10 Best Pilates Mats: Recommended By Experts
If you are planning to look for the best pilates mat available on the market, you are on the right page. Our researchers have researched the domain for 112 long hours to list down the best 10 across usage needs, user needs and budgets. So, whatever your needs and budget be you will find the best here.
Pilates are very similar to Yoga but they mostly concentrate on abdominal, lower back and butt muscles to achieve a strong core and better body posture.
However, both Yoga and Plates require a good and stable yoga mat. Pilates need a thicker yoga mat that will protect your back when you will be rolling exercises up and down the floor. A good Pilates mat will be Thick, non-slippery and must have more cushioning.
Keeping this in mind, we have curated some of the best Pilates mats that are available online. Almost all of them have common themes: portability, thickness, durability, non-slippery and eco-friendly. So let’s go through some of our top picks.
What Are the Best Pilates Mats?
1. Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat
This mat is lightweight and long enough for 6 feet tall people. Like other similar products, this mat also provides dense cushioning that will be great when you are doing balancing and Pilates.
It is a highly recommended product but sometimes it works better if you scrub it with sea salt and keep it in sun for a day. The initial slipperiness of the mat goes right away. Furthermore, the material is denser and typically sticky. It will be worth a buy.
What we like in it?
- It is a great mat for mixed workouts.
- Works better if you are wearing grippy socks or anti-slip towel.
- Comes in a myriad of colours.
- Well-cushioned and firm enough to maintain the poses.
Cons
- It is a bit slippery after a few use.
- The lighter colors tend to leave a dull greyish mark of your hands and feet o the surface of the mat.
- There is some issue with the shipment.
2. Gaiam Yoga Mat
It is perfect for Pilates and floor exercises. It is durable, and extremely lightweight but also provides the right amount of cushioning to support your rigorous fitness routine.
It has a sticky non-slip surface for a supportive grip with your hands and feet. Moreover, it is free from harmful chemicals and bad odour that is so important while exercising every day.
What we like in it?
- Affordable.
- Extra thick for Pilates.
- With the purchase of this Yoga mat, you will get a free downloadable yoga workout session.
- Comes in great designs.
Cons
- Made out of PVC.
- Shows signs of wear and tear after a few use.
3. Yxwin Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is also made of premium TPE material, which is recyclable. TPE material is healthy and non-toxic and does not damage your skin in any way. This mat is much softer, lighter and has a better resilience when compared to PVC, NBR and EVA material.
It has upgraded double-sided sticky, nonslip texture that provides excellent traction. It also comes with a pro alignment line system that is ingrained in the mat. It is very helpful when you are balanced and correcting your postures. It improves your efficiency. It is very compatible with Pilates and floor workouts.
What we like in it?
- Comes with excellent quality assurance.
- It provides superior grip due to double-sided sticky non-slip texture.
- Easy maintenance.
- Shows no sign of wearing after prolong usage.
Cons
- The mat curls up near the end after using it for few times.
- Sweat leaves a lasting mark on the mat if you do not clean properly.
4. Vegou Eco-Friendly TPE Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is also made of a new variety of eco-friendly TPE material. It has no chloride, no metal elements and anti-static as well. It is about 300 grams lighter than PVC foam mat. Furthermore, this one also has a double-sided non-slip texture that provides an excellent grip on your hands and feet for balance.
It is completely non-slip on wood, tile and cement floors. This mat also comes with an extra level of cushioning that encourages you to perform pian free exercise every day.
What we like in it?
- It does retain sweat marks but when wiped off with a wet cloth, it completely disappears.
- You can take the mat outside and it works perfectly well.
- The cushioning is pretty good for Pilates and intense workout.
- Balance is maintained throughout your performance.
Cons
- It is a bit bulky and takes an effort to carry.
- Maybe not a good mat if your workout is mostly based on cardio and you shed a lot of sweat. The mat may become slippery.
5. Jelsyoga Extra Thick Yoga Mat
This is one of the best workout mats in the market. It is very supportive due to its 10mm thickness and provides you with stability and balance that leave no indents when pressure is applied.
It is made of high-quality TPE material that is excellent for your stability and balance when you are doing one-legged movements. Also, the main material, Dow POE7250 has been certified by SGS.
What we like in it?
- Odour-free.
- It has high resilience.
- No issue with slipping.
- High quality and tear resistance.
Cons
- It sometimes moves around the floor while doing jumping jacks or burpees.
6. Balance From GoYoga All-purpose Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is 71inch long and 24 inches wide that makes it flexible for all people of all shapes and sizes. It is also ½ inch thick and provides comfortable cushioning for your spine, hips, knees and elbows on a hard floor.
It also comes with moisture resistant technology that can be easily washed off with soap and water. Furthermore, it is lightweight and can be easily transported to one place to another because it comes with an exclusive shoulder strap.
What we like in it?
- Comes in an array of colours.
- The carrying strap makes it very easy to carry around.
- Provides intense cushioning and prevents any sort of bruising or soreness on knees and hips.
- The mat is a bit sticky and hence not slippery.
Cons
- Sometimes, after using it for a period of time, you can find indents of your feet and hands.
- The mat makes a squeaky noise.
7. TOPLUS Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is made of new TPE material with an upgraded anti-skid design. It comes with a double-layered structure with a non-slip design that provides an optimal grip when you are working out.
