We Found the Best Pilates Mats After 4,200+ Minutes of Planks, Hundreds, & More

Pilates Mats We Also Tested

We spent over 4,200 minutes testing top Pilates mats, but only five impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some of this mat’s features, it ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous requirements to be chosen as a top pick.

• Gaiam’s Essentials Fitness Mat offers a budget-friendly price and a great grip on hard flooring. However, it felt rigid and uncomfortable to use, and our hands and feet slipped as we became sweaty. Our nails scratched this mat’s surface easily, and it held indentations long after our practice ended.

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our initial research-based roundup of the best Pilates mats, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and spent over 4,200 minutes hands-on testing top options. This is now a fully tested article, solely providing our hands-on experience with each recommended Pilates mat.
• We consulted an additional expert, a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor, to ensure that our advice on choosing Pilates mats is accurate and up to date. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Pilates Mats 

• Thickness: One of the main indicators of Pilates mats versus other exercise mats you might find in the gym or at a yoga studio is thickness. This additional thickness provides joint support for the spine, knees, wrists, and more. If you tend to experience joint pain, consider a thicker option for additional support.
• Cushion: Some mats offer more cushioning than others—some are softer and more pliable, while others are thick and firm. The type of Pilates mat you choose can increase the challenge or provide more support during certain exercises, says Erickson. Pilates instructor Laura Quinn, CPT, says that firmer mats provide a stable, supportive surface ideal for maintaining your balance during various Pilates exercises. 
• Density and Material: Density is often mistaken for thickness, but these are two separate factors to consider. A denser mat typically means it’s more durable and will hold up to positions held for longer periods without leaving indentations in the mat. Mats made of closed-cell or high-density foam are denser, better quality, and withstand longer use.
• Surface Texture: The surface of Pilates mats tends to be smooth or lightly textured. This helps you glide and perform moves more fluidly. If you tend to get sweaty, you may want to opt for a lightly textured option for additional grip.
• Portability: If you plan to take your mat on the go, you’ll want one that rolls up well, is lightweight, and comes with a strap for easy travel. Choose a smaller, lighter mat if you plan on taking it with you often. A heavier, larger mat may work best if you plan on using it in your home workout space.

How We Tested the Pilates Mats

To find the best Pilates mats, we spent over 4,200 minutes testing top options at home while performing various exercises and stretches. When testing Pilates mats, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Grip: To evaluate for grip, we consider whether the mat provides enough grip to move through our practice comfortably. We try the mats on various surfaces, including hardwood, tile, and carpet, and notice whether their grip changes once we start to work up a sweat.
• Comfort: When considering comfort, we think about whether the mat provides adequate cushioning and support during moves that require sitting, lying down, standing, and kneeling. We also note if we feel any pressure points or discomfort when using the mat.
• Portability: When assessing portability, we consider how light the mat is, how easily it rolls up, and whether it comes with a strap for easy travel. We also note how easy it is to store. 
• Durability: When looking at durability, we ask ourselves if the mat shows any signs of wear and tear over time. Is it easy to clean and maintain? Does it hold onto any odors?
• Value: We check each mat’s price after we evaluate all other key criteria to assess whether it’s worth it. Do we think it’s priced fairly? Would we only buy it on sale? We prioritize Pilates mats whose quality exceeds their value and that we’d recommend to friends and family. 

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts advised us on what key features to look for when shopping for a high-quality Pilates mat. Although we choose products independently, expert input helps inform our decisions. 

• Julie Erickson, CPI, CPT, certified Pilates instructor and certified personal trainer at Pilates for Life
• Anne Bertram, MFA, CMA, CHHC, certified movement analyst, certified Pilates instructor, and director of Structural Elements LAB
• Laura Quinn, CPT, certified personal trainer and head Pilates Instructor at Alo Moves

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should a Pilates mat be?

Most Pilates mats are at least a half-inch thick (12.5 millimeters) to support your spine and tailbone during the class. However, some more portable ones are as thin as 6 millimeters (about 0.2 inches).

Can I use a yoga mat for Pilates?

Pilates mats tend to be smooth instead of textured, and their thickness is designed to support your spine during certain exercises. You may find that using a thin, grippy yoga mat makes some Pilates exercises more difficult or even uncomfortable.

What size mat is best for Pilates?

Pilates mats tend to be around 24 inches by 72 inches. However, there are larger options available that may work better for taller individuals and those who prefer not to reposition their mats for full-body exercises.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., is a Pennsylvania-based fitness instructor and fitness writer. She’s passionate about finding balance, whether performing hundreds or trying to nail the king pigeon pose. She believes there’s not much more motivating for an on-the-ground workout than a gorgeous, functional Pilates mat. 

Additional reporting by Sarah Anzlovar

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD is a private practice dietitian who works as a freelance writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and brand consultant. She enjoys Pilates classes and knows how important the perfect mat is for maintaining proper form and getting through the most grueling workouts.