We Discovered the Greatest Pilates Mats After 4,200+ Minutes of Planks, Tons of, & Extra

When attending a Pilates class at a devoted studio, you’ll typically discover specialised tools like reformers or train balls. Nonetheless, in the event you’re seeking to follow at residence or in a gymnasium, having not less than a primary 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 workouts and repetitions simply, says licensed Pilates teacher Julie Erickson, CPI, CPT.

To seek out the perfect Pilates mats, we spoke with licensed Pilates instructors to be taught extra about what key options to search for when purchasing for a high-quality choice. Then, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing high 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 Overview Board overview this text for accuracy.

PHOTO: Airex

Key Specs

Dimensions: 75 inches x 23 inches x 8 millimeters | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Weight: 3.1 kilos | Our General Score: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Greatest for these seeking to improve their Pilates follow 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 general spot. Because of its strong cushioning and help, we are able to simply transfer by way of our total follow with out taking a break as a result of joint discomfort, which is widespread for us. We additionally love that this mat is giant sufficient for full-body workouts with out us having to reposition ourselves.

Throughout testing, we liked its regular grip, as we flowed by way of Pilates workouts, 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 workouts. With a mild, cozy ribbed texture, it gives wonderful grip for our toes and palms, even once they get sweaty. Plus, it’s grippy sufficient to help 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 troublesome to hold round. Nonetheless, it’s light-weight and could be transported if wanted, however we want to make use of it in our residence exercise area.

Most Invaluable Perception

“This mat has enhanced my Pilates follow by offering a cushty and supportive layer and safety from onerous flooring surfaces. I can transfer freely, doing full-body workouts while not having to reposition or pause to permit my joints to relaxation. I’m utterly targeted on train actions versus the tools I’m exercising with.” —Jessica Christopher, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Balanced Physique

Key Specs

Dimensions: 72 inches x 23 inches x 10 millimeters | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Weight: Not listed | Our General Score: 5/5

Who It’s For

Greatest for individuals 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

Constructed from naturally sourced supplies, Balanced Physique’s EcoWise Mat is our high choose for individuals who prioritize help when trying to find the appropriate Pilates mat. With thick cushioning and a raised sample that gives superior grip, this mat strikes the right steadiness of stability and help. Once we use this mat on our hardwood flooring and carpet, it stays utterly in place. Plus, it grips our socks and naked toes effectively, 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 wash, and in contrast to another mats we’ve used previously, 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 numerous use. Nonetheless, this didn’t impression our Pilates follow; the crease simply doesn’t look the perfect aesthetically.

Most Invaluable Perception

“This mat enhances my Pilates follow 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’d suggest this mat to others, particularly in the event that they’re in search of a pure choice that received’t irritate their pores and skin.” —Danielle Auger, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Bala

Key Specs

Dimensions: 71 inches x 23 inches x 5 or 8 millimeters | Materials: Pure rubber | Weight: 1.2 kilos | Our General Score: 4.7/5

Who It’s For

Greatest for individuals who need to spend money on a long-lasting, well-cushioned Pilates mat for a residence gymnasium.

Why We Love It

When you’re prepared to take a position in your house gymnasium and know you need to follow Pilates long-term, Bala’s The Play Mat must be on the high of your record. This mat is skinny however affords unimaginable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood flooring and jute rug, and gives cozy help, 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 dropping our grip, even throughout sweatier exercises.

Sturdiness is the place this Pilates mat shines—we now have used it for over a yr and haven’t seen any indicators of damage and tear. It really appears to be like the identical because the day we obtained it. It doesn’t maintain onto any odor, and sweat marks are straightforward to wash with cleaning soap and water. We additionally love its aesthetically pleasing modern design that curves on the high. Plus, it is obtainable in two thickness choices, so you may choose the correct amount of cushioning to your wants.

Potential Flaws

This mat is pricier than different mats on our record. Nonetheless, 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 Invaluable Perception

“This mat is value its price, particularly due to its sturdiness. When you’re prepared to splurge up-front, understanding you received’t have to exchange it, then I would definitely suggest it. It’s comfy, modern trying, well-designed, and long-lasting.” —Abby Moore, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Amazon

Execs

Glorious help, particularly for the again and elbows
Straightforward to hold with hooked up straps
Price range-friendly

Key Specs

Dimensions: 70 inches x 22 inches x 10 millimeters | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Weight: 1.8 kilos | Our General Score: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Greatest for individuals who are concerned about making an attempt Pilates for the primary time or who’re eager about making it a daily a part of their health routine.

Why We Love It

The additional thickness and help supplied by Stott’s Pilates Categorical Pilates Mat make it our high choose in the event you’re easing your manner into a daily Pilates follow. Its wonderful cushioning offered us with nice help, which we notably observed when performing strikes whereas mendacity on our again and when holding elbow plank poses.

We love that it affords top-notch grip, letting us move by way of our follow with out worrying about slipping or any mat motion, regardless if we apply it to hardwood flooring, tiles, or outside on concrete. We discovered this mat straightforward to roll up and transport, due to its hooked up straps.

