Reformer pilates is one of the best exercises you can do for your body, no matter whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pilates professional. Pilates is a unique fitness choice as it doesn’t require too much equipment and the studio you go to will usually provide all of the equipment for you. One vital piece of equipment you will want to invest in, however, whether you do reformer pilates or floor pilates, is a mat. A lot of pilates students probably don’t realise how much better a reformer class is with a reformer mat. Reformer mats improve grip and confidence, meaning you can feel even more of a burn on your carriage. If you’re unsure how to fund the perfect reformer mat for you, here are our top 4 tips to get a reformer mat that will help you work out better.
1. Size of the reformer carriage
Whether you do reformer pilates at home on your own carriage or at a studio, finding the perfect reformer pilates mat is all about the size of the carriage. Getting a reformer pilates mat that is too long will mean it gets in the way, too short and you may not get the most out of your reformer mat. If you aren’t sure what the perfect size is for the carriage you use, ask the studio next time you’re at a class what beds they use. They will either be able to tell you the perfect reformer pilates mat size to get, or you can look up the dimension of the bed online when you get home.
If you’re using a reformer pilates bed at home, head out to your carriage and measure the bed space, not the entire length of the bed of course. Once you have the measurements, you have what you need to find the perfect reformer mat for your bed. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple case of getting any old mat, there is a marked difference between a pilates mat vs a reformer mat.
2. Material
Not all reformer pilates mats are created equal, and getting a reformer mat made from the right material is crucial to success in your next class. The best material to look for in your reformer mat is rubber, making sure you get 100% rubber and avoid the reformer mats with blended materials. 100% rubber reformer mats are ultra soft, anti-slip and are so much easier to clean than any other type of material. If you’re someone who sweats a lot during a reformer pilates class, then you’ll want to make sure you have a 100% rubber mat so you can easily wipe them clean with anti-bacterial spray or wipes.
Rubber is a very absorbent material as well, meaning if you do sweat quite a bit you won’t have to worry about water pooling on top of your reformer mat causing a hazard. Rubber reformer mats will simply absorb the sweat, allowing you to safely use the reformer pilates mat throughout the class, and then wipe it clean afterwards. Rubber is a great material for printing as well, which means you will be able to get a huge range of choices for your reformer mat design as well.
3. Thickness of the reformer mat
There is a real difference between a reformer pilates mat and a floor pilates mat, the thickness of the mat. A dual-purpose mat for floor pilates and yoga is usually around 6mm in thickness as you want it to be comfortable when you’re laying on the floor. When it comes to getting the best reformer mat, you want a mat that is as thin as possible. This is because you are already laying on a reformer pilates bed that is padded. Using a reformer pilates mat that is too thick will inhibit your ability to balance and perform the exercises properly. If you are unsure about whether mat pilates or reformer pilates is for you, the thickness of the mat and carriage support you require may guide your decision.
A great thickness for a reformer mat is around 1mm, which is a big difference from the 6mm of a floor pilates mat. The reformer mat is specifically designed to almost feel as though you are on the bed so you can maintain your balance and form during the class. If you find a reformer mat you love that is slightly thicker than that, by all means, give it a go, but the rule of thumb for finding the perfect reformer mat is the thinner the better.
4. The mat design
The last tip for finding the perfect reformer mat for you is the design that is printed on your mat. Of course, this tip is very personal so be sure to look around and find a design that really speaks to you. If you are a reformer pilates addict, then the chances are you’ll be looking at your reformer mat a lot during the weeks and months of the year. There are so many great designers out there doing amazing designs for reformer pilates mats, don’t rush in and do a thorough search to find the perfect design for you. Whether you would love a cosmic design to help you feel at peace, or a beautiful leafy design there really is a design for everyone when it comes to reformer pilates mats. As long as you’re checking your reformer mat purchase for the above, the design is the final choice to get the best reformer mat for you.
Reformer pilates is an addictive fitness choice, and you’ll be amazed at just how quickly you fall in love. There is so much to learn about reformer pilates and one of the best things is the small amount of equipment you need to bring. The only key piece of equipment to take your reformer pilates to the next level is a reformer pilates mat. A reformer mat should be a personal choice for you, and if it ticks all the boxes of our top 4 tips then you’ve got a great reformer mat on your hands.
Want to learn more about pilates and other exercise styles? Check out our fitness articles and recommendations, or find out why pilates is a popular activity for pregnancy.
