We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Apparel and Gear Workout Gear The Best Pilates Mats for Your At-Home Workouts, According to Pilates Pros And no, Pilates mats aren't the same as yoga mats. By Leoni Jesner Leoni Jesner Leoni Jesner is a fitness, health, and lifestyle writer who contributed to Forbes Health, Insider, Verywell Fit, Byrdie, and LIVESTRONG, among others. As an internationally qualified personal trainer, mat Pilates instructor, and nutrition coach, Leoni is passionate about helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle focusing on the mind and body, a regular fitness routine, and a well-rounded approach to nutrition. Leoni earned a master's degree in business management from the University of Edinburgh and is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer and Train Fitness mat Pilates instructor. Shape's editorial guidelines and Rachel Sokol Updated on February 9, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What to Look For Why Trust Shape Shape / Kristin Kempa Whether you're new to Pilates or an advanced practitioner, you'll want to make sure you're using a Pilates mat rather than a yoga mat. While it's true that both Pilates and yoga use exercise mats, the types of mats used in each are different. "Many moves performed on the Pilates mat require your spine to move through articulations that put pressure on your back, which is why Pilates mats are traditionally thicker than yoga mats," says Vanessa Huffman, director of teacher training at Club Pilates. The ideal mat thickness for Pilates comes down to how comfortable you need your 'bony' body parts (knees, spine, and hip bones, for example) to be, according to Gosia Calderon, owner and instructor at Ridgewood Pilates. At least 4mm thick is your starting point for a Pilates mat— anything more and it’s harder for you to feel balanced or connected to the ground. Below, the 11 best Pilates mats to keep you stable, supported, and cushioned in the studio. The TL;DR on Pilates Mats Pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats for extra cushioning on your spine. The best Pilates mat overall is the Aeromat Elite Workout Mat, which is over ½ inch thick with an antimicrobial coating. For an extra-thick Pilates mat, we love the 15mm Stott Pilates Deluxe Mat. Our Top Picks Best Pilates Mat Overall: Aeromat Elite Workout Mat at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Extra-Thick Pilates Mat: Stott Pilates Deluxe Pilates Mat at Amazon ($80) Jump to Review Best On-The-Go Pilates Mat: SPRI Exercise Mat at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Pilates Mat to Splurge On: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat at Amazon ($138) Jump to Review Best Budget Pilates Mat: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Eco-Friendly Pilates Mat: Ewedoos Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Pilates Mat for Beginners: Gaiam 4mm Classic Yoga Mat at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Suede-Like Pilates Mat: POPFLEX CloudCushion Vegan Suede Yoga Mat at Amazon ($59) Jump to Review Best Hot Pilates Mat: Bala The Play Mat Plus at Amazon ($129) Jump to Review Best Extra Large Pilates Mat: Cambivo Extra Wide Workout Mat at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Pilates Mat Overall Aeromat Elite Workout Mat Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Bed Bath & Beyond Why We Like It: There are three size options to choose from.It's Worth Noting: Not all colors are available in each size. Thickness: 12.7mm | Dimensions: 20” x 48”, 24” x 56”, and 24” x 72” | Material: NBR closed-cell foam The Aeromat Elite Workout Mat is our pick for the best Pilates mat overall, and it comes personally recommended by Huffman. "I love and use this Aeromat mat because it checks off all the boxes for Pilates use, and it has an antimicrobial coating to prevent unwanted scents from building up on the mats," she says. Made of a plush foam material, the cushioned padding is available in three different thickness levels that each offer soft support to your bones and joints. The Pilates mat's textured surface keeps you held in place so you won't slip on the mat, and it comes with two reinforced holes so you can easily hang it up between uses. Ideal for any floor exercises — from low-impact stretching to Pilates — this mat is lightweight, easy to clean, and available in a variety of colors. It's the ideal mat to use for a beginner's Pilates workout. "We use the Aeromat mat in all of our Club Pilates studios," says Huffman. Best Extra-Thick Pilates Mat Stott Pilates Deluxe Pilates Mat Amazon View On Amazon $80 View On Walmart $70 View On Target $57 Why We Like It: This super thick mat has plenty of buffer for your joints.It's Worth Noting: It’s not the most compact mat when rolled. Thickness: 15mm | Dimensions: 24” x 72” | Material: Closed-cell foam If you've tried your share of mats and have determined that you prefer highly-cushioned