Pilates and yoga mats are similar in that they are about the same size and used for exercises done on the floor. Yoga mats are sticky, designed to prevent slipping, a hazard which is not as likely with Pilates exercises. However, a Pilates mat needs to be thicker than most yoga mats. Because there are so many standing poses in yoga, mats used for yoga have to let the practitioner feel the floor. This is not so important with a Pilates mat. Actually, Pilates mats are thicker so that we are padded from the floor.