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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, in the event you’re seeking to observe at residence or in a health club, having at the very least a fundamental mat is crucial in 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 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 evaluate 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
Finest 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. Because of its strong cushioning and assist, we will simply transfer via our total observe with out taking a break attributable to 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.Â
Throughout testing, we beloved 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 comfy performing each slower- and faster-paced workouts. With a mild, comfortable ribbed texture, it supplies glorious grip for our toes and palms, even after 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. It’s light-weight and might be transported if wanted, however we want to make use of it in our residence exercise house.
Most Priceless 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 workouts with no need to reposition or pause to permit my joints to relaxation. I’m utterly 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
Finest for many 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
Produced from naturally sourced supplies, Balanced Physique’s EcoWise Mat is our high decide for many who prioritize assist when looking for the best Pilates mat. With thick cushioning and a raised sample that gives superior grip, this mat strikes the proper steadiness of stability and assist. 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 after 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 simple 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 simple to move and retailer.Â
Potential Flaws
- This Pilates mat didn’t utterly flatten after unboxing, and a crease stays even after numerous use. Nevertheless, this didn’t influence our Pilates observe; the crease simply doesn’t look the perfect aesthetically.
Most Priceless 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 might 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 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 Total Score: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Finest for many who need to spend money on a long-lasting, well-cushioned Pilates mat for a residence health club.
Why We Love It
In case you’re prepared to speculate in your house health club and know you need to observe Pilates long-term, Bala’s The Play Mat needs to be on the high of your record. This mat is skinny however gives unbelievable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood ground and jute rug, and supplies comfortable assist, 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.Â
Sturdiness is the place this Pilates mat shines—we’ve got used it for over a yr and haven’t seen any indicators of wear and tear and tear. It actually seems the identical because the day we acquired it. It doesn’t maintain onto any odor, and sweat marks are simple to scrub 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 quantity of cushioning in your wants.
Potential Flaws
- This mat is pricier than different mats on our record. 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.Â
Most Priceless Perception
“This mat is price its price, particularly due to its sturdiness. In case you’re keen to splurge up-front, understanding you gained’t have to exchange it, then I would definitely advocate it. It’s comfy, sleek-looking, 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 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: 4.8/5Â
Who It’s For
Finest for many who are fascinated about attempting Pilates for the primary time or who’re serious 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 Categorical Pilates Mat make it our high decide in the event you’re easing your method into a daily Pilates observe. Its glorious cushioning supplied us with nice assist, which we significantly observed when performing strikes whereas mendacity on our again and when holding elbow plank poses.Â
We love that it gives top-notch grip, letting us circulate via our observe with out worrying about slipping or any mat motion, regardless if we apply it to hardwood flooring, tiles, or open air on concrete. We discovered this mat simple to roll up and transport, due to its hooked up straps.Â
Potential Flaws
- Once we used this mat open air, we discovered that it heated up rapidly in direct daylight. In case you plan on utilizing this mat open air, chances are you’ll need to follow a shady space.
Most Priceless 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, tender texture helps assist 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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Strong grip on numerous surfaces, together with hardwood and carpet
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Offers 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 Score: 4.8/5Â
Who It’s For
Finest for many who need 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.
Not like 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 simple to scrub, and it doesn’t maintain onto any odors. Plus, it’s light-weight and simple to hold, due to its included strap.Â
Potential Flaws
- Though light-weight, attributable to its cushioning, it’s fairly thick when rolled up, which can make it tougher to retailer.Â
Most Priceless Perception
“This mat could be very comfy. 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 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 ultimate record 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 high decide.
- Gaiam’s Necessities Health Mat gives a budget-friendly worth and a terrific grip on arduous flooring. Nevertheless, 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 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 absolutely examined article, solely offering our hands-on expertise with every advisable Pilates mat.
- We consulted an extra knowledgeable, a licensed private coach and Pilates teacher, to make sure that our recommendation on selecting Pilates mats is correct and updated.Â
What to Search for When Searching for Pilates MatsÂ
- Thickness: One of many major indicators of Pilates mats versus different train mats you would possibly discover within the health club or at a yoga studio is thickness. This extra thickness supplies joint assist for the backbone, knees, wrists, and extra. In case you are inclined to expertise joint ache, think about a thicker possibility for extra assist.
- 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 enhance the problem or present extra assist throughout sure workouts, says Erickson. Pilates teacher Laura Quinn, CPT, says that firmer mats present a secure, supportive floor ideally suited for sustaining your steadiness throughout numerous Pilates workouts.Â
- Density and Materials: Density is usually 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 intervals with out leaving indentations within the mat. Mats manufactured 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 frivolously textured. This helps you glide and carry out strikes extra fluidly. In case you are inclined to get sweaty, chances are you’ll need to go for a frivolously textured possibility for extra grip.
- Portability: In case 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 straightforward 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 house.
How We Examined the Pilates Mats
To search 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 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 satisfactory cushioning and assist throughout strikes that require sitting, mendacity down, standing, and kneeling. We additionally observe if we really feel any stress 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 simple it’s to retailer.Â
- Sturdiness: When taking a look at sturdiness, we ask ourselves if the mat reveals any indicators of wear and tear and tear over time. Is it simple to scrub and keep? 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 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.Â
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, knowledgeable enter helps inform our choices.Â
- 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
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
How thick ought to a Pilates mat be?
Most Pilates mats are at the very least a half-inch thick (12.5 millimeters) to assist your backbone and tailbone through the class. Nevertheless, 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 easy as an alternative of textured, and their thickness is designed to assist your backbone throughout sure workouts. You could discover that utilizing a skinny, grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates workouts tougher 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 accessible that will work higher for taller people and those that 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 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 rather more motivating for an on-the-ground exercise than a beautiful, purposeful Pilates mat.Â
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 essential the proper mat is for sustaining correct kind and getting via probably the most grueling exercises.
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