. This extra thickness offers joint help for the backbone, knees, wrists, and extra. When you are inclined to expertise joint ache, take into account a thicker choice for added help.
- 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 help throughout sure workout routines, says Erickson. Pilates teacher Laura Quinn, CPT, says that firmer mats present a secure, supportive floor ultimate for sustaining your steadiness throughout numerous Pilates workout routines.
- Density and Materials: Density is commonly mistaken for thickness, however these are two separate elements to contemplate. A denser mat sometimes means it’s extra sturdy and can maintain as much as positions held for longer durations with out leaving indentations within the mat. Mats fabricated 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 clean or frivolously textured. This helps you glide and carry out strikes extra fluidly. When you are inclined to get sweaty, you could wish to go for a frivolously textured choice for added grip.
- Portability: When 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 simple journey. Select a smaller, lighter mat in case you plan on taking it with you typically. A heavier, bigger mat may match finest in case you plan on utilizing it in your house exercise house.
How We Examined the Pilates Mats
To seek out the most effective Pilates mats, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime choices at residence whereas performing numerous workout routines and stretches. When testing Pilates mats, we consider every choice based mostly on the next key standards.
- Grip: To judge for grip, we take into account whether or not the mat offers sufficient grip to maneuver via our apply comfortably. We attempt the mats on numerous surfaces, together with hardwood, tile, and carpet, and see 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 offers enough cushioning and help 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 take into account how mild the mat is, how simply it rolls up, and whether or not it comes with a strap for simple journey. We additionally observe how simple it’s to retailer.
- Sturdiness: When taking a look at sturdiness, we ask ourselves if the mat exhibits any indicators of damage and tear over time. Is it simple to scrub and preserve? Does it maintain onto any odors?
- Worth: We examine every mat’s worth after we consider all different key standards to evaluate whether or not it’s price it. Do we expect 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 suggest to family and friends.
Our Specialists
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 searching for a high-quality Pilates mat. Though we select merchandise independently, knowledgeable enter helps inform our choices.
- 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 Parts LAB
- Laura Quinn, CPT, licensed private coach and head Pilates Teacher at Alo Strikes
Ceaselessly 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 help your backbone and tailbone throughout the class. Nevertheless, some extra moveable 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 clean as an alternative of textured, and their thickness is designed to help your backbone throughout sure workout routines. Chances are you’ll discover that utilizing a skinny, grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates workout routines tougher 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 out there that will work higher for taller people and those that desire 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 for Verywell Match. She’s keen about discovering steadiness, whether or not performing a whole bunch or attempting to nail the king pigeon pose. She believes there’s not way more motivating for an on-the-ground exercise than a beautiful, practical Pilates mat.
Extra reporting by Sarah Anzlovar
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD is a personal apply dietitian and author for Verywell Match. She enjoys Pilates courses and is aware of how essential the proper mat is for sustaining correct kind and getting via essentially the most grueling exercises.