options, check out this Pilates mat from STOTT Pilates. It's a whopping 15mm thick — probably one of the thickest mats out there — so it'll offer optimal comfort and cushioning on your spine and any other areas that need some extra love. With one ribbed side (best for classes when you need the extra grip) and one smoother side, the mat is also durable, rolls up easily, and has no odor. Best On-The-Go Pilates Mat SPRI Exercise Mat Amazon View On Amazon View On Getactv.com Why We Like It: A textured non-slip surface gives superior grip.It's Worth Noting: The mat is shorter than your standard Pilates mat. Thickness: 12.7mm | Dimensions: 20” x 46” | Material: Poly-foam This 12mm mat (or 1/2-inch thick) is the best Pilates mat if you want the versatility of working out at home and at your gym or studio. Made of durable foam, it's a great all-around, go-to mat for those activities when you need a mat with more cushioning — such as mat Pilates, stretching, and other floor exercises. It comes with a carrying handle built right into the mat, so it's easy to take on the go (and it's a nice touch for those who constantly misplace their mat carrier or strap!). Best Pilates Mat to Splurge On Manduka PRO Yoga Mat Amazon View On Amazon $138 View On Zappos $160 View On Walmart $192 Why We Like It: It’s durable enough to last for years of practice.It's Worth Noting: The mat may be slightly slippery for the first few uses. Thickness: 6mm | Dimensions: 26” x 71” | Material: Certified OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 PVC Sometimes it’s worth investing in the best of the best Pilates mats for one that’s bullet-proof against tough, daily workouts. The PRO Mat by Manduka features 6mm cushioning to support joints without hindering grip. The bottom layer has a nifty no-slip dot pattern that anchors the mat down to ensure no slipping and sliding. As for sweat, closed-cell technology keeps moisture sealed out with an easy-to-wipe clean surface, extending its durability. To speed up the breaking-in period, the brand suggests a sprinkle of coarse sea salt over the mat, letting it set for 24 hours, and then spraying, scrubbing, and wiping clean. Best Budget Pilates Mat BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $46 View On Balancefrom.com Why We Like It: A handy carry strap makes for easy transport.It's Worth Noting: You may want to air it once it’s out of the box. Thickness: 12.7mm | Dimensions: 71” x 24” inches | Material: Foam Another great 12mm option, this 1/2-inch mat from BalanceFrom strikes a nice balance between softness and firmness and is super affordable at under $20. It comes with a carrying strap for easy transport and has double-sided, non-slip surfaces for all the traction and stability you need during your practice. What's more, the lightweight Pilates mat is moisture-resistant and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Best Eco-Friendly Pilates Mat Ewedoos Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Ewedoos.com Why We Like It: It features an alignment line pattern to keep your footing right.It's Worth Noting: Some reviews mention it’s not totally anti-slip. Thickness: 6.35mm | Dimensions: 24” x 72” | Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers If you’re passionate about living an eco-friendly lifestyle, this impressive Pilates mat is made with TPE material (thermoplastic elastomers) that's better for the environment than plastic or PVC mats. An added plus is that when the mat is unrolled, there's no ‘plastic’ odor that lingers for days, and the good-for-the-earth materials don't make the mat any less effective — it's durable, flexible, and has a textured side that offers superior grip. The 10mm Pilates mat weighs less than two pounds, comes in a variety of colors, and is adorned with built-in guidelines to help keep your body properly aligned during your practice — a feature many users absolutely love. Best Pilates Mat for Beginners Gaiam 4mm Classic Yoga Mat Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $35 View On Gaiam.com Why We Like It: Choose from 18 eye-catching colors and patterns.It's Worth Noting: It’s on the thinner side of a typical Pilates mat, so expect less cushioning. Thickness: 4mm | Dimensions: 24” x 68” | Material: Latex-free PVC "As you begin your Pilates journey, you'll want to start with the best basic options at the best price," says Calderon, who recommends this option from industry leader GAIAM as the best Pilates mat for newbies. It's super affordable and has a thickness level of 4mm, which is ideal for most beginners who may want to feel the floor a bit more as they get accustomed to their practice. The lightweight, cushioned mat has a non-slip surface that provides solid traction when placed on a hard floor, and it's available in tons of beautiful shades and patterns. Best Suede-Like Pilates Mat POPFLEX CloudCushion Vegan Suede Yoga Mat POPFLEX View On Amazon $59 View On Popflexactive.com Why We Like It: This