The thickness of this mat is also apt for your Pilates workout; it provides an optimum level of cushioning that will always protect you from joints and knee injuries. Moreover, the New TPE mats offers the latest technological improvements over traditional yoga mats that are made out of PVC, NBR or EVA. It will be worth a buy.
What we like in it?
- Highly recommended product by professionals.
- The thick padding over a wooden floor the rightful support your body needs.
- Surprisingly long, hence perfect for taller people.
- Can be used in boot camps too!
Cons
- It is better not to roll in the mat right after your use. It can curl up.
8. Gruper Yoga Mat
The Gruper TPE yoga mat is made of a new eco-friendly material that is suitable for many forms of Yoga, Pilates and Fitness. It has a special sticky non-slip texture on both sides that makes it more durable and resistant to tearing and deformation.
It has a comfortable grip and has enough cushioning for sensitive joints. Furthermore, it is made of moisture-resistant material that is perfect when you are shedding a lot of sweat while working out.
What we like in it ?
- Highly recommended by yoga lovers.
- Thick and sturdy and work well if you are wearing shoes.
- It has extra cushioning which is very good when you are doing Pilates.
- Comes with a free carry bag and a strap.
Cons
- If you don’t wear grippy socks then maybe you will face some chafing on your toes. Tough to roll up tightly.
9. STOTT Pilates Pilates Express Mat
This mat is perfect for Pilates and yoga. It is 10 mm thick which is why it provides the best comfort and protects your knees and joints from unwanted injury. However, it has a complicated care method.
If you can wipe the mat with soap suds/laundry powder solution or with water and tea tree oil, then it will stay intact for a lifetime. Moreover, it is made up of TPE that provides extra comfort and has a smooth surface that offers the ability to easily transit between poses and helps in sliding movements.
What we like in it?
- Highly recommended by professionals.
- Specially made for Pilates.
- Good for people with arthritis due to its padded cushion.
- Comes with a Velcro strap that offers easy portability.
Cons
- The mat will slip on the ground unless you remove the Velcro strap.
- Although it stays at its place, it is very stretchy.
10. Yoga Cloud Extra Thick Mat
If you are looking for a safer, sturdier and a slip-proof Pilates mat, then this one will be a very good investment. This high-density foam is 4 times thicker than other yoga mats and 2 times thicker than ½ inch thick mats.
It also includes a moisture-resistant surface for a safe and comfortable workout. Overall, it is a firm mat that will protect you from future injuries or common pains suffered from Pilates or hard-core exercises.
What we like in it?
- This mat has a multipurpose utility. It can be used for yoga, Pilates, Hot yoga, weight lifting or any other forms of cardio.
- You can take it on camping trips as well.
- Though it is thick, it is not too squishy like a soft bed.
- High level of shock absorption.
Cons
- It is a bit bulky and takes an effort to carry.
How to Choose a Best Pilates Mat
Currently, Pilates and Yoga are both celebrated for their numerous health benefits and developing balance and flexibility in your body. Both of them follow different principles but what links them both is the breathwork.
Pilates compile of physical exercises that improve your strength, flexibility and posture with a particular focus on the core. Hence, the mat requirement is also different. There are a few points to keep in mind before buying any Pilates mat.
Material And Texture
Since Pilates involve more physical exercises; Pilates often require either closed-cell foam or Thermal Plastic Elastomer (TPE). It offers the ultimate protection against wooden surfaces.
Thickness
Pilates require intense cushioning while you are working out to protect you from abrasions on your wrists, knees, elbows and spine. Thickness ranging from 5mm to 15mm will be good for Pilates.
Traction
Search formats that have a smoother surface. It will help you to easily transit from one pose to another and help in the overall sliding movements.
Travel And Portability
If you are working out at home, then thick mats will make a great buying option. But if you are travelling to the studio or working outside, then go for thinner, lightweight mats made of TPE material. It can be easily carried over the shoulder with a carrying strap and can be stored easily in a mat bag at home.
Budget
Since you are buying Mats suitable for Pilates, it will be better if you choose TPE material over foam mattresses. TPE mats are a bit expensive but of great quality. It will provide you with overall protection.
Frequently Asked Question
What Is The Best Thickness For Pilates Mats?
Pilates mats come within a range of 5mm thickness to 15mm thickness. The most convenient one will be 8mm Thickness. It will provide you with a perfect amount of protection and you can easily carry it around.
What Are The Characteristics Of A Pilates Mat?
The Pilates mat must be thicker than yoga mats because you need more cushioning. It must be non-sticky and have a smoother surface for easy transition from one pose to another. Also, closed-cell foam or TPE material is popular these days because it is easy to clean.
Conclusion
When you are doing Pilates for the first time, there is a lot of information to take in. If you have joined any classes, take advise from professionals or your instructor. It will help you to choose the right mat for your workout.
On the other hand, if you are self- learning, then go through the guidelines very carefully and note down your requirements. This will help you to buy the perfect one for yourself quite easily. Moreover, enjoy your workout in your new mat. It will elevate your spirit and will relax your mind and soul.
We will love it if you like something from our selection and find it useful.
Do not forget to check our collection of Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats and Sticky Yoga Mats. You will love them too.