Best Pilates Mats of 2024 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

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If you have never tried going to a Pilates class before, or at least doing it at home with an instructional video, you really have no idea what you are missing. Pilates is a great form of exercise that develops good mind and body connections, it helps you balance better, it makes you stronger, more flexible, and it helps relieve stress too.

However, to do Pilates you need a good Pilates mat, one that will give you the proper support to get through a whole session without any pain. We’re here to help you find the best Pilates mat and we have five great choices for you to look at!

Summary: The Best Pilates Mats

What Makes A Good Pilates Mat?

While Pilates mats are not all that expensive, you still want to put some careful consideration into buying one. Here are some of the most important things that you should look out for before you make your purchase.

Thickness

Perhaps the most important thing to look out for when buying a Pilates mat is how thick it is. Generally speaking, the thicker the mat is the better. You need a good thick mat to protect your spine and other parts of your body from the hard ground, so a thicker mat is always ideal. A thicker mat is also good because you can use it for more than just Pilates. A thick Pilates mat can also be used as a general exercise mat.

Bottom

Another consideration to make is what the bottom of the Pilates mat looks like. A good Pilates mat will have a textured bottom to keep it from slipping around on the ground. A mat that slips around is one that will move too much while you are trying to do Pilates and switch positions, something that can end up getting quite annoying. Not only that but a mat that slips around is also one that can make you fall and injure yourself.

Top

Now, there are some in-depth considerations to make here. Some Pilates mats have a textured top, which is good for more stationary poses because it keeps you in place and lets you hold various poses without slipping. On the other hand, there are also Pilates mats that have a smooth top, something which is ideal for fluid motions and lots of movement. A smooth mat is good because it won’t move around when you move. This aspect really depends on your own needs and exactly what you are going to be doing.

Material

The next thing that you need to consider is the material that the Pilates mat is made of. There are several materials which can be used including memory foam, which is one of the best choices. Whatever the material is, it should be able to wick away moisture and not take on too much dirt. You don’t want a sweaty and dirty Pilates mat that is going to look grimy and stink like your body odor. A good Pilates mat is one that you can easily clean with a towel and some water.

Size

The size of the mat is another thing to consider. Simply put, you need a mat that is big enough so you can stretch out on it without too much of your body coming off of it. A Pilates mat that is too small is one that is going to end up being fairly useless.

Pilates Mat Reviews

Our Rating

This is a very good choice to go with if you need a good Pilates mat. This is a soft, durable, clean, and well-rounded Pilates mat that will serve your needs for years to come.


Design

Something that we really like about the design of the Manduka Pro Pilates Mat is that it comes in various sizes. If you are a smaller person you can choose the standard size, which is 71 by 26 inches. If you are a little taller you can choose the long option which is 85 by 26 inches, making it perfect for larger people. Whatever the case may be, this brand has Pilates mats in different sizes, making it ideal for everybody and anybody.

Another thing that you will definitely appreciate about this Pilates mat is that it features a proprietary dot pattern on the bottom. This is really convenient because it helps prevent slipping and keeps the mat firmly in place on the ground so you don’t have to worry about injuries when doing Pilates.

Yet another thing that we love about the Manduka Mat is that it is 100 percent latex free, it is non-toxic, and it was created through an emissions free manufacturing process. This mat is not only good for your health because it allows you to do Pilates with ease, but it is also good for the environment.

The next feature of this mat that everybody will love is that it has a closed cell surface that stops dirt from getting into it and sweat from being absorbed by it. This means that your Pilates mat will stay clean and stink free for years to come. When it comes time to clean this Pilates Mat, all you need is a damp cloth to wipe it down with.

Finally, this mat is a full 6 mm thick and was created with a density that most other Pilates mats can’t provide. This thing is pretty thick and provides a whole lot of cushioning for your joints and the rest of your body, something that will keep your Pilates routine from becoming painful due to the hard floor that you are resting on.

Value for money

You really can’t go wrong with this Pilates mat. The smaller option costs somewhere around 100 dollars, and the large option costs around 130 bucks. No, this is not the cheapest Pilates mat you will find, but it definitely has some great value thanks to the awesome quality that it comes with. This mat will do everything you need it to do, and that screams value.

Build quality

There is also nothing to complain about when it comes to the build quality of the Manduka Pilates mat. This thing is made out of ultra-durable materials that won’t flake, chip, or rip, not to mention that it provides you with a soft and cushioned non-slip surface to practice Pilates on. Plus there is the fact that keeping it clean is easier than ever.

