Whether you do Pilates at home or in a studio setting on a reformer, the right mat (and grip socks) can greatly improve your workout. Pilates mats provide extra cushioning and grip, and they can be well worth the relatively small amount of money.
Here are our top five mats for home and reformer Pilates.
- Reformer Mat from Your Reformer - Best reformer mat
- Flow Reformer Mat from Yogat Pilates - Best reformer mat for the art-inclined
- Pilates Studio Mat from Align-Pilates - Best full-sized Pilates mat
- PROIRON Pilates Mat on Amazon - Top seller on Amazon
- CAMBIVO Extra Thick Yoga Mat on Amazon - A good budget-friendly option
- Echome Pilates Reformer Mat - Best Amazon Pilates mat
My Top Picks For Pilates Mats
1. Reformer Mat from Your Reformer, $69
The Reformer Mat is a well-made Pilates accessory designed to improve your Pilates reformer practice. It is non-slip, fits most reformers very well, and is available in five colours to match any personal flavour.
This mat offers both style and function, providing the protection and comfort needed for your reformer bed in a Pilates studio or home gym.
The Reformer Mat has a beautiful microfibre finish that adds elegance and comfort to your workouts. It comes in five different colors to match your style or room decor, making it suitable for any setting, from a professional studio to a cozy home gym.
The Sage colour is my favourite (credit: Your Reformer).
Here’s what I liked about it.
- Its non-slip surface provides a secure and stable base for your reformer exercises.
- It protects the reformer carriage from wear and tear.
- Cleaning only involves wiping it down with a wet towel or fragrance-free wipes, ensuring it remains fresh and hygienic.
The Reformer Mat is a top-tier choice for individuals looking for both style and substance in their Pilates equipment. Its exceptional design and high-quality microfibre material make it an outstanding addition to any reformer setup.
Pros:
- Beautiful, soft microfibre finish for comfort and stability.
- Available in multiple neutral colours that don’t test the eyes.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Direct sunlight can degrade the material over time.
2. Flow Reformer Mat from Yogat Pilates, $105
If you appreciate strikingly beautiful art and want to stand out in the studio, the Flow reformer mat from Yogat Pilates will certainly do that.
Although the Flow costs more than the average Pilates mat, at $105, it provides the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. Its beautiful and vibrant design was inspired by Australian landscapes created by local artist Frew Halbert. The artwork captures the essence of South Australia's oceans and rugged terrain, bringing a piece of nature into your workout space.
Stunning isn’t it? (Credit: Yogat)
Made from 100% natural tree rubber, the Flow mat is both durable and stylish. Its soft, antibacterial microfiber finish is practical and absorbs moisture to help you stay steady during intense sessions. The mat's non-slip feature is crucial for maintaining proper form and avoiding injuries, ensuring stability.
The Flow mat, at 56 cm x 96 cm x 1.5 mm, is just right for most Pilates reformer machines. It's lightweight, at only 640g, so it's easy to carry around. This mat is designed to last, staying in great shape even with frequent use.
The Flow mat may have a higher price than other options, but it justifies its cost with its unique design and high-quality materials. Many competing mats do not have the same visual appeal or the careful combination of natural rubber and antibacterial microfiber, making the Flow mat a top choice for those looking to invest in both quality and style.
Pros:
- Beautiful, original artwork that other mats don’t have.
- High-quality natural and antibacterial materials.
- Will fit most reformers.
- Machine washable
Cons:
- More expensive than other mats.
3. Pilates Studio Mat from Align-Pilates, $84
The Pilates Studio Mat (dark grey) from Align-Pilates focuses on durability, functionality, and comfort.
The studio mat, which measures 180 cm x 60 cm x 10 mm, is the perfect size for completing all your mat exercises at home or in a studio. It is made from eco-friendly Thermo Plastic Elastomer (TPE) material that is 100% recyclable, degradable, and free of latex and PVC.
Its impermeable and hygienic properties make it ideal for intense and sweaty workouts. Another great feature is its stretch-resistant properties, which do not require an internal mesh - something you find in cheaper alternatives.
Let me tell you about the stability you receive. The non-slip surface is very grippy, and I did not feel insecure at any stage. It’s also lightweight and portable but still provides the cushioning I like.
Pros:
- Made from eco-friendly materials.
- Non-slip surfaces for added safety.
- Excellent cushioning and support for joints.
- Eyelets for easy storage.
Cons:
- On the pricey side.
- Lack of designs to choose from.
