A good mat is the foundation of every Pilates workout. Not just as a foundation, but as a silent partner that supports you in precision, stability, and fluid movement. Pilates is all about control, alignment, and body awareness—and that requires a mat that works with you, not holds you back.
Unlike yoga, where the mat sometimes primarily provides grip, Pilates is all about a combination of support and comfort. You often move while lying down, rolling, or supporting yourself on your knees and back. The right mat makes the difference between working comfortably and having to constantly make small adjustments because your surface is too hard, too thin, or too slippery.
What Pilates asks of your mat
Classical Pilates training—whether you work on a mat or on equipment like the reformer—puts a lot of pressure on the spine, hips, and knees. That's why a good Pilates mat is often thicker than an average yoga mat. A thickness between 6 and 10 millimeters ensures you can move comfortably without losing contact with the floor.
At the same time, you want a mat that's firm enough to provide stability during precision movements. Too much softness can throw you off balance during exercises like the hundred, roll-up, or teaser.
PU rubber : stability and precision
For those looking for a firm base, a PU rubber mat is ideal. The material offers excellent grip, but—more importantly for Pilates—also stability without excessive bounce. This allows you to make controlled movements without sinking into the mat.
PU rubber feels solid under your hands and feet, helping you maintain a grounded feeling during challenging exercises. This is essential when working on core strength and alignment.
TPE : comfort and lightweight support
TPE mats are lighter and softer, and can be a good choice for gentle Pilates sessions or for those sensitive to joint pressure. They offer a slightly more cushioned surface, ideal for seated exercises or exercises that place a lot of pressure on the back or hips.
For those who are on the road a lot or want to be able to move their mat easily, TPE is also convenient: lightweight and easy to roll up.
Natural options: cork and jute
Although less common in Pilates, mats with a cork top layer or jute texture can be appealing to those seeking a natural feel and added support. The texture provides subtle grip, which can be helpful for dynamic sequences that involve rolling or sliding on the mat.
Cork also offers the advantage of an antibacterial effect, ideal for intensive use.
Coming soon: reformer pilates mat
We'll soon be expanding our range with a reformer Pilates mat. Specially designed for use on reformer equipment, this mat offers extra support where needed and sufficient flexibility for smooth movements. While thinner and lighter than traditional Pilates mats, it still has just the right amount of cushioning to make your session comfortable and safe.
Whether you're looking to deepen your classical Pilates practice or expand your home studio with your own reformer, Yogi Essentials will soon be able to help you with that too.
The right mat for your Pilates practice
Whatever mat you choose, the most important thing is that it supports your precision, offers comfort during contact points with the floor, and is firm enough to ensure stability. A PU rubber mat for deep core strength, a TPE mat for softness, or later a specially designed reformer mat – your practice and body will ultimately dictate the direction.
