A Pilates mat is far more than a simple exercise accessory. The right one protects your spine, cushions pressure points, and allows you to move with control and precision. Using a mat that’s too thin or too soft can increase discomfort in the lower back and hips, especially during floor-based sequences. We’ll come back to this in a moment.
Key data: Compared with standard yoga mats, a Pilates mat is typically 30–60% thicker, significantly reducing spinal pressure during rolling and supine exercises.
My top 5 of the best Pilates mat
| Product | Best for | Feel under the body | Stability & balance support | Space & storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Deluxe Pilates Mat – STOTT PILATES | Mat Pilates with lots of rolling, supine and side-lying sequences | Comfort-forward cushioning with a supportive, “spine-friendly” feel | Stable surface under hands/feet for slower tempo control work | Standard mat format (best if you keep it unrolled at home) |
| 2. Pilates 190 Exercise Mat – AIREX | Frequent practice when you want protection without “sinking” | Balanced cushioning: protective yet firm enough for alignment | Consistent firmness that helps you keep posture and precision | Standard mat format (good daily setup, less “bulky thick-mat” feel) |
| 3. Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat – ProsourceFit | Sensitive knees/hips/lower back; multipurpose floor workouts at home | Extra-thick padding aimed at joint comfort during longer sessions | More “soft comfort” than studio-firm; best for controlled, low-impact work | Tri-fold design: compact storage and quick setup |
| 4. Solana Thick Non-Slip Workout Mat – Retrospec | Gentle Pilates, stretching, longer holds, comfort-first routines | Plush and forgiving, with noticeable cushioning for pressure points | Comfort prioritised over ultra-firm balance work | Standard mat format (ideal as a dedicated home mat) |
| 5. Folding Personal Fitness & Exercise Mat – We Sell Mats | Home users who want extra padding plus easy storage/transport | Supportive padded feel, thicker than typical thin mats | Supportive for floor-based work; great for occasional to regular practice | Folding format: space-saving, easy to carry without rolling |
Choosing the best Pilates mat depends on a few decisive factors: thickness for joint protection, firmness for stability, surface grip, and durability over time. A well-chosen mat supports your posture and improves movement quality, whether you practice occasionally or several times a week.
1. Deluxe Pilates Mat from STOTT PILATES
Built specifically for mat-based Pilates, this option is known for its spine-friendly cushioning and a supportive feel that helps you stay comfortable during rolling, supine, and side-lying work. The surface tends to feel stable under the hands and feet, which supports control and precision when tempo slows down.
What stands out:
- Comfort-focused thickness for floor sequences
- Supportive feel that stays stable under pressure
- Good coverage for full-body work
👉 Find Deluxe Pilates Mat from STOTT PILATES.
2. Pilates 190 Exercise Mat from AIREX
This is a popular pick among regular practitioners who want a mat that feels protective but not overly soft. It offers a balanced combination of cushioning and firmness, helping you keep alignment without feeling like you’re “sinking” into the foam during controlled movements.
Key points:
- Balanced cushioning and stability
- Comfortable for spine and pressure points
- Consistent feel for frequent practice
👉 Shop Pilates 190 Exercise Mat from AIREX.
3. Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat from ProsourceFit
A practical choice if you want extra padding and easy storage. The foldable design works well for home setups, and the thicker profile can be especially helpful if you’re sensitive at the knees, hips, or lower back during longer mat sessions.
Why it works:
- Thick cushioning for joint comfort
- Foldable for compact storage
- Convenient for multipurpose floor routines
👉 Buy Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat from ProsourceFit.
4. Solana Thick Non-Slip Workout Mat from Retrospec
If your priority is comfort, this mat is typically chosen for its plush feel and reassuring thickness. It can be a good match for gentle Pilates sessions and longer holds, especially when you want more support under the spine and knees.
Ideal for:
- Extra cushioning for sensitive joints
- Home Pilates and stretching routines
- A comfortable, forgiving surface
👉 Check Solana Thick Non-Slip Workout Mat from Retrospec.
5. Folding Personal Fitness & Exercise Mat from We Sell Mats
This option is appreciated for space-saving convenience and a supportive folding format. It suits home users who want more padding than a standard thin mat and prefer something that stores easily without needing to be rolled.
Good to know:
- Folds for easier storage and transport
- Supportive surface for floor-based work
- Useful for occasional to regular practice
👉 Discover Folding Personal Fitness & Exercise Mat from We Sell Mats.
How to choose the best Pilates mat
A Pilates mat should support your body without compromising stability. Thickness alone is not enough: the density of the foam, surface grip, and size all play a role in comfort and safety. Choosing the wrong mat can limit movement quality and increase strain on the spine.
Practical checklist:
- Thickness: at least 12–15 mm for spinal comfort
- Density: firm enough to stay stable under pressure
- Surface grip: prevents slipping during transitions
- Size: length and width adapted to your body type
Frequently asked questions
Is a Pilates mat different from a yoga mat?
Yes. A Pilates mat is usually thicker and denser than a yoga mat. It’s designed to protect the spine and joints during floor-based exercises rather than balance-focused standing poses.
What thickness is best for Pilates?
Most practitioners benefit from a mat between 12 and 20 mm. Thinner mats may cause discomfort, while overly soft mats can reduce stability.
Do beginners need a special Pilates mat?
Beginners often benefit the most from a thicker mat, as it helps reduce pressure on the lower back and hips while learning correct movement patterns.
Improve comfort and control in every Pilates session
The best Pilates mat allows you to focus fully on breathing, alignment, and control—without distraction from discomfort. Investing in the right mat can noticeably improve both performance and enjoyment, especially for regular practice at home.
