Pilates Professionals Reveal the Top Pilates Mats for Home Workouts

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If you are a beginner or an advanced Pilates practitioner, it's important to use a Pilates mat rather than a yoga mat. Both Pilates and yoga involve the use of exercise mats, however, the variety of mats used in these fields are quite distinct. As Vanessa Huffman, the director of teacher training at Club Pilates points out, many Pilates movements necessitate your spine to undergo articulation that exerts pressure on the back. Due to this, a Pilates mat is usually thicker than a yoga mat.

According to Gosia Calderon, instructor and owner of Ridgewood Pilates, the ideal Pilates mat thickness relies on the comfort level of your 'bony' body parts, such as spine, knees, and hip bones. Minimum 4mm thickness is the appropriate starting point for a Pilates mat as anything more can challenge your balance or connection to the ground. The following details summarize the 11 best Pilates mats that can provide balance, support, and cushioning in the studio.

Thickness: 12.7mm | Dimensions: 20” x 48”, 24” x 56”, and 24” x 72” | Material: NBR closed-cell foam

The Aeromat Elite Workout Mat tops our list of the best Pilates mats. Not only is it highly recommended by Huffman, but it also meets all the requirements for Pilates use. This includes an antimicrobial coating for odor prevention. The mat is made of plush foam and the cushioned padding is available in various thickness levels for soothing support to your bones and joints. The mat's textured surface prevents slipping, and it includes two reinforced holes for easy hanging. Its light weight, ease of cleaning, and assortment of colors make it the perfect mat for a beginner's Pilates workout. As Huffman points out, the Aeromat mat is used in all Club Pilates studios.

Thickness: 15mm | Dimensions: 24” x 72” | Material: Closed-cell foam

If you prefer a heavily cushioned Pilates mat, STOTT Pilates has a 15mm thick option, which stands to be one of the thickest in the market. It provides the best comfort and cushioning, especially for your spine and other areas that might need extra support. The mat has one ribbed side for better grip during classes and a smoother side. It is durable, odorless and easily rollable.

Thickness: 12.7mm |Dimensions: 20” x 46” | Material: Poly-foam

If you need a versatile 12mm thick Pilates mat that meets the requirement of both home and gym workouts, this one is for you. The durable foam mat is ideal for Pilates, stretching, and floor exercises that require more cushioning. The mat includes a built-in carrying handle and is easy to carry around.

Thickness: 6mm | Dimensions: 26” x 71” | Material: Certified OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 PVC

If you have regular intense workouts, investing in the top-notch Pilates mats like the PRO Mat by Manduka could be beneficial. This mat has 6mm cushioning and a non-slip bottom layer with dot pattern to anchor it to the ground for stability. It has closed-cell technology to keep moisture sealed out, thus enhancing its durability. To speed up the breaking-in period, the brand suggests a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, letting it set for 24 hours, then spraying, scrubbing, and wiping it clean.

Thickness: 12.7mm | Dimensions: 71” x 24” inches | Material: Foam

BalanceFrom provides an affordable mat under $20 with great 12mm thickness. This soft yet firm mat is easily portable and comes with a carrying strap. It has double-sided, non-slip surfaces for stability and traction during your practice. The lightweight mat is moisture-resistant and easy to clean with soap and water.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.