4. PROIRON Pilates Mat on Amazon, $36.99
The PROIRON Pilates Mat is designed with double non-slip features to provide stability and comfort during workouts and help you stay balanced. Its "AlignForMe" system offers excellent guidance, reducing the risk of injury and making it suitable for all experience levels.
The thick foam of the mat provides strong support and maximum comfort, cushioning your body effectively during any type of floor workout. Whether you're doing yoga, Pilates, or general exercise, this mat easily supports your activities.
With 7 colours to choose from, the choice is yours (Credit: Amazon)
While the included bag makes it convenient to carry, its durability may not be as you’d hoped for. Additionally, the mat needs to be cleaned meticulously and should be kept away from sunlight, restricting its outdoor usage. Despite these slight downsides, the PROIRON Pilates Mat is a dependable option for improving your home workout routine.
Pros:
- Outstanding anti-slip exterior.
- A convenient carrying pouch is provided.
- Assisted alignment system.
Cons:
- Slightly smaller dimensions.
5. CAMBIVO Extra Thick Yoga Mat on Amazon, $37.99
The CAMBIVO Extra Thick Yoga Mat provides excellent cushioning, making it ideal for protecting your joints during Pilates (or yoga) sessions. Its non-slip surfaces improve stability, even on smooth floors which is an essential trait to have. However, some users have mentioned that it could be somewhat slippery when you start to sweat - but this is an example of what can potentially occur in a cheaper mat.
This lightweight mat is easily portable to various locations such as gyms or parks. It comes in various thickness options (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm), offering versatility for both beginners and advanced users.
The Cambivo pilates mat (Credit: Amazon)
On the negative side, some customers have noted that the mat's durability could be improved, and there have been occasional instances of missing accessories. Nevertheless, its cushioning and portability make it a reliable option for regular exercise.
Pros:
- Excellent cushioning for joint protection.
- Non-slip surfaces for better grip.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
Cons:
- It may feel slippery in certain poses.
- Some users reported missing carrying straps.
- Slightly less durable over time.
6. Echome Pilates Reformer Mat on Amazon, $44.99
If you don’t want the Reformer Mat, our #1 reformer mat, this mat from Echome is a very good alternative that’s also cheaper.
Equipped with a non-slip rubber bottom that keeps you stable, and a skin-friendly microfibre surface, this is a great mix of security and comfort.
The convenient and portable design makes it effortless to carry, perfect for individuals who frequently travel for classes. Its ability to be machine-washed adds a lot of convenience to make life a bit easier.
The Echome pilates mat will fit most reformers (Credit: Amazon).
Although the colour choices are limited to four, they do look amazing. If you prefer a thicker mat, this one might seem a bit too thin.
Pros:
- Excellent grip from non-slip rubber bottom.
- Comes with a handy carry pouch
- Machine washable.
Cons:
- Size may not fit all reformers perfectly.
- It may be too thin for some.
Characteristics of a Good Pilates Mat
Material quality matters
High-quality Pilates mats are made from premium materials chosen for durability, comfort, and eco-friendliness. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) mats are PVC and latex-free, providing excellent cushioning and resilience. But you can also get mats made of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), which is designed to provide better cushioning and is non-absorbent for easy cleaning. In my opinion, TPE is the best for durability and comfort.
Thickness for comfort
Pilates mats come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 6mm to 15mm. Thinner mats provide a stable base for general exercises, while thicker mats (10mm to 15mm) offer extra cushioning and support, but you start to sacrifice stability.
A non-slip surface is essential
A lot of Pilates exercises for toning require stability in the legs so a non-slip surface is essential.
The textured surfaces or rubberised patterns enhance traction without causing skin abrasion. This ensures the mat stays in place during vigorous movements, promoting safety and focus.
Is it large enough?
Pilates mats come in standard dimensions of approximately 180 cm in length and 60 cm in width, but there are variations to accommodate different body sizes and exercise preferences. Some mats are designed wider than standard to provide additional space for movement, catering to taller people or those who prefer a bigger area to work with.
Durability
If you intend to use the mat regularly, instead of buying cheap mats that fall apart over time, try a TPE or high-density PVC mat. Some come with reinforced edges or double stitching around the perimeter, further enhancing durability.
Easy to clean
High-quality Pilates mats are designed for easy maintenance. They feature water-resistant properties that allow for effortless cleaning with a damp cloth or mild soap and water solution.
Some mats are even machine washable.
Eco-friendly considerations
When choosing a high-quality Pilates mat, consider its environmental impact. Look for mats made from eco-friendly, recyclable, or biodegradable materials certified by standards like OEKO-TEX® for durability, performance, and sustainability.
