Do I Need A Yoga Mat For Pilates

You will need a yoga mat if you plan to do at home yoga or pilates and core portions of barre.

Do i need a yoga mat for pilates.

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. Yoga employs many more standing exercises which require a thin mat that supports better proprioception and balance. For pilates it is imperative that the mat is thicker and or denser than a yoga mat.

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. Get one that is at least 6mm thick these shouldn t set you back more than 30. Depending on your preferred style of yoga you might end up sweating quite a bit during your session. Pilates mats are typically thicker and with a higher density when compared to yoga mats.

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. Just like a mat s thickness the density of the mat must also be considered when getting a yoga and pilates mat. When taking a yoga or pilates class you might notice that the mats look similar. 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.

The cushion of the mat will help protect your joints throughout practice.