pillowy-like mat will spruce up any workout.It's Worth Noting: It’s not the grippiest of mats. Thickness: 12.7mm | Dimensions: 24” x 72” | Material: Ultra absorbent micro-suede and synthetic rubber For many, how a Pilates mat feels on your skin is a crucial selling point. The CloudCushion Vegan Suede mat by POPFLEX delivers on this front. If you’re someone who enjoys a sweaty mat Pilates workout, its velvety, micro-suede top layer is ultra-absorbent to help you stay dry as the heat cranks up. Plus, at almost 13mm thick, your joints will thank you for the ‘marshmallowy soft’ high-density rubber. The mat comes with a matching cotton carrying strap for toting to and from classes. Best Hot Pilates Mat Bala The Play Mat Plus Bala View On Amazon $129 View On Shopbala.com View On Everydayyoga.com Why We Like It: It features an antimicrobial waterproof top layer for sweaty workouts.It's Worth Noting: Delivery can take up to two weeks. Thickness: 8mm | Dimensions: 26.5” x 72” | Material: FSC™-certified natural rubber and polyurethane When the temperature soars during a hot workout, you’ll need a waterproof Pilates mat to ground you. Bala’s The Play Mat Plus is not only thick and supportive but hits the mark aesthetically (with that arch, you'll be the talk of the class). Plus, it features a waterproof top layer with a high-grade polyurethane top coat that’s both moisture-wicking and non-slip. It’s antimicrobial too which is great news for preserving hygiene. Best Extra Large Pilates Mat Cambivo Extra Wide Workout Mat Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Cambivo.com Why We Like It: There’s plenty of space to accommodate every exercise and stretch.It's Worth Noting: It’s on the bulkier side if you plan on taking it to a workout class. Thickness: 6mm | Dimensions: 48” x 72” | Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers Having more space on the Pilates mat is a luxury, whether for wide planks, Pilates lunges, or Supermans. With a 48-inch wide mat, the CAMBIVO Large Yoga Mat gives you ample coverage while still providing support and cushioning. This is a great option for outdoor workouts, too, as it keeps you grounded with a double-layered grip and high-quality TPE material to prevent slipping. A closed-cell foam finish keeps water from seeping in—another useful design feature. Best Vegan Pilates Mat Yoloha Yoga Chakras Aura Cork Yoga Mat Yoloha Yoga View On Amazon View On Yolohayoga.com View On Yolohayoga.com Why We Like It: This sustainably made exercise mat delivers on comfort and grip.It's Worth Noting: Some users claim you need to add a touch of water to maintain a good grip. Thickness: 6mm | Dimensions: 26” x 72” and 26” x 80” | Material: Cork and plant foam If you’re in pursuit of a Pilates mat that’s both vegan and made from sustainable materials, the Chakras Aura Cork mat is one for your cart. Part Pilates mat, part work of art, this stunningly designed mat is made from a blend of plant foam and fine grain cork for a grippy feel that’s also soft. The surface is antimicrobial, which eliminates bacteria to preserve your mat over time. For the best grip, the brand suggests spritzing your hands and feet with water for better traction. How We Selected the Best Pilates Mats We spoke to Pilates experts Vanessa Huffman, director of Club Pilates, and Gosia Calderon, owner and instructor at Ridgewood Pilates in New York City, to understand the key features that make for the best Pilates mat. Coupled with their knowledge, alongside Leoni Jesner’s expertise as a certified Pilates instructor, we’ve tried and tested a wide selection of Pilates mats to understand which ones stand out and why. What to Know About Pilates Mats Thickness: The best Pilates mats provide ample cushioning without throwing you off balance during core-shaking exercises. Aim for at least 4mm thick (perfect for beginners getting their bearings) and up to 15mm if you require more padding to support your joints. Dimensions: The standard exercise mat is around 24 inches wide and between 68-72 inches long, which supports an average height range. Those who are taller and need more coverage will benefit from an extra-long mat. A standard size (or smaller) is better if you want something more compact for easy transport to workouts (or packing for travel). Pilates mats vs. yoga mats: Pilates mats tend to be thicker than yoga mats, and for good reason. "In Pilates, thicker mats provide support for side-lying, prone (belly)-based moves, and standing-based moves,” says Huffman. “Also, standing on a cushion-like surface will force more foot muscles to stabilize the body, which activates more muscles overall.” Why Trust Shape Leoni Jesner is a contributing fitness, health, and lifestyle writer for Shape. As an ACE CPT and mat Pilates instructor, she’s well acquainted with Pilates mats and understands the importance of thick cushioning, grip, and control in your Pilates practice. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit