:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-pilates-exercise-mats-apr-24-test-airex-190-jessica-christopher-09-cb26e5d1a1f84b53bfd5bb7290bed269.jpeg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "We Discovered the Greatest Pilates Mats After 4,200+ Minutes of Planks, A whole bunch, & Extra")
When attending a Pilates class at a devoted studio, you’ll typically discover specialised tools like reformers or train balls. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re seeking to apply at residence or in a gymnasium, having at the least a fundamental 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 workouts and repetitions simply, says licensed Pilates teacher Julie Erickson, CPI, CPT.
To seek out one of the best Pilates mats, we spoke with licensed Pilates instructors to be taught extra about what key options to search for when looking for a high-quality choice. Then, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime 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 overview 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
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 assist, we are able to simply transfer by means of our total apply with out taking a break because of 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 beloved its regular grip, as we flowed by means of 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 gives glorious grip for our toes 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 will be transported if wanted, however we choose to make use of it in our residence exercise house.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat has enhanced my Pilates apply 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 targeted 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 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 choice made with out latex and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Why We Love It
Created from naturally sourced supplies, Balanced Physique’s EcoWise Mat is our prime choose for individuals who prioritize assist when looking for the suitable Pilates mat. With thick cushioning and a raised sample that provides superior grip, this mat strikes the right 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 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 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 utterly flatten after unboxing, and a crease stays even after a lot of use. Nonetheless, this didn’t influence our Pilates apply; the crease simply doesn’t look one of the best aesthetically.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“This mat enhances my Pilates apply 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 may with a smaller mat. I might suggest this mat to others, particularly in the event that they’re in search of a pure choice that gained’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
Greatest for individuals who need to spend money on a long-lasting, well-cushioned Pilates mat for a residence gymnasium.
Why We Love It
In case you’re prepared to take a position in your house gymnasium and know you need to apply Pilates long-term, Bala’s The Play Mat must be on the prime of your listing. This mat is skinny however gives unbelievable cushioning. It grips completely on our hardwood ground and jute rug, and gives comfortable assist, 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 shedding our grip, even throughout sweatier exercises.
Sturdiness is the place this Pilates mat shines—we have now used it for over a yr and haven’t seen any indicators of damage and tear. It really seems the identical because the day we obtained 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. In case you’re prepared to splurge up-front, realizing you gained’t have to exchange it, then I would definitely suggest it. It’s snug, glossy trying, well-designed, and long-lasting.” —Abby Moore, Verywell Match product tester
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Glorious assist, 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 Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals who are fascinated with making an attempt Pilates for the primary time or who’re eager 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 prime choose if you happen to’re easing your approach into a daily Pilates apply. Its glorious cushioning supplied us with nice assist, 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 circulation by means of our apply 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, due to its hooked up straps.
Potential Flaws
- Once we used this mat outdoor, we discovered that it heated up rapidly in direct daylight. In case you plan on utilizing this mat outdoor, you could need to persist 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 every other 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, smooth texture helps assist my joints and bones, permitting for longevity in poses that require stress, 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 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
Greatest for individuals who desire 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 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 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 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 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, because 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 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 ultimate listing of suggestions. Though we favored a few of this mat’s options, it in the end didn’t meet our rigorous testing necessities to be chosen as a prime choose.
- Gaiam’s Necessities Health Mat gives a budget-friendly value and a terrific grip on arduous flooring. Nonetheless, 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 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 beneficial Pilates mat.
- We consulted an extra professional, 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 principal indicators of Pilates mats versus different train mats you would possibly discover within the gymnasium or at a yoga studio is their thickness. This extra thickness gives joint assist for the backbone, knees, wrists, and extra. In case you are inclined to expertise joint ache, contemplate a thicker choice for added 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 steady, supportive floor ideally suited for sustaining your steadiness throughout varied 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 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 flippantly textured. This helps you glide and carry out strikes extra fluidly. In case you are inclined to get sweaty, you could need to go for a flippantly textured choice for added grip.
- Portability: In case 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 if you happen to plan on taking it with you typically. A Heavier, bigger mat may go finest if you happen to plan on utilizing it in your house exercise house.
How We Examined the Pilates Mats
To seek out one of the best Pilates mats, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing prime choices at residence whereas performing varied workouts and stretches. When testing Pilates mats, we consider every choice primarily based on the next key standards.
- Grip: To judge for grip, we contemplate whether or not the mat gives sufficient grip to maneuver by means of our apply 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 gives ample cushioning and assist 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 straightforward journey. We additionally notice how straightforward it’s to retailer.
- Sturdiness: When sturdiness, we ask ourselves if the mat reveals any indicators of damage and tear over time. Is it straightforward to scrub and preserve? 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 looking for a high-quality Pilates mat. Though we select merchandise independently, professional enter helps inform our selections.
- Julie Erikson, 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
Often Requested Questions
How thick ought to a Pilates mat be?
Most Pilates mats are at the least a half-inch thick to assist 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 easy as a substitute of textured, and their thickness is designed to assist your backbone throughout sure workouts. You might discover that utilizing a grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates workouts harder and even uncomfortable.
What measurement 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 people who choose 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 keen about discovering steadiness, 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 stunning, practical Pilates mat.
Extra reporting by Sarah Anzlovar
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD is a personal apply dietitian who works as a contract author, recipe developer, meals photographer, and model guide. She enjoys Pilates lessons and is aware of how vital the right mat is for sustaining correct kind and getting by means of probably the most grueling exercises.
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