Pros

  • Doesn’t absorb sweat or dirt
  • Non-slip bottom layer
  • Comes in various sizes
  • Quite thick – provides a lot of cushioning
  • Very easy to clean
  • Non-toxic and manufactured through green methods

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • The larger size is quite heavy
  • Lacks a carrying case or strap

Our Rating

This is one of the thickest Pilates mats that we have ever seen and it will definitely serve you well. It’s not the cheapest mat out there, but in our opinion, it is one of the best possible purchases that you could make.


Design

Without a doubt, the very best feature of this Pilates mat is that it is a full 15 mm thick. That is a full 0.6 inches of cushioning that this mat gives you. With the large amount of padding that you get with the STOTT PILATES Deluxe Pilates Mat you will be able to do any Pilates exercise with comfort, not to mention that it can be used for other exercises like pushups and sit ups too.

Something else that makes this a great choice in terms of Pilates mats is that it features closed cell technology. Not only does this make the STOTT PILATES Pilates Mat very durable and easy to roll up, but it also means that it doesn’t absorb liquids like your sweat. This is a mat that will stay fairly clean for ages, plus cleaning it off is as easy as wiping it down with a damp cloth.

Another thing that makes this mat ideal for Pilates is that it features a smooth surface. Now, some Pilates mats have texture surfaces to increase grip, but that can make doing fluid movements on it somewhat difficult. This Pilates mat is great for those fluid movements because it won’t move around and get stuck to you as you change positions.

On the other hand, the bottom of this Pilates mat has a textured surface in order to keep it steady and in place on the same spot on the ground. Both of these features greatly add to the convenience of the STOTT PILATES Pilates Mat. Finally, this mat is also a full 72 inches in length, thus making it ideal for even the tallest of people.

Value for money

Like we mentioned before, this is not the most affordable Pilates mat that you can get. It costs around 70 dollars, but the enhanced level of cushioning and support that you get with it is well worth the price. Not to mention that it is easy to clean and very durable too.

Build quality

The closed cell build of the STOTT PILATES Deluxe Pilates Mat provides you with a high level of cushioning, but it also ensures that this thing won’t chip, rip, or start to flake after a few uses. Moreover, the build of this thing makes it more than easy to clean, not to mention that it provides you with the ultimate in Pilates comfort, so much so that this mat can also be used for other general exercise purposes.

Pros

  • Closed cell technology for durability
  • Resistant to dirt and liquids
  • Easy to clean
  • Very thick and offers a lot of support
  • Ideal for people of all sizes

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive
  • Ideal for fluid motions but not stationary ones (smooth texture on top makes it a little slippery when sweaty)

Our Rating

This is a great choice to go with if you are looking for a medium grade Pilates mat. It has a good build quality, some neat features, and best of all, it won’t cost you a fortune.


Design

Something that you can definitely appreciate about the STOTT PILATES Pilates Express at is that it is a full 0.4 inches or 10 mm thick. It is not the thickest mat out there, but this mat is still more than thick enough to provide you with a high level of comfort and cushioning through a variety of Pilates movements, probably more than you really need.

Another thing that is good about this Pilates mat is that it is 70 inches long, which means that it is ideal for almost everybody. Speaking of versatility, this mat is equipped with convenient carrying straps that make it easy for even the smallest of people to carry around. The straps feature Velcro, making this thing easy to roll up, not to mention that it will stay together once rolled up, thus making it easy to transport.

Another thing that makes this an ideal mat for Pilates is because it features closed cell technology. This means that the STOTT PILATES Express Pilates Mat will not take on grime or your sweat, something that can make it quite smelly and unattractive to use. On that same note, all you need to clean this Pilates mat is a cloth with some water, as well as a towel to dry it with afterward. It’s as easy as that.

Finally, the last feature that makes this Pilates mat such a great choice is that it has a textured bottom. The textured bottom stops it from slipping around on the ground, therefore making your Pilates experience much easier and safer too. There is also the fact that the top of this mat has a smooth surface which enables fluidity and a high range of motion.

Value for money

This Pilates mat costs around 40 dollars, which is a moderate price for such a good Pilates mat. This thing definitely comes with a whole lot of value. It is not all that expensive and it still provides the stability, support, and comfort that you need to get through any Pilates routine with ease.

Build quality

The build quality of this Pilates mat is more than good enough to get you through several years’ worth of Pilates routines. It is a very durable mat made of high-quality materials that won’t chip or break and they won’t absorb sweat either. This is a good quality mat that is definitely worth the price.

Pros

  • Thick and comfortable
  • Non-slip textured bottom
  • Smooth top side for fluidity
  • Will not absorb sweat or grime
  • Has Velcro carrying straps
  • Easy to transport

Cons

  • Sometimes individual mats are not cut straight
  • Somewhat stretchy

Our Rating

This is a good affordable option to go with. It’s a durable mat that provides a lot of support, is easy to clean, and will suit virtually anybody.