Potential Flaws

Once we used this mat outside, we discovered that it heated up shortly in direct daylight. When you plan on utilizing this mat outside, you could need to follow a shady space.

Most Invaluable 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 every 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, smooth texture helps help 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

PHOTO: Amazon

Execs

Reminiscence foam-like cushioning that holds its form
Glorious grip on numerous surfaces, together with hardwood and carpet
Gives wonderful joint help

Key Specs

Dimensions: 70 inches x 23 inches x 25 millimeters | Materials: Excessive-density foam, rubber | Weight: 3.2 kilos | Our General Score: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Greatest for individuals who need a excessive degree of cushioning and luxury throughout their Pilates follow.

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 effectively and helps us really feel supported and cozy all through each transfer of our follow. 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 wonderful 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 easy texture makes it straightforward to wash, 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 result of its cushioning, it’s fairly thick when rolled up, which can make it more difficult to retailer.

Most Invaluable Perception

“This mat may be very comfy. The truth that it’s 1-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 high Pilates mats, however solely 5 impressed us sufficient to make our last record of suggestions. Though we preferred a few of this mat’s options, it finally didn’t meet our rigorous testing necessities to be chosen as a high choose.

Gaiam’s Necessities Health Mat affords a budget-friendly value and an excellent grip on onerous flooring. Nonetheless, it felt inflexible and uncomfortable to make use of, and our palms and toes slipped as we turned sweaty. Our nails scratched this mat’s floor simply, and it held indentations lengthy after our follow 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 high choices. That is now a absolutely examined article, solely offering our hands-on expertise with every beneficial Pilates mat.
We consulted a further skilled, 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 predominant indicators of Pilates mats versus different train mats you may discover within the gymnasium or at a yoga studio is their thickness. This extra thickness gives joint help for the backbone, knees, wrists, and extra. When you are inclined to expertise joint ache, contemplate a thicker choice for extra help.
Cushion: Some mats provide 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 workouts, says Erikson. Pilates teacher Laura Quinn, CPT, says that firmer mats present a steady, supportive floor very best for sustaining your steadiness throughout numerous Pilates workouts.
Density and Materials: Density is usually mistaken for thickness, however these are two separate components to contemplate. 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 face up to longer use.
Floor Texture: The floor of Pilates mats tends to be easy or flippantly textured. This helps you glide and carry out strikes extra fluidly. When you are inclined to get sweaty, you could need to go for a flippantly textured choice for extra grip.
Portability: When you plan to take your mat on the go, you’ll need one which rolls up effectively, is light-weight, and comes with a strap for simple journey. Select a smaller, lighter mat in the event you plan on taking it with you typically. A Heavier, bigger mat may go greatest in the event you plan on utilizing it in your house exercise area.

How We Examined the Pilates Mats

To seek out the perfect Pilates mats, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing high choices at residence whereas performing numerous workouts and stretches. When testing Pilates mats, we consider every choice based mostly on the next key standards.

Grip: To guage for grip, we contemplate whether or not the mat gives sufficient grip to maneuver by way of our follow comfortably. We attempt the mats on numerous 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 gives satisfactory cushioning and help throughout strikes that require sitting, mendacity down, standing, and kneeling. We additionally notice if we really feel any stress factors or discomfort when utilizing the mat.
Portability: When assessing portability, we contemplate how mild the mat is, how simply it rolls up, and whether or not it comes with a strap for simple journey. We additionally notice how straightforward it’s to retailer.
Sturdiness: When taking a look at sturdiness, we ask ourselves if the mat reveals any indicators of damage and tear over time. Is it straightforward to wash and keep? Does it maintain onto any odors?
Worth: We examine every mat’s value after we consider all different key standards to evaluate whether or not it’s value 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 specialists at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of. The next specialists suggested us on what key options to search for when purchasing for a high-quality Pilates mat. Though we select merchandise independently, skilled enter helps inform our selections.

Julie Erikson, 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

Incessantly Requested Questions

How thick ought to a Pilates mat be?

Most Pilates mats are not less than a half-inch thick to help your backbone and tailbone through the class. Nonetheless, 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 usually easy as an alternative of textured, and their thickness is designed to help your backbone throughout sure workouts. It’s possible you’ll discover that utilizing a grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates workouts harder and even uncomfortable.

What measurement mat is greatest for Pilates?

Pilates mats are usually round 24 inches by 72 inches. Nonetheless, there are bigger choices obtainable which will work higher for taller people and people who want to not reposition their mats for full-body workouts.

Why Belief Verywell Match

Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., is a Pennsylvania-based health teacher and health author. She’s obsessed with discovering steadiness, whether or not performing tons of or making an attempt to nail the king pigeon pose. She believes there’s not far more motivating for an on-the-ground exercise than a beautiful, useful Pilates mat.

Extra reporting by Sarah Anzlovar

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD is a non-public follow dietitian who works as a contract author, recipe developer, meals photographer, and model guide. She enjoys Pilates courses and is aware of how essential the right mat is for sustaining correct kind and getting by way of essentially the most grueling exercises.