Yoga-Pilates Mats: What is the Difference, and What Should You Choose?

For the longest time, yoga has been at the forefront of mat-based practice.

When we first started our company, we wanted to provide for a practice that has long supported us.

So, when Pilates came on the scene, our world opened up to a mobility-based practice that also integrated yoga concepts that we love. It’s dynamic, fast-paced, core strengthening, while also remaining aware and kind to the body.

So you can just use your yoga mat, right? Wrong!

Yoga vs. Pilates mats – let’s dive into why there needs to be a difference. 

What makes Pilates different? And why the connection to yoga?

The foundation of Pilates is in building core strength and toning the muscles through resistance training and mobility-focused exercises. 

You can look at Pilates as two separate practices: Reformer Pilates, which uses machines, and mat-based Pilates, which focuses on using your own strength to train, sometimes combined with resistance bands or balls.

Pilates is associated with yoga because it pairs the breath with the movement; the inhales and exhales support your movements as you contract and expand. Just as you would in yoga, the movements are focused and precise; each movement comes with intention, bringing attention to each limb to tone the body. 

When you move this way, the mind calms as you start to focus – and you feel great after!

So surely yoga and Pilates mats are the same?

Here’s where yoga and Pilates separate:

Yoga is a combination of strengthening, toning, and balancing – with reflection on the way our minds do the same thing.

For your mat to support this, you need a mat that is strong in grip, but not too thick, or it becomes difficult to do balancing poses, while also being a comfortable mat for stretching.

Pilates is strengthening, sweaty and puts pressure on the forearms, hips, and lower back, requiring a thicker and firmer mat to cushion the joints. Pilates is dynamic, so your mat needs a strong, grippy base to stay in place as you move.

When you get into your practice on a mat that is actually designed for Pilates, you’ll really feel the difference!

… but what if you practice both?

We believe your mat should support what you practice more of. For example, if you’re looking for a mat for stretching and occasionally doing the odd high-intensity work out – a yoga mat will suffice. 

Likewise, if you’ve caught the Pilates bug and have the odd stretch day, you’ll want to invest in a good Pilates mat to support that.

Yoga vs. Pilates Mats: a checklist

Want to shop for a new mat? There are so many options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the aesthetics (and by all means, we advocate for pretty mats) over the practical matters.

Here’s what you need to know in simple terms:

Our Yoga & Pilates Mats at Downward Frog

At Downward Frog, our thicker yoga-Pilates mats come in at 4mm with refined grip tech from our vegan suede toppers that make a great yoga or Pilates mat. 

Although on the thinner side for a Pilates mat, the strong grip paired with extra cushioning and strong grip from the natural rubber base offers the firm yet loving support you’re looking for as you move through your favourite Pilates sequences.

Browse through our collection of beautiful patterned mats to inspire your practice!