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When attending a Pilates class at a devoted studio, you’ll typically discover specialised tools like reformers or train balls. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re seeking to apply at residence or in a fitness center, having no 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 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 residence, 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 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 Total Score: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest 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 stable cushioning and help, we will simply transfer by way of our complete apply 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 workout routines with out us having to reposition ourselves.
Throughout testing, we beloved its regular grip as we flowed by way 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 gentle, comfortable ribbed texture, it supplies wonderful grip for our ft and fingers, 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 may be transported if wanted, however we favor to make use of it in our residence exercise area.
Most Helpful Perception
“This mat has enhanced my Pilates apply by offering a cushty 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 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 Total 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 possibility 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 individuals who prioritize help when looking for the appropriate Pilates mat. With thick cushioning and a raised sample that provides 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 fully 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 wash, 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 fully 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 one of the best aesthetically.
Most Helpful 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’d advocate this mat to others, particularly in the event that they’re in search of a pure possibility 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 Score: 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 residence fitness center.
Why We Love It
In case you’re prepared to speculate in your house fitness center and know you need to apply Pilates long-term, Bala’s The Play Mat must be on the prime of your checklist. This mat is skinny however gives unbelievable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood flooring and jute rug, and supplies 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 shedding our grip, even throughout sweatier exercises.
Sturdiness is the place this Pilates mat shines—now we have 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 wash with cleaning soap and water. We additionally love its aesthetically pleasing modern design that curves on the prime. Plus, it is obtainable 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 value its value, particularly due to its sturdiness. In case you’re prepared to splurge up-front, understanding you received’t have to switch it, then I will surely advocate it. It’s comfy, sleek-looking, well-designed, and long-lasting.” —Abby Moore, Verywell Match product tester
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Wonderful 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 Total Score: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals who are all for attempting Pilates for the primary time or who’re interested 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 Specific Pilates Mat make it our prime choose if you happen to’re easing your approach into an everyday Pilates apply. Its wonderful cushioning supplied us with nice help, which we significantly 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 circulate by way of our apply 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, because of its hooked up straps.
Potential Flaws
- Once we used this mat outside, we discovered that it heated up rapidly in direct daylight. In case you plan on utilizing this mat outside, you might need to stick with a shady space.
Most Helpful Perception
“Consolation is the place this mat shines. My knees, elbows, and again really feel nice! My again, particularly, 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 cozy. Its thick, gentle texture helps help my joints and bones, permitting for longevity in poses that require strain, 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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Supplies wonderful joint help
Key Specs
Dimensions: 70 inches x 23 inches x 25 millimeters | Materials: Excessive-density foam, rubber | Weight: 3.2 kilos | Our Total Score: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals 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 practising 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.
Not like 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, because of 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 tougher 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 in a position to put extra strain 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 ultimate checklist of suggestions. Though we favored 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 gives a budget-friendly worth and a terrific 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 apply 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 Searching for Pilates Mats
- Thickness: One of many major 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 help for the backbone, knees, wrists, and extra. In case you are inclined to expertise joint ache, take into account a thicker possibility 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 improve 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 splendid for sustaining your steadiness throughout numerous Pilates workout routines.
- 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 durations with out leaving indentations within the mat. Mats product of 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. In case you are inclined to get sweaty, you might need to go for a frivolously textured possibility for added grip.
- Portability: In case 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 typically. A heavier, bigger mat may fit greatest if you happen to plan on utilizing it in your house exercise area.
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 residence 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 take into account whether or not the mat supplies sufficient grip to maneuver by way of our apply comfortably. We attempt the mats on numerous surfaces, together with hardwood, tile, and carpet, and see 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 supplies ample cushioning and help throughout strikes that require sitting, mendacity down, standing, and kneeling. We additionally word if we really feel any strain factors or discomfort when utilizing the mat.
- Portability: When assessing portability, we take into account how gentle the mat is, how simply it rolls up, and whether or not it comes with a strap for straightforward journey. We additionally word 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 preserve? Does it maintain onto any odors?
- Worth: We verify every mat’s worth after we consider all different key standards to evaluate whether or not it’s value 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 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 searching for a high-quality Pilates mat. Though we select merchandise independently, skilled enter helps inform our selections.
- 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
Regularly Requested Questions
How thick ought to a Pilates mat be?
Most Pilates mats are no less than a half-inch thick (12.5 millimeters) to help your backbone and tailbone through the class. Nevertheless, 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 easy as an alternative of textured, and their thickness is designed to help 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 dimension mat is greatest for Pilates?
Pilates mats are typically round 24 inches by 72 inches. Nevertheless, there are bigger choices obtainable which 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 for Verywell Match. She’s captivated with discovering steadiness, whether or not performing lots of or attempting to nail the king pigeon pose. She believes there’s not rather more motivating for an on-the-ground exercise than a stunning, practical Pilates mat.
Further reporting by Sarah Anzlovar
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD is a non-public apply dietitian and author for Verywell Match. She enjoys Pilates courses and is aware of how vital the right mat is for sustaining correct kind and getting by way of essentially the most grueling exercises.
Each authors appeared over our testing insights from our lab to decide on our prime picks.