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When attending a Pilates class at a devoted studio, you’ll usually discover specialised tools like reformers or train balls. Nonetheless, should you’re seeking to observe at dwelling or in a fitness center, having a minimum of a primary mat is important in your exercise. Pilates could 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 one of the best Pilates mats, we spoke with licensed Pilates instructors to study extra about what key options to search for when searching for a high-quality possibility. Then, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime choices at dwelling, performing standing, mendacity, and kneeling Pilates strikes and stretches. We rated every possibility for grip, consolation, portability, sturdiness, and worth. We additionally had a yoga and Pilates teacher from our Assessment 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 help, we will simply transfer by our complete observe 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 liked its regular grip as we flowed by 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 snug performing each slower- and faster-paced workout routines. With a mild, cozy ribbed texture, it offers glorious grip for our toes and arms, 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. It’s light-weight and could be transported if wanted, however we choose to make use of it in our dwelling exercise house.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat has enhanced my Pilates observe by offering a snug and supportive layer and safety from arduous ground surfaces. I can transfer freely, doing full-body workout routines without having to reposition or pause to permit my joints to relaxation. I’m fully centered on train actions versus the tools 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 individuals who desire a supportive, grippy mat and/or have delicate pores and skin and want an possibility 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 decide for individuals 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 fully in place. Plus, it grips our socks and naked toes effectively, stopping us from slipping and sliding, even after we get sweaty throughout extra intense strikes.
We love that this mat is hypoallergenic, which makes us really feel snug 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 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 straightforward to move and retailer.
Potential Flaws
- This Pilates mat didn’t fully flatten after unboxing, and a crease stays even after a lot of use. Nonetheless, this didn’t impression our Pilates observe; the crease simply doesn’t look one of the best aesthetically.
Most Worthwhile 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 might with a smaller mat. I’d suggest this mat to others, particularly in the event that they’re searching for a pure possibility that gained’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 General Ranking: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals 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 must be on the prime of your listing. This mat is skinny however provides unbelievable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood ground and jute rug, and offers cozy help, particularly to our hips when mendacity on our aspect and knees after 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’ve used it for over a 12 months and haven’t seen any indicators of damage and tear. It actually seems the identical because the day we acquired 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 glossy design that curves on the prime. Plus, it is obtainable in two thickness choices, so you possibly can choose the correct amount of cushioning in your wants.
Potential Flaws
- This mat is pricier than different mats on our listing. Nonetheless, 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 Worthwhile Perception
“This mat is price its value, particularly due to its sturdiness. Should you’re keen to splurge up-front, figuring out you gained’t have to switch it, then I would definitely suggest it. It’s snug, 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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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 individuals who are interested by attempting Pilates for the primary time or who’re fascinated by making it an everyday 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 prime decide should you’re easing your approach into an everyday Pilates observe. Its glorious cushioning offered us with nice help, which we notably seen 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 by our observe 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
- After we used this mat outside, we discovered that it heated up rapidly in direct daylight. Should you plan on utilizing this mat outside, you could need to stick 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 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 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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Offers glorious joint help
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 individuals 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 practising 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 comfy all through each transfer of our observe. 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 secure and safe, by no means slipping or sliding, even throughout intense, sweaty exercises. Its clean 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, on account of its cushioning, it’s fairly thick when rolled up, which can make it tougher to retailer.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat could be very snug. The truth that it’s one inch thick could 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 remaining listing of suggestions. Though we appreciated a few of this mat’s options, it finally didn’t meet our rigorous necessities to be chosen as a prime decide.
- Gaiam’s Necessities Health Mat provides a budget-friendly value and an important grip on arduous flooring. Nonetheless, 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 observe ended.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since publishing our preliminary research-based roundup of one of the best 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 really helpful 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 Purchasing for Pilates Mats
- Thickness: One of many foremost 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. Should you are inclined to expertise joint ache, contemplate a thicker possibility for added 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 improve the problem or present extra help throughout sure workout routines, says Erickson. Pilates teacher Laura Quinn, CPT, says that firmer mats present a steady, supportive floor excellent 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 think about. 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 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 clean or frivolously textured. This helps you glide and carry out strikes extra fluidly. Should you are inclined to get sweaty, you could need to go for a frivolously textured possibility for added grip.
- Portability: Should 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 should you plan on taking it with you usually. A heavier, bigger mat may match finest should you plan on utilizing it in your house exercise house.
How We Examined the Pilates Mats
To search out one of the best Pilates mats, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime choices at dwelling whereas performing numerous workout routines and stretches. When testing Pilates mats, we consider every possibility primarily based on the next key standards.
- Grip: To guage for grip, we contemplate whether or not the mat offers sufficient grip to maneuver by our observe comfortably. We attempt the mats on numerous surfaces, together with hardwood, tile, and carpet, and spot whether or not their grip modifications as soon as we begin to work up a sweat.
- Consolation: When contemplating consolation, we take into consideration whether or not the mat offers ample 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 sturdiness, we ask ourselves if the mat exhibits any indicators of damage and tear over time. Is it straightforward to scrub and keep? Does it maintain onto any odors?
- Worth: We verify every mat’s value 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 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, skilled enter helps inform our choices.
- Julie Erickson, CPI, CPT, licensed Pilates teacher and licensed 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 a minimum of a half-inch thick (12.5 millimeters) to help your backbone and tailbone throughout the class. Nonetheless, some extra moveable ones are as skinny as 6 millimeters (about 0.2 inches).
Can I exploit 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. You could discover that utilizing a skinny, grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates workout routines tougher and even uncomfortable.
What dimension mat is finest for Pilates?
Pilates mats are typically round 24 inches by 72 inches. Nonetheless, there are bigger choices obtainable that will work higher for taller people and those that choose 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 enthusiastic about discovering steadiness, whether or not performing tons of or attempting to nail the king pigeon pose. She believes there’s not far 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 observe dietitian and author for Verywell Match. She enjoys Pilates courses and is aware of how vital the proper mat is for sustaining correct type and getting by essentially the most grueling exercises.
Each authors regarded over our testing insights from our lab to decide on our prime picks.