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When attending a Pilates class at a devoted studio, you’ll typically discover specialised gear like reformers or train balls. Nevertheless, should you’re trying to follow at residence or in a fitness center, having at the very least a primary mat is crucial on 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 seek out the perfect Pilates mats, we spoke with licensed Pilates instructors to study extra about what key options to search for when looking 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 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 trying 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 total spot. Because of its strong cushioning and help, we will simply transfer by means of our whole follow with out taking a break as a consequence 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 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 snug performing each slower- and faster-paced workout routines. With a mild, cozy ribbed texture, it supplies 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 tough to hold round. Nevertheless, it’s light-weight and may be transported if wanted, however we want to make use of it in our residence exercise house.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat has enhanced my Pilates follow by offering a cushty and supportive layer and safety from onerous ground 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 targeted 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 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
Produced from naturally sourced supplies, Balanced Physique’s EcoWise Mat is our high choose for many who prioritize help when trying to find the precise 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 fully in place. Plus, it grips our socks and naked toes properly, 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 wash, 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 plenty of use. Nevertheless, this didn’t affect our Pilates follow; the crease simply doesn’t look the perfect aesthetically.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat enhances my Pilates follow 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 may with a smaller mat. I might advocate 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 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 wish to spend money on a long-lasting, well-cushioned Pilates mat for a house fitness center.
Why We Love It
Should you’re prepared to take a position in your house fitness center and know you wish to follow Pilates long-term, Bala’s The Play Mat needs to be on the high of your checklist. This mat is skinny however gives unbelievable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood ground and jute rug, and supplies cozy help, particularly to our hips when mendacity on our aspect and knees after 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 yr 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 wash with cleaning soap and water. We additionally love its aesthetically pleasing smooth design that curves on the high. Plus, it is accessible in two thickness choices, so you’ll be able to choose the correct amount of cushioning on your wants.
Potential Flaws
- This mat is pricier than different mats on our checklist. 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 value, particularly due to its sturdiness. Should you’re keen to splurge up-front, understanding you received’t have to interchange it, then I will surely advocate it. It’s snug, smooth wanting, 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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Simple to hold with hooked up straps
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Funds-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 considering attempting Pilates for the primary time or who’re enthusiastic about making it a daily a part of their health routine.
Why We Love It
The additional thickness and help provided by Stott’s Pilates Categorical Pilates Mat make it our high choose should you’re easing your manner into a daily Pilates follow. Its glorious 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 movement by means of our follow 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 straightforward to roll up and transport, because of its hooked up straps.
Potential Flaws
- Once we used this mat outdoor, we discovered that it heated up shortly in direct daylight. Should you plan on utilizing this mat outdoor, chances are you’ll wish 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, particularly, 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 comfy. Its thick, mushy texture helps help my joints and bones, permitting for longevity in poses that require strain, 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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Glorious grip on varied 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 General Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for many 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 properly and helps us really feel supported and comfy all through each transfer of our follow. 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 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 consequence of its cushioning, it’s fairly thick when rolled up, which can make it more difficult to retailer.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat could be very snug. The truth that it’s 1-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 capable of 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 high Pilates mats, however solely 5 impressed us sufficient to make our ultimate checklist of suggestions. Though we preferred a few of this mat’s options, it in the end didn’t meet our rigorous testing necessities to be chosen as a high choose.
- Gaiam’s Necessities Health Mat gives a budget-friendly worth and an excellent grip on onerous 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 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 totally examined article, solely offering our hands-on expertise with every beneficial 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 Purchasing for Pilates Mats
- Thickness: One of many important indicators of Pilates mats versus different train mats you may discover within the fitness center or at a yoga studio is their thickness. This extra thickness supplies joint help for the backbone, knees, wrists, and extra. Should you are likely to expertise joint ache, think about 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 improve the problem or present extra help throughout sure workout routines, says Erikson. Pilates teacher Laura Quinn, CPT, says that firmer mats present a secure, 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 elements to think about. A denser mat usually 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 flippantly textured. This helps you glide and carry out strikes extra fluidly. Should you are likely to get sweaty, chances are you’ll wish to go for a flippantly textured choice for extra grip.
- Portability: Should you plan to take your mat on the go, you’ll need one which rolls up properly, is light-weight, and comes with a strap for straightforward journey. Select a smaller, lighter mat should you plan on taking it with you typically. A Heavier, bigger mat may go greatest should you plan on utilizing it in your house exercise house.
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 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 follow comfortably. We strive 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 satisfactory cushioning and help throughout strikes that require sitting, mendacity down, standing, and kneeling. We additionally observe if we really feel any strain 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 taking a look at sturdiness, we ask ourselves if the mat exhibits any indicators of wear and tear and tear over time. Is it straightforward to wash and keep? 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 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 choices.
- 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 Components LAB
- Laura Quinn, CPT, licensed private coach and head Pilates Teacher at Alo Strikes
Steadily Requested Questions
How thick ought to a Pilates mat be?
Most Pilates mats are at the very least a half-inch thick to help your backbone and tailbone throughout 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 usually easy as a substitute of textured, and their thickness is designed to help your backbone throughout sure workout routines. You could discover that utilizing a grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates workout routines tougher and even uncomfortable.
What measurement mat is greatest for Pilates?
Pilates mats are usually round 24 inches by 72 inches. Nevertheless, there are bigger choices accessible which will work higher for taller people and those that want 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 enthusiastic about discovering steadiness, whether or not performing lots 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 stunning, useful Pilates mat.
Further reporting by Sarah Anzlovar
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD is a personal follow dietitian who works as a contract author, recipe developer, meals photographer, and model advisor. 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.
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