At the start of each year, floor mats invade online shopping carts. According to Klarna, a flexible payment platform, purchases of sporting goods have exploded and yoga mats are up 32%, while digital scales are up 43% and treadmills are up 20%. It remains to be seen what to actually place your hands and knees on.
Because just one bad choice can be enough: sliding in downward dog, spine suffering when rolled into a ball, knees crushed to the ground. Finding the best yoga pilates mat comes down to finding the balance between comfort, grip and practicality, especially if you only want one piece of equipment to do it all.
Choosing the right yoga and Pilates mat
In yoga, we combine standing postures, balances and rapid transitions. You therefore need a carpet that is thin enough to maintain the feel of the floor, often around 4 to 6 mm, with a surface that does not slip. In Pilates, the priority changes: we spend a lot of time lying down, the spine and knees need much more generous protection.
For Pilates on the floor, many practices are moving towards mats 8 to 12 mm thick, denser, which provide cushioning without crushing. If you alternate gentle yoga and Pilates, an intermediate thickness of around 6 to 8 mm offers a good compromise between stability when standing and comfort during exercises on the back or sides.
Thickness, grip and materials: the winning trio
Three criteria really make the difference when looking for a yoga mat or a Pilates mat that can be used for both disciplines:
- thickness and density, to protect without becoming unstable;
- grip on the ground and under the hands;
- the material, which influences grip, weight and maintenance.
PVC remains common for its strong adhesion, but it is heavier and less eco-responsible. TPE offers a good compromise: light, soft, often recyclable, with decent grip. NBR foam is very comfortable for the joints, especially in Pilates. Natural rubber and cork are distinguished by excellent grip, even when you sweat a little, ideal for dynamic yoga as well as for core series in Pilates.
Our selection of comfortable and non-slip mats
AIREX mats, a Swiss brand established for over 60 years, have become references in the studio and at home. The brand was one of the first to offer foams incorporating up to 96% air in their composition, which is clearly reflected in the comfort and softness under the hands and feet, while maintaining very good grip and easy cleaning.
In terms of health, SISSEL, born in Sweden more than 30 years ago, offers mats designed for rehabilitation, yoga and Pilates: non-slip surface, good pressure absorption and light weight for carrying them to class. For those who mainly do Pilates on the floor, the Domyos comfort 10 mm mat sold at Decathlon almost resembles a mattress: its thickness and density effectively protect the back and joints, while remaining stable enough for gentle yoga.
What thickness should you choose for a yoga and Pilates mat?
For mixed use, aiming for around 6 to 8 mm generally gives a good compromise between cushioning and stability.
Which material provides the best grip?
The natural rubber and cork grip very well, even with a little sweat, while the TPE remains light and comfortable.
Is a thick Pilates mat suitable for yoga?
Yes for gentle yoga, especially on the ground; for very dynamic yoga, a slightly thinner mat will often be more stable.
