Pilates Mat
The real reason to get a Pilates mat is for your home work out. But it is always nice to have your own mat to bring to your Pilates class as well. Even though most classes provide mats, having your own makes Pilates that much easier! There is a lot to know about Pilates mats before purchasing one, given the types of floor exercises performed, and the durability needed for a long-lasting mat. Remember, the Pilates mat is the only real thing needed for the foundation of Pilates!

The point of a good mat is to protect and cushion the spine for optimal skeletal alignment, and affordability. They are compact, mobile and less intrusive in your living room. Also, it is essential to make sure that the mat has good quality in its form. They should be textured with a non-slip surface, and an anti-skid grip on the bottom to prevent possible injury during Pilates mat movements.

Pilates mats are available in a assortment of sizes, styles and colors, but there is more to a mat than the color. A good piece of information is understanding the difference between yoga mats and Pilates mats. Many people are under the assumption that there isn’t any big deal between the two, a mat is a mat, and whatever is cheap is fine, but that isn’t the case. There are incredibly cool aspects to both sides, and whatever you feel you connect with most, you have found the mat for you. Remember, we are here to give you the information so you can make the decision that best suites you.


Pilates Mats vs. Yoga Mats
Pilates and yoga mats are similar in that they are about the same size and used for exercises done on the floor. However, a Pilates mat needs to be thicker than most yoga mats. Because there are so many standing poses in yoga, mats used for yoga have to let the person feel the floor. This is not so important with a Pilates mat. In fact, Pilates mats are thicker so that we are padded from the floor. Something must be said though, in the way yoga mats are being constructed, called “Natural Yoga Mats”, and made so that its users feel a stronger connection to Mother Earth while performing their exercises. These mats are made from entirely organic plants, and while the material varies, they can include natural rubber, which has latex-free and allergic-free properties and provides excellent traction, dried grass and cotton. Another material used is organic hemp in which the mats are processed without any chemicals in a pure environmental facility. These cool, eco-friendly mats are something to really consider.


The Size of the Mat
A good Pilates mat is at least a half inch thick.
A Pilates mat should also be firm. A mat that is too soft will not support stability and position as it should be.
Make sure that the mat is long enough and wide enough. Typical roll up mat lengths are 72" - 86" and widths vary from 21" to 39". There are also folding mats, similar to the kinds of mats found in studios, and those are usually significantly larger, 4' by 8' for example.


Roll Up Pilates Mats
The mats that roll up also offer the benefits of being portable, store able, and easy to find at stores or online. These mats are usually made of dense foam or rubber.

In my opinion, the closed cell foam mats are the best pick in the roll up class. They are generally thicker and firmer as opposed to regular foam mats. The regular foam mats are usually softer foam, and they are frequently too mushy.

Look for a mat that comes with straps to keep the mat rolled up for easier storage space and hauling. A lot of mats also come with Velcro on the bottom for easy roll up and travel. You can find a good roll up mat for $30.00 to $50.00, maybe less.