When taking a yoga or pilates class you might notice that the mats look similar.
Do i need a yoga mat for pilates.
Get one that is at least 6mm thick these shouldn t set you back more than 30.
Pilates on the other hand uses the mat for a larger volume of exercises on your back and your stomach.
You will need a yoga mat if you plan to do at home yoga or pilates and core portions of barre.
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.
That s because pilates means rolling on your back quite a lot which means that you need a mat that has plenty of cushioning to comfort and support you when doing so otherwise you would end up with terrible back pain.
For pilates it is imperative that the mat is thicker and or denser than a yoga mat.
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.
Pilates mats are typically thicker and with a higher density when compared to yoga mats.
Just like a mat s thickness the density of the mat must also be considered when getting a yoga and pilates mat.
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.
Personally i don t like the really thick mats because it feels too squishy so i.
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.
These mats range from 1 4 to 1 2 inch thickness.