Weight Loss
We Discovered the Finest Pilates Mats After 4,200+ Minutes of Planks, Lots of, & Extra
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Oct
When attending a Pilates class at a devoted studio, you’ll typically discover specialised gear like reformers or train balls. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re trying to observe at dwelling or in a fitness center, having no less than a primary mat is crucial to your exercise. Pilates could 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 search 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 possibility. Then, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing high 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 Evaluation 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 trying 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 general spot. Because of its strong cushioning and assist, we will simply transfer via our whole observe with out taking a break resulting from 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 cherished its regular grip, as we flowed via 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 snug performing each slower- and faster-paced workouts. With a mild, comfortable ribbed texture, it supplies glorious grip for our ft and palms, even once they get sweaty. Plus, it’s grippy sufficient to assist 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. Nonetheless, it’s light-weight and may be transported if wanted, however we desire to make use of it in our dwelling exercise area.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat has enhanced my Pilates observe by offering a snug and supportive layer and safety from exhausting ground surfaces. I can transfer freely, doing full-body workouts without having to reposition or pause to permit my joints to relaxation. I’m fully 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 individuals who desire 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
Constructed from naturally sourced supplies, Balanced Physique’s EcoWise Mat is our high decide for individuals who prioritize assist when looking for the proper Pilates mat. With thick cushioning and a raised sample that gives superior grip, this mat strikes the proper stability of stability and assist. After we use this mat on our hardwood flooring and carpet, it stays fully in place. Plus, it grips our socks and naked ft 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 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 numerous use. Nonetheless, this didn’t influence our Pilates observe; the crease simply doesn’t look the perfect aesthetically.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat enhances my Pilates observe 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 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 23 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 individuals who wish to put money into a long-lasting, well-cushioned Pilates mat for a dwelling fitness center.
Why We Love It
If you happen to’re prepared to speculate in your house fitness center and know you wish to observe Pilates long-term, Bala’s The Play Mat ought to be on the high of your checklist. This mat is skinny however affords unimaginable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood ground and jute rug, and supplies comfortable assist, 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—we have now used it for over a 12 months and haven’t seen any indicators of wear and tear and tear. It really appears to be like 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 modern design that curves on the high. Plus, it is obtainable in two thickness choices, so you’ll be able to choose the correct amount of cushioning to your wants.
Potential Flaws
- This mat is pricier than different mats on our checklist. 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 Worthwhile Perception
“This mat is price its price, particularly due to its sturdiness. If you happen to’re prepared to splurge up-front, realizing you received’t have to switch it, then I will surely advocate it. It’s snug, modern trying, well-designed, and long-lasting.” —Abby Moore, Verywell Match product tester
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Wonderful assist, particularly for the again and elbows
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Simple to hold with connected 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 individuals who are fascinated about making an attempt Pilates for the primary time or who’re excited about making it a daily a part of their health routine.
Why We Love It
The additional thickness and assist provided by Stott’s Pilates Specific Pilates Mat make it our high decide if you happen to’re easing your method into a daily Pilates observe. Its glorious cushioning offered us with nice assist, which we notably seen 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 via our observe 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 connected straps.
Potential Flaws
- After we used this mat outdoor, we discovered that it heated up rapidly in direct daylight. If you happen to plan on utilizing this mat outdoor, it’s possible you’ll 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, 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, tender texture helps assist 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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Wonderful grip on numerous surfaces, together with hardwood and carpet
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Supplies glorious joint assist
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 individuals who desire a excessive degree of cushioning and luxury throughout their Pilates observe.
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 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, because of its included strap.
Potential Flaws
- Though light-weight, resulting from 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 remaining 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 decide.
- Gaiam’s Necessities Health Mat affords a budget-friendly worth and a fantastic grip on exhausting flooring. Nonetheless, it felt inflexible and uncomfortable to make use of, and our palms and ft 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 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 advisable Pilates mat.
- We consulted a further 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 principal 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 assist for the backbone, knees, wrists, and extra. If you happen to are inclined to expertise joint ache, think about a thicker possibility for extra assist.
- 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 assist throughout sure workouts, says Erikson. Pilates teacher Laura Quinn, CPT, says that firmer mats present a secure, supportive floor excellent for sustaining your stability throughout numerous Pilates workouts.
- Density and Materials: Density is commonly mistaken for thickness, however these are two separate components to think about. A denser mat usually 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 calmly textured. This helps you glide and carry out strikes extra fluidly. If you happen to are inclined to get sweaty, it’s possible you’ll wish to go for a calmly textured possibility for extra grip.
- Portability: If you happen to 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 straightforward journey. Select a smaller, lighter mat if you happen to plan on taking it with you typically. A Heavier, bigger mat may go greatest if you happen to plan on utilizing it in your house exercise area.
How We Examined the Pilates Mats
To search out the perfect Pilates mats, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing high choices at dwelling whereas performing numerous workouts and stretches. When testing Pilates mats, we consider every possibility based mostly on the next key standards.
- Grip: To guage for grip, we think about whether or not the mat supplies sufficient grip to maneuver via our observe comfortably. We strive 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 supplies ample cushioning and assist throughout strikes that require sitting, mendacity down, standing, and kneeling. We additionally be aware 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 be aware 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 scrub and keep? Does it maintain onto any odors?
- Worth: We test 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 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 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 Parts 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 no less than a half-inch thick to assist your backbone and tailbone throughout the class. Nonetheless, some extra transportable 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 a substitute of textured, and their thickness is designed to assist your backbone throughout sure workouts. Chances are you’ll discover that utilizing a grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates workouts harder and even uncomfortable.
What dimension mat is greatest 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 people who desire 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 enthusiastic about discovering stability, whether or not performing lots of or making an attempt 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.
Further reporting by Sarah Anzlovar
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD is a personal observe dietitian who works as a contract author, recipe developer, meals photographer, and model advisor. She enjoys Pilates lessons and is aware of how essential the proper mat is for sustaining correct type and getting via probably the most grueling exercises.