Design

We really like the design of this particular Pilates mat because it has a smooth top surface and a textured bottom. The textured bottom ensures that the Sivan Health and Fitness Pilates Mat will stay securely in one spot and won’t slip around on the ground while you do Pilates, something that can end up being fairly dangerous, not to mention annoying too.

At the same time, the top side of this mat is smooth, thus making it ideal for fluid Pilates movements. This thing won’t stick to your body or make it hard to change positions, something that we can all appreciate.

The next thing we really like about the Sivan Health and Fitness Pilates Mat is that it is made out of easy to clean materials. This Pilates mat is not going to absorb dirt or your sweat, thus keeping it very clean. Even better is that you only need a damp cloth to clean in, which means that there is virtually no maintenance involved. It is a neat mat because it is made out of memory foam, one of the most durable and resilient materials that could be used for an item such as a Pilates mat.

What we can also appreciate about this Pilates mat is that it is 0.5-inch thick, which means that it is more than thick enough to give all of the parts of your body the support they need to be pain free while doing Pilates. On that same note, this thing is also a full 71 inches long, which means that it is long enough to accommodate virtually anybody.

Value for money

The Sivan Health and Fitness Pilates Mat comes with a whole lot of value for the low price that it comes at. This thing costs around 20 dollars, which is relatively cheap for a Pilates mat that is as good as this one. If you are looking for a good combination of value and quality, this is definitely an option you need to consider. We can’t forget the fact that this mat also comes with a very convenient carrying strap too.

Build quality

When it comes to the build quality of the Sivan Health and Fitness Pilates Mat, there is really nothing to complain about. This thing is made out of very durable memory foam, it is very easy to clean, won’t absorb your sweat, and provides more than enough cushioning for you to do Pilates without the floor hurting your back or joints.

Pros

  • Very durable memory foam
  • Full ½ inch of padding
  • Smooth top for fluid movements
  • Textured bottom for a slip free experience
  • Does not absorb sweat or dirt
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with a carrying strap
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Very stretchy and somewhat slippery – not good for some stationary poses
  • Very squeaky

Our Rating

This is a good basic Pilates mat option to go with. It is not all that expensive, but the quality is still there, and it will definitely provide you with the support you need to comfortably get through your next Pilates routine.


Design

One of the best features of the Gaiam Premium Pilates Mat is that it has a unique non-slip textured surface. This non-slip feature is true for both the bottom and the top of the mat. You can rest assured that it will stay in place on the ground and that you will not slip off of it, even when you do get a little sweaty. It also has a beveled edge design that helps to keep it in place even more, something that we can all definitely appreciate.

Another thing that we like about this Pilates mat is that it provides a whole lot of cushioning and comfort to whoever uses it. The Gaiam Premium Pilates Mat is ¼ inch or 6.35 mm thick, making it one of the thicker Pilates mats out there.

When you use this thing, your arms, legs, knees, elbows, and back aren’t going to be in pain due to a hard ground because it is more than thick enough to support even the largest of people. Plus, this thing is 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, making it ideal for most sizes of people. There is also the fact that this mat is fairly easy to clean with some warm water and a cloth.

Value for money

You really could not expect to get any more value for the price that this Pilates mat comes in at. The Gaiam Premium Pilates Mat only costs around 25 dollars, which makes it one of the most economically friendly options no doubt. Even though it is a fairly affordable mat, it still has more than enough quality to get the job done.

Build quality

The build quality of this mat is just fine. No, it is not the best ever Pilates mat, but definitely is a good one. For the low price that it comes at, you really could not expect any more. It is a very thick mat that will provide anybody and everybody with the support and cushioning they need to get through an intense Pilates session. The non-slip feature, being easy to clean, and the beveled edge all serve to add to the quality even more.

Pros

  • Beveled edge for reduced mat movement
  • Textured for non-slip action
  • Ideal for most sizes of people
  • Very thick and comfortable
  • Fairly lightweight
  • Very inexpensive
  • Quite easy to clean

Cons

  • Lacks something which makes it easy to carry
  • Susceptible to degradation from exposure to sunlight

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a great many different Pilates mats that you can choose from. Each of the five choices we have listed above makes for a fine option that will definitely provides you with the support and stability you need to get through any Pilates routine. We would highly recommend choosing one of the above options, but as long as you remember what to look out for when looking at Pilates mats, you should have no trouble finding the best Pilates mat that suits your needs.

If you have any questions or comments about Pilates mats, feel free to let us know!