8 Best Yoga Mats & Pilates Mats

So you’ve decided to dabble in the world of yoga. Or maybe you’re crossing over from Pilates to yoga or vice versa, and now you’re looking for a mat that will cater to your needs. In any case, you’re probably wondering, “What should I be looking for in a yoga and Pilates mat?”

While it’s true that yoga and Pilates have different requirements, you can certainly look for a mat that works for both disciplines. In this guide, we’ll help you shop for the best mat to suit your fitness needs. Let’s dive right in!

Pilates Mat vs. Yoga Mat: Are They the Same?

Traditionally, a Pilates mat will differ from a yoga mat in several ways. The best yoga mats, however, should be good enough for Pilates. But what, exactly, sets these two apart?

Explained below are their key differences. If you’re leaning towards one discipline, you should be able to customize your shopping criteria based on what you’ll learn below.

Thickness and Density

Pilates calls for a thicker mat than yoga. This makes sense, given that the former involves exercises that require you to roll on your back and tailbone. On the other hand, yogis will find a thinner mat helpful for executing standing and balancing postures. Many of these postures require that you’re able to feel the floor through the mat.

Yoga mats can vary between an eighth to half an inch thick. Mats that could work well for both yoga and Pilates should be closer to the thicker end of that spectrum.

Also, note that density is just as important as thickness. A mat that is thick but not that dense may feel awesome at first, but it’s bound to get difficult to use later on. Usually, a mat’s density is also an indicator of its quality.

Size

A standard yoga mat will be about 24 inches wide. Similar to a Pilates mat, the length will usually vary between 68 to 74 inches. However, Pilates mats are usually wider to accommodate a wider variety of floor movements.

Material

Most yoga and Pilates mats are made out of PVC or foam. Eco-friendly materials like rubber and jute are also common.

Texture and Grip

Pilates mats are generally smoother than yoga mats. The smooth surface makes rolling movements easier for Pilates practitioners. Also, because most Pilates exercises are done while seated or lying down, slipping around isn’t an issue.

In yoga, a nubby texture is favored because it offers added grip—a useful feature for staying put while doing complicated poses. Good yoga mats are also a bit tacky or sticky to counteract slippery sweat.

Why Should You Buy a Yoga and Pilates Mat?

• It will make your workouts more effective. Knowing that there are dedicated yoga and Pilates mats supporting your every move lets you focus all your energy and attention on your workout. You don’t have to worry about constantly ruining your towels or rugs while working out. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable while executing every move.
• It will minimize the risk of injury. Sure, you have the option to improvise with towels and old clothes especially if you’re mostly doing your workouts at home. However, nothing beats the support, padding, and traction of a dedicated mat.
• It will protect you from harmful organisms. If you don’t want to buy your own mat because your local gym offers mats that are free to use, think twice. Exercise mats can host all sorts of bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This can lead to skin infections, the common cold, or even the flu. In the end, you could end up spending more money on your medical bills than what you would have shelled out for your own equipment.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Mat

1. Padding

The ideal level of padding on a mat will depend on many factors, such as your skill level and the discipline you practice. If you’re a beginner, you will need more padding as you build up your strength. A too-thin mat could also result in joint pains and unnecessary injuries.

2. Grip

Nothing is more distracting (and embarrassing) than sliding around on your mat while you’re trying to rock a pose. So when choosing a mat, make sure to test its grip.

Check if it makes your palms slide around. If you have to cling on it for dear life, then you’re better off looking elsewhere.

3. Weight

Padding is great and all, but a thick mat can be difficult to lug around. It’s important to look for a mat that strikes a wonderful balance between lightness and thickness to get the best of both worlds.

4. Materials

When it comes to thickness and texture, what would constitute an ideal yoga mat could be different from that of the ideal Pilates mat. But when it comes to construction, they both pretty much depend on the same types of materials.

Some of the most popular ones include:

• Bamboo
• Cotton, jute, or hemp
• Microfiber
• Latex or rubber
• Polyvinylchloride

5. Design

Not sure about you, but a cool-looking mat is just as motivating as badass workout clothes. Whatever your design preferences are, choose a mat that will make you more excited to break a sweat.

6. Size

Yoga mats and Pilates mats come in different lengths and widths. Whether you’re on the lookout for an extra-wide or an extra-long mat, you’re bound to find something that will suit you. As a general rule, look for one that is at least six inches longer than your height and a foot longer than the widest point of your hips.

Effectively practicing these disciplines will be difficult if you’re not using the correct mat size. It will be awkward, uncomfortable, and distracting–and no one wants that, right?

7. Quality vs. Price

Saving a few bucks is always nice. However, make sure you’re not sacrificing quality in the name of minimizing expense. Low-quality gear won’t last as long. Not to mention, they could expose you to additional injury risks. If you think about it, frequently replacing flimsy mats is bad for the environment, too.

8. Storage

If you’re the type who likes to bring your own mat, then it’s important to consider how it is stored.

Most yoga and Pilates mats these days can be rolled up and secured with either straps or a bag. We recommend that you stick to straps, though. Packing your mat inside a bag could prevent it from airing out properly, which could contribute to the degradation of the mat’s material.

Yoga and Pilates Mat Tips

• If you end up with a slippery mat (and you, unfortunately, can’t return or exchange it), use chalk. It adds friction and prevents you from sliding around.
• Avoid sharing mats, especially if you can’t tell for sure that it’s disinfected in between uses.
• Regularly clean your mat to avoid getting unwanted infections. Check out the next section for awesome cleaning tips!
• If you want a more convenient solution to mat stains and smells, buy specially-made yoga and Pilates mat wipes for a quick fix.
• Don’t leave your gear exposed to sunlight for a long time. This could dry out the material and leave you with a crumbly mat.

Cleaning Your Mat Properly

If you have your own mat but aren’t cleaning it properly, you could be exposing yourself to unnecessary health risks. An unshared exercise mat could be just as dirty as a shared one if you don’t take time to clean it after every session.

So resist the habit of rolling up your mat after use and forgetting about it until your next workout schedule. After all, it’s difficult to reach a state of zen if your nostrils are being attacked by a stench. What’s more, whipping out a smelly and dirty mat in yoga class is downright embarrassing.

So, without further ado, here’s how you can maintain a clean, odor-free mat.

Cleaning Your Mat After Every Use

You don’t have to spend an hour deep-cleaning your mat after every single workout. Adopting a quick and simple cleaning routine after each session will work wonders. Thorough cleaning sessions can be spaced out to every few weeks.

Before anything else, check the label of your yoga mat if it calls for a specific cleaning method. Generally, though, a solution made up of gentle dishwashing liquid and water will help remove stains and smells. Use a sponge or a spray bottle to apply the mixture onto the mat. Wipe it off with clean water and let dry completely before storing it.

You can also use a water-vinegar solution to quickly disinfect your mat. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bottle and use the mixture as a disinfectant spray. If you can’t stand the smell of vinegar, mix in a few drops of essential oil to help mask the smell.

Giving Your Mat a Thorough Cleaning

Give your mat a thorough clean every so often to remove accumulated bacteria, sweat, and oils. Remember that your mat is constantly on the floor during use and that it picks up all sorts of dirt in the process.

If your mat is machine-washable, pop it into the washing machine with a mild detergent. Use the delicate cycle and pair it with cold water to be extra-safe.

If your mat isn’t machine-washable, wash your Pilates and yoga mat in a tub using cool water and mild detergent. Let it soak for around five minutes, and then gently scrub over stubborn stains. Rinse it thoroughly and leave it to dry flat.

If you want to speed up the drying process a bit, you could roll it up with a towel, which will help absorb excess moisture. However, resist the urge to leave your mat rolled up for more than a few minutes as this could alter its shape. Make sure to lay your mat flat or hang it to dry. Setting up a fan near your mat will help shorten drying time, too.