How do you choose a suitable Pilates mat?
A pilates mat you need this for floor work. Because Pilates is specifically aimed at strengthening and stretching the core muscles, you perform many exercises from a lying or sitting position. You do not do these on a dirty, cold, and hard floor. Your body needs the support of a good mat for Pilates. Incidentally, you can also use this mat for yoga and fitness, but the reverse is usually not the case. Read here what to look for when purchasing a Pilates mat.
What is a Pilates mat?
A Pilates mat is an oblong mat at least 10 millimeters thick, tailored to your body length and width. The mat is made of a slightly resilient material that absorbs and supports your movements. Closed cell foam is therefore an excellent material for your Pilates mat, but PVC, rubber, and even jute are also widely used.
What is the difference between a yoga mat and a pilates mat?
Yoga mats Yoga and Pilates mats look very similar. However, Pilates places higher demands on your mat. So, if you practice both yoga and Pilates, you would do well to purchase a mat that is around 6 mm thick. You can then use this for both yoga and Pilates exercises. The reverse is often not the case, because:
- A yoga mat is usually too thin for Pilates. A mat for Pilates should be at least 10 millimeters thick, but 15 millimeters is even more comfortable. Side-lying exercises, in particular, can be uncomfortable on a thin mat, for example, if your bones protrude too much.
- Most yoga mats come in a standard size. Pilates mats are available in multiple sizes, for example with a length of 1.95 m. So, pay attention to the dimensions when ordering your Pilates mat.
View our Pilates mats
Why do you need a Pilates mat?
A Pilates mat provides support to your body, allowing you to optimally relax and tense all your muscles without back pain or the risk of injury. A good Pilates mat cushions your movements, ensuring your back never hits the ground hard. Therefore, a good Pilates mat is certainly not an unnecessary luxury.
Taking and storing Pilates mats
You naturally want to keep your studio tidy, but you might have thirty mats in it. You can stack them, but that doesn't always stay in place. Fortunately, there are better solutions for storing your Pilates mats and keeping your studio neat and organized.
Storing Pilates mats in the studio
- Mats with rings. This pilates mat with rings hang it on a hanging system in your studio. Install this hanging rack for organized and space-saving storage of pilates mats.
- Mats with velcro. For a smaller studio, mats with Velcro Also suitable. Just make sure to put them together in a container, otherwise they'll roll around your studio.
Taking your Pilates mat to the Pilates studio
In the city, you naturally cycle to the studio. If you have large panniers, a Pilates mat with Velcro will fit inside, but even easier and more elegant is a practical carrying strap for your mat or a super hip pilates bag. The advantage of such a Pilates bag or another wide sports bag is that you can also store other Pilates props in it. Would you rather leave your own mat at home and use a Pilates mat from the studio? Then take a non-slip towel to put on your mat. Very hygienic!
Choosing the right Pilates mat
What do you need a Pilates mat for? That is the most important question you must ask yourself when buying a mat. Are you taking a Pilates course, or are you already a pro with a sufficient budget for professional Pilates equipment? Then take a look at this professional pilates matThis is, of course, also one of the best Pilates mats for the well-equipped Pilates studio. Fortunately, there are plenty of good Pilates mats available for a more modest budget. To know which mat to choose, pay attention to the following features:
- The substrate. On a tiled surface, you need a thicker mat than for fixed floor covering. For a stone floor, it is best to choose a thick 15-millimeter Pilates mat. For fixed floor covering, a thickness of 10 millimeters is sufficient.
- Your body shape. Are you very tall or broad? Then choose a mat that is long and wide enough. Feel free to add 10 centimeters to your height and buy a long pilates mat of 198 centimeters.
- The material. The material should have plenty of cushioning, such as Merrithew's eco- or closed-cell foam. Also consider the mat's weight if you often need to take it to class.
Cleaning and maintaining your Pilates mat
Clean the mats regularly to ensure they last as long as possible. You sweat a lot during an intense Pilates workout, and this affects the mats in the long run. Wipe the mats with a damp cloth and water. Above all, do not scrub or rub, as this will damage the material. Also, do not use harsh all-purpose cleaners on your Pilates mat. For a thorough cleaning, use a specialized mat cleaner With a delightful scent that makes your workout even more enjoyable. This mat cleaner also kills viruses and bacteria.
Which brand of Pilates mat should you buy?
At Yoga-Pilatesshop, you will find only the best Pilates mats. That is why we sell mats from the best-known brands:
- STOTT. Choose a lightweight Pilates mat of only 810 grams.
- Merrithew. Besides barrels and reformers, Merrithew also makes mats for pilates, such as this one luxury pilates mat with hanging loops.
- Align-Pilates. The mats from this brand are made of TPE foam, which provides excellent cushioning. Choose this 10-millimeter Pilates mat, for example. It is also available with hanging loops (rings).
- Pilates-Mad. This trendy brand naturally also sells Pilates mats, for example a 15-millimeter thick mat for Pilates.
- Fitness-Mad. This brand is a sibling of Pilates-Mad and Yoga-Mad. You can also find a suitable Pilates mat here. Just take a look at this Pilates set including a mat.
- Peak Pilates. Here you will find an extra-thick 15-millimeter Pilates mat. Peak Pilates also offers a professional Pilates mat: the raised platform mat. This Pilates mat is ideal for a personal trainer because it is height-adjustable, making it suitable for every body type.
Frequently asked questions about Pilates mats
Do you have any more questions about Pilates mats? Perhaps your question is already answered below.
Where can I buy a good non-slip Pilates mat?
At yoga-pilatesshop.nl, you will find a very large selection of non-slip Pilates mats. Thanks to the non-slip surface on both sides, a Pilates mat does not slide. This also makes a Pilates mat very suitable for standing exercises. Choose your favorite brand, color, and size on our webshop!
What is the ideal thickness for a Pilates mat?
In general, an ideal thickness for a Pilates mat is around 10–15 mm. This differs from, for example, traditional yoga mats, which often have a thickness of around 3–6 mm. A thicker Pilates mat provides better protection for the spine, tailbone, and joints. Therefore, these mats are ideal for exercises targeting the back, sides, and abdomen. Discover the different thicknesses of our Pilates mats on the Yoga Pilates Shop webshop.
Pilates mat vs reformer: which is better?
In short, we advise using a Pilates mat if you want to start with a low threshold. For example, you might want to get started at home on your own at a relaxed pace to train your core or perform specific exercises. A reformer Pilates mat is better suited if you are really looking for more resistance, injury prevention, or an intensive full-body workout.