There are many types and styles of exercise mats on the market, which some people think are all interchangeable. Yoga and Pilates mats are similar, but you must consider the type of exercise you are performing and the conditions in which you are practicing before selecting one or the other.
Purpose
Yoga and Pilates mats share the same purpose: to prevent slipping while practicing these exercises. These specially made mats provide grip, unlike towels, carpet, or hard flooring surfaces. This is especially beneficial if you become sweaty, since with this type of mat, you will still have grip. In Pilates, mats also have the purpose of protecting the person's spine.
Size
In terms of size, Pilates mats are generally larger than yoga mats. Typically, Pilates mats can range from 72 to 86 inches long and 21 to 39 inches wide. Although you can find all different types of yoga mats, the standard mat is usually 68 inches long and 24 inches wide. A classic Pilates mat would be about 1/2 inch thick, whereas a typical yoga mat is generally 1/8 inch thick.
Thickness
For a Pilates mat, it is recommended to have a mat of medium thickness. If the mat is too thin, it does not provide enough cushion, yet if it is too thick, it will not have enough support. For yoga, different thicknesses are recommended depending on the type of yoga and the type of surface on which the yoga is being performed. For example, 4 millimeter mats are suggested for Ashtanga yoga, and medium thick mats are recommended for doing yoga on carpet or wood floors. Since it is important for yoga practitioners to feel the floor during standing poses, they require a thinner mat. Pilates practitioners require thicker mats for protection from the floor.
Types
Yoga mats are specifically offered in environmentally friendly versions to coincide with the yoga practitioner's lifestyle. Both types of mats are generally made from rubber or foam, but yoga mats can be made from natural rubber, hemp, cotton or dried grass.
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