Do I Need A Yoga Mat For Pilates

For pilates it is imperative that the mat is thicker and or denser than a yoga mat.

Do i need a yoga mat for pilates.

These mats range from 1 4 to 1 2 inch thickness. Mat thickness and texture make a difference when it comes to balance poses in yoga whereas padding is more important in pilates when you re rolling lying on your side and putting. When taking a yoga or pilates class you might notice that the mats look similar. Pilates on the other hand uses the mat for a larger volume of exercises on your back and your stomach.

Just like a mat s thickness the density of the mat must also be considered when getting a yoga and pilates mat. If you want to get a mat for both yoga and pilates you can get 1 4 inch yoga mat so you can do both activities and be comfortable at the same time. But you will need a thicker mat for pilates compared to yoga because there are repetitive exercises in the kneeling position for example which requires more cushioning. Yoga employs many more standing exercises which require a thin mat that supports better proprioception and balance.

You can use the same mat in both types of classes but there are some differences to consider based on your comfort level and needs. Get one that is at least 6mm thick these shouldn t set you back more than 30. You will need a yoga mat if you plan to do at home yoga or pilates and core portions of barre. Depending on your preferred style of yoga you might end up sweating quite a bit during your session.

Personally i don t like the really thick mats because it feels too squishy so i.