Yoga and Pilates mats can range in price from $10 to more than $100. Higher priced mats are different from discount ones, but not always better. With careful planning, you can define what you need out of your mat and then avoid over-paying for unnecessary features.
Pilates vs. Yoga Mats
Pilates and yoga mats are not the same. In the Pilates mat workout, almost all of the exercises are done lying down. In many of the exercises, you roll back and forth along your spine. A Pilates mat should provide some cushioning for your joints. Pilates mats tend to be thicker than yoga mats. Many yoga poses involve standing or require you to press your hands or feet into the mat for balance. Slipping, especially as you begin to sweat, is a primary concern. Yoga mats tend to be stickier than Pilates mats.
Comfort
A thicker mat can be more expensive, but more comfortable for sitting and lying in Pilates or yoga. Depending on where and what you practice, you may want to buy a cheaper and thinner mat. Most Pilates studios provide thick mats for students. If you plan to use your Pilates mat at home on a carpeted floor, you will not need an extra-thick mat.
You can find a discount Pilates mat which is fairly thick. The more expensive thick Pilates mats will fold up, rather than roll, and can be more difficult to store. Most thick discount Pilates mats will have a spongy inner lay with a coating on the top and bottom surfaces of the mat, but not on around the edges. The exposed edges can be vulnerable to tears.
Discount yoga mats are almost always thin and relatively sticky. Think about whether you will use your mat in class. Some studios have hardwood floors where you might prefer a thick mat. At studios with carpet or padded floors, you might not need a thick mat. For standing poses, a thick mat can make balancing more difficult. Sometimes a thinner mat is preferable.
Convenience
Inexpensive, thinner mats roll up more tightly for easier storage. They can be lighter to carry. Keep in mind that discount mats probably will not come with a strap or a carrier to keep your mat rolled. If your mat gets wet, a thinner mat will dry more quickly. For Bikram or hot yoga, you will probably place a towel over your mat to absorb sweat. Using a thick beach towel can make a discount mat more comfortable. However, a beach towel will be more slick than a thin, quick-dry towel.
For taller yogis, slightly longer or wider mats are available. They tend to be thicker and more pricey.
Style
Yoga and Pilates mats come in all colors, some with prints or motivational phrases. Some practitioners are drawn toward expensive mats for the brand name and style. Discount mats do not offer the same range of designs and colors. During class, when you are focusing on your breath or concentrating on your lower abdominals, you may not care about what image your mat projects.
The Green Factor
Discount mats can be made of latex, plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a combination of the three. Mats made from natural rubber, jute or cotton are biodegradable, but cost more. Keep in mind, a discount mat will not be as durable as one made from higher quality materials. Be wary of chemical coatings on inexpensive mats. Even with a less expensive mat, you can still help the environment by recycling or repurposing your mat at the end of its life. Donate it to a homeless shelter as a sleeping pad. Cut it up and use the pieces to keep furniture or pet food bowls from slipping. Shred it and use the pieces in place of packing peanuts.
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