Mat Pilates at Home: How Much Space and Which Mat
Mat Pilates is barefoot, so choose a softer 8mm yoga mat with room to lie down with arms overhead and sweep your legs wide. Size chart, plus a mat for your reformer.
Short answer: for mat Pilates at home, you need a barefoot mat with enough cushion for your spine and enough room to lie down with your arms overhead and sweep your legs out to the side. For most people that means our 8mm Yoga Mat in 6' x 4' or 7' x 5'. If you use a reformer, put a firm exercise mat underneath it to protect the floor and steady the machine.
Key takeaways
- Mat Pilates is barefoot: choose the softer 8mm Yoga Mat.
- Rolling moves need cushion under your spine; side-lying moves need width.
- 7' x 5' fits most adults and their props; 6' x 4' suits smaller bodies and rooms.
- Reformer at home: a firm Exercise Mat underneath.
How much space mat Pilates needs
| Move | What it uses |
|---|---|
| The hundred, roll-up, teaser | Your full length lying down, arms overhead |
| Rolling like a ball, open-leg rocker | Cushion under the spine, a little room front to back |
| Leg circles, scissors | Room for legs to sweep wide |
| Side-lying kick series | Width: your body lying sideways, plus legs swinging forward and back |
| Swan, swimming | Length lying face down with arms reaching forward |
A standard 2' x 6' mat leaves your arms and legs on the floor for half of these. A 4' or 5' wide mat keeps everything on the mat.
“I love the size and the thickness to cushion joints. It takes up most of the room where I do Barre and Pilates.”
Verified buyer · 5 stars · Large Yoga Mat
Which mat for Pilates?
- Mat Pilates (barefoot): our Yoga Mat, 8mm with a softer, sticky surface designed for yoga, pilates, stretching, and light bodyweight work. 6' x 4', 7' x 5', 9' x 6', 12' x 6', 15' x 6'.
- Pilates plus cardio or weights in shoes: our Exercise Mat, 1/4" (6mm) high-density, works barefoot or in shoes.
- Under a reformer: the Exercise Mat. It protects the floor, cuts vibration, and keeps the machine from creeping. See Mats Under a Treadmill, Bike or Weight Bench.
“I was trying to find a good mat -- solid, not too springy -- to go under my pilates reformer. This one is perfect.”
Verified buyer · 5 stars · Large Exercise Mat
Which size?
| You | Suggested Yoga Mat |
|---|---|
| Up to about 5'0", small room | 6' x 4' |
| Most adults, or room for a ring, ball, and band | 7' x 5' |
| Over 6', or two people | 9' x 6' |
| Home studio or small class | 12' x 6' or 15' x 6' |
More: What Size Yoga Mat If You're Tall? and A Mat Big Enough for Two.
“Very comfortable for cardio and pilates. Does not slip on a ceramic tile floor.”
Verified buyer · 5 stars · Large Yoga Mat
Room for your whole Pilates practice
Free shipping, 60-day returns, and a lifetime warranty on every mat.
Shop Exercise MatsSee the Size GuideRelated guides: A 20-Minute Home Yoga Flow That Uses the Whole Mat · Is a Thick Yoga Mat Better? What an 8mm Mat Is Good For
FAQ
What is the difference between a Pilates mat and a yoga mat?
Pilates mats are usually a little thicker and softer for rolling moves. Our 8mm Yoga Mat is designed for both yoga and pilates.
What size mat do I need for Pilates?
7' x 5' suits most adults, with room for side-lying work and props. 6' x 4' works for smaller bodies and tight rooms; over 6', go 9' x 6'.
Can I do Pilates on an exercise mat?
Yes. It's firmer than the Yoga Mat. If you're barefoot most of the time, the Yoga Mat is more comfortable.
Do I need a mat under a Pilates reformer?
It's a good idea. A firm Exercise Mat protects the floor and keeps the reformer steady.
More guides.
See all guides-
A 10-Minute Full-Body Stretching Routine (and Why a Big Mat Helps)
Ten stretches, a minute each, from neck to calves. Lying and wide-legged stretches need a mat big enough to lie down with arms overhead: 7' x 5' for most adults.
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The Best Large Yoga Mat for Your Home Studio
Yoga mats are generally used for yoga, stretching, meditation and Pilates, as well as a variety of other barefoot exercises.
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Home Gym Gift Guide: The Best Gift for Someone Who Works Out at Home
Which mat to give, which size to pick when you don't know their room, gift ideas by person, and when to order for Christmas delivery.
