Everything you need to know about Pilates mats and which ones to buy.
Starting your Pilates journey with the right mat can make all the difference in your practice. A Pilates mat provides essential support and cushioning, enhancing comfort while reducing strain on your joints. Practicing on a mat creates a stable, slip-resistant surface, which is crucial for maintaining proper form and alignment. This guide will walk you through the various mat types, materials, and features to help you find the perfect mat for your needs,
There are two types of Pilates mats
Classical Pilates mats are characterised by a rigid base with thick padding, usually ranging from 5 cm to 15 cm. These mats often come with a foot strap, which provides for assistance with exercises like roll up – great for beginners. It also comes with handles which are useful when practicing more advanced exercises. Some mats can be used with wall-mounted tower units to replicate the functions of larger apparatus like the Cadillac.
Joseph Pilates designed the original Pilates mat, known as the Contrology or High mat, during World War I. His mat was firm yet comfortable, enabling practitioners to perform exercises that targeted core strength, flexibility and alignment. Early mats were made from durable materials to withstand frequent use. In the 1950s, Pilates collaborated with Gratz Industries, the first company to mass-produce Pilates equipment according to his specifications. Gratz continues to manufacture equipment that adheres to Joseph Pilates’ original standards today.
Contemporary Pilates Mats: Over time, as Pilates gained popularity, especially in home and group class contexts, there was a shift towards more portable and versatile mats. Contemporary Pilates mats resemble thicker, longer and wider versions of yoga mats. Typically made from high-density foam or rubber, they offer the necessary cushioning and stability for Pilates exercises, especially those involving rolling on the spine.
What thickness, size and material to buy?
Thickness: For most people, a mat thickness of 10-15 mm provides ample cushioning of any material. If your workout space has carpeting, a thinner mat around 6-8 mm may work well. On hard floors, consider a 10-15 mm mat for better support and comfort. The material of the mat affects the feel:
NBR and TPE Foam: These are the most comfortable mats, giving a soft and squishy feel. This softness can make rolling on the spine comfortable, but the thicker they go, the more the wrists will sink into the mat and slightly bend the hand backwards.
Natural Rubber, PVC, and Cork: These materials are firmer with less cushioning but provide good shock absorption, offering a stable base that's less likely to compress under weight.
You can read more about each material in the sections below.
If you have joint issues or chronic pain, choose a mat that’s at least 15 mm thick, or thicker, so you stay comfortable throughout your practice. The thickest mats here are the gym mats and Classical mats.
Eco-Friendly Choices: Consider mats made of TPE, natural rubber, cork. PVC mats aren’t eco-friendly because they’re not biodegradable, though their exceptional durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, thereby minimising waste.
Size: Go long and wide. Choose a mat that gives you enough space to move freely without worry of rolling onto a hard floor. Something that gives you the confidence to experiment with the exercises without risk of injury.
Yoga mats are thinner, usually 3-5 mm. This thinner surface gives more stability in the standing yoga poses. They’re typically narrower too as the movements are typically less dynamic than Pilates exercises. If you want a mat for practicing both Pilates and Yoga, Natural Rubber, PVC, and Cork mats will feel more stable in the standing poses than NBR or TPE Foam.
Additionally, Pads provide extra cushioning for wrists and knees, made from a material that grips to the mat. Check out recommended pads for support.
Doubling up mats can give the extra cushioning you need, but you may find the top mat slips out of place occasionally.
Sweating: Natural rubber and cork provide the best grip when wet, and TPE foam up to a certain point. If you sweat a lot during practice, keep a hand towel nearb, use a mat towel, wear grip socks and use hand grip gel (🇺🇸US – 🇬🇧UK – 🇩🇪DE).
The higher priced mats will generally be better quality compared to cheaper ones made of the same material.
Instead of compromising on size or thickness or weight for travelling, consider a mat strap or bag for easy carrying. Elina Folding Mat
Classical mats adhere to Joseph Pilates’ original design, providing the structure and features intended for traditional Pilates exercises. These mats are thick and sturdy, with a solid base that supports precise movements. Equipped with handles and a footstrap, they offer anchoring points that help stabilize the body, making it easier to perform controlled and aligned movements.
Gratz Low Rigid Mat
Long wait time for delivery; 40+ weeks.
Surprisingly good value considering this is a Gratz.
Closed-cell Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) foam mats are made from a durable synthetic rubber that’s highly resistant to moisture. The closed-cell structure prevents sweat absorption, ensuring hygiene and easy maintenance. These mats offer excellent cushioning and shock absorption, maanking them ideal for joint support. However, they may become slippery when wet.
Merrithew Deluxe Mat with Grommets
Long and wide
Dual sided – smooth and ribbed
Grommets for hanging on wall to keep it clean and prevent it from curling
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers. PVC mats are incredibly durable and provide excellent grip Though they’re not the cheapest, their longevity makes them a cost-effective choice. They may become slippery when wet.
PVC is not environmentally friendly as it’s not biodegradable, although all the mats below are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. This means they are tested to be free from harmful substances. The certification further ensures that the mats meet high health and safety standards, confirming they are safe for human use and do not contain toxic chemicals like phthalates, sometimes found in cheaper PVC mats.
Best for: Practitioners needing a long-lasting, stable mat for frequent use. Cleaning: Wipe down with mild soap and water, and allow to air dry completely before rolling up.
Thermal Plastic Elastomer Foam is made from a lightweight blend of plastic and rubber, combining the benefits of both materials. They are recyclable, non-toxic, and latex-free, making them an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic choice. These mats offer a good balance of grip and cushioning, providing moderate traction even when wet. They are slightly less durable than NBR mats.
Natural rubber is derived from the sap of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), harvested and processed into rubber sheets. It’s a renewable and sustainable resource, making it an eco-friendly option for Pilates mats. Natural rubber is flexible, resilient, and offers excellent grip, even in wet conditions. They are slightly less durable than NBR mats.
Cleaning: Clean with a water and vinegar solution; avoid excessive soaking. Do not dry in direct sunlight.
Jade Fusion Mat
Eco-friendly
Manufactured in the United States
The natural rubber material offers good grip and traction, even when wet
Highly rated by users for its comfort, durability, and grip
Cork is a natural material harvested sustainably from the bark of cork oak trees, which regenerates without harming the tree. Cork provides excellent grip, whether dry or wet, and is naturally antimicrobial, resisting mold, mildew, and bacteria. However, cork mats are less durable compared to NBR. They may wear down or break apart under heavy use, which is why they often have a rubber base for added longevity.
Gymnastic mats, are made from EPE foam with a durable vinyl cover. The firm EPE foam core provides excellent shock absorption, while the vinyl surface is very durable, easy to clean and moisture-resistant.
Pads serve several supportive and alignment purposes, enhancing stability and comfort during exercises. They can help you maintain proper alignment, especially in positions that may be uncomfortable due to pressure on bones or joints. They can be placed under knees, wrists, pelvis, anywhere you need more cushioning during certain exercises.
Mat bags are a convenient addition to your Pilates gear, especially if you transport your mat often. With shoulder straps or handles, it makes carrying your mat easier and keeps your hands free. It also protects your mat from dust and dirt, helping it stay clean and last longer.
A mat towel provides an additional layer that can prevent slipping, particularly if you tend to sweat during practice. It also keeps the mat cleaner and may offer slight cushioning without disrupting your connection to the ground. Tip: Mat towels can be slippery when completely dry. Spray with water to unlock their grippiness.
