An Insight Into Gaiam Yoga Mat

Just like me, you might love yoga or meditation practice. But no matter how keen or dedicated of a practitioner you are, there is one obstacle that plagues us all – the mat. 

Unfortunately, it can be nearly impossible to find a mat that is effective for our practice and affordable to the average Joe. 

The yoga mat is an essential piece of equipment that can help a meditator or a yoga practitioner have a particular place of meditation and relaxation. There are many different mats on the market that vary in quality and price. 

I have been using the Gaiam mat for the past few months, and I have come to enjoy it.

In this Gaiam yoga mat review, I will be going over some of its features and then give you my honest opinion about whether or not it is worth the extra dough.

When it comes to Gaiam Yoga Mats, there are plenty of options to choose from. The company has been around for a long time in the yoga product world. So chances are, you already own one of their products.

Nevertheless, do they make the best yoga mats?

Let’s dive right in!

What Is The Gaiam Yoga Mat? 

Gaiam Yoga specializes in yoga mats, and is a trendy brand for beginners. They create affordable yoga mats of every type, and generally, their products are pretty decent. 

Of course, they don't equate to the high-end yoga mats in quality, but they do everything you need pretty well. They also provide decent cushioning and come in a variety of printed designs.

Key Features: 

This mat has various features that make it one of the best yoga pads available in the market today. The features will help you to get a better understanding of someone to its unique qualities and design.

Performance: 

The Gaiam yoga mat is made of a lightweight and durable material that has been die-cut and non-slip. 

As a result, the surface is very smooth, and you can easily glide your hands and feet over it. The mat is also made with a natural rubber that helps it slip-free and easy to transport and carry. 

The Gaiam Chakra Print Yoga mat is classed as a lightweight mat and measures 68″ L x 24″ W. If you are taller than 5’6″, this may not be the best choice for you. 

You would want to buy a Gaiam yoga mat that is 10" long and 2" wider than the standard size.

Comfort: 

A mat’s comfort is essential for those who practice yoga or meditation. You want to feel as comfortable as possible while sitting down on the floor, legs crossed for 30 minutes straight, aimlessly doing nothing but trying to relax.

This Gaiam yoga mat is made with elastic strands encased in rubber. It helps to provide a better grip, prevent you from slipping, and also helps your bare feet to feel comfortable when you are on the mat. 

The surface of the mat is also perfect for protecting your knees and elbows. The mat also has a closed-cell technology that helps absorb moisture away from your body so you don’t slip or fall during yoga or meditation practice. 

The Gaiam yoga mat also has tremendous cushioning that helps you have all the support you need when doing the many different poses of various levels.

Price: 

Another massive benefit about this mat is that it is incredibly budget-friendly. It is made of lightweight materials, uses low-cost fabrics, and comes in a variety of designs. 

You can use this mat for many different types of yoga practices available to you. If you are starting with yoga or an intermediate-level practitioner, this mat could work best.

Pros of the Gaiam Yoga Mat: 

• Superior Grip: The Gaiam yoga mat has an excellent grip that helps you handle it easily even if your hands are sweaty after practice, which is very common.

Different types of Gaiam yoga mats

Gaiam yoga mats are available in a variety of different styles. 

More popular types include the Standard Gaiam Yoga Mat – Print, Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat, Gaiam Jute Yoga Mat, Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat, and Gaiam Athletic Yoga Series. 

Standard Gaiam Yoga Mat – Print 

The 6 mm Gaiam print yoga mat is their most well-known and best-selling mat. It looks great, is affordable, and performs well. The Gaiam Yoga Standard Mat – Print has an excellent design with an earthy colour scheme. 

Almost everyone has them somewhere- in their closet or other enclosed room. It is made from a non-toxic PVC that's lightweight, provides decent cushioning, and is always available in tons of printed patterns.

Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat

Gaiam’s hot yoga mat is designed for people who sweat a lot and need to maintain traction. It’s made from a thick PVC free from toxic chemicals and has a “topcoat” that’s created to absorb and wick sweat. 

As a result, the grip improves as the heat increases through the class.

It is similar to a Lululemon yoga mat but much less expensive. The mat also comes in a standard 68 x 24″ size and an XL version that’s 78″ x 26″, which is much larger, giving you lots of space. 

This extra space is good if you're in a crowded yoga class and don't like rubbing elbows with your sweaty neighbour.

Gaiam Jute Yoga Mat 

It is the most popular yoga mat used by instructors in many different types of studios. The Gaiam Jute Yoga Mat is made from PER foam that offers a firm consistency that provides adequate cushioning with a little bit of a floor feel. 

The mat's top layer is the jute, which gives the mat a grip and creates a distinct look.

This mat probably won’t provide enough padding for sensitive joints who practices on a hard surface. Though, it will continue to work if you practice on the carpet.

I would recommend this mat for people who like the general appearance and texture of the jute. Alternatively, this is ideal for novices and experts alike. This mat is durable and can be used for a variety of yoga practices.

Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat

The Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat is a top-end yoga mat that is available in various sizes and colours. It has a neutral colour scheme with a lot of texture to it. 

It also has an ideal thickness for all kinds of practitioners, from people who practice basic stretches to those who practice more advanced postures. 

It’s made from perforated cork that provides better cushioning and stability when compared to the standard PVC material. It also absorbs some of the moisture and sweat, making it easier to grip. 

This mat is used by many professionals who want an eco-friendly mat with a little bit more comfort. 

Gaiam’s cork yoga mat is a convenient asset for those looking for a luxurious and affordable yoga mat. Cork is antimicrobial, looks great, provides excellent grip in hot and non-heated environments, and has the perfect density.

Gaiam Athletic Yoga Series

The Gaiam Athletic Yoga Series is a nifty-looking yoga mat that’s great for athletes or for people who have lots of different sports going on in their lives. 

It has a standard thickness and design, but it's sold in a series of different colours and sizes. It also sports a seamless design that provides better stability.

This mat is excellent for people who need to carry their mats when travelling from one place to another. It’s just 5 mm thick and reversible as well. It’s large at 78 x 26 inches, so it should be perfect for taller or more prominent individuals. 

It is just five millimetres thick, which is not too heavy. The ends will curl when you put it down, but this shouldn't be a problem. This thickness also gives you some footing.

Pros:

• It is ideal for practising most kinds of yoga.
• It is affordable and will fit easily into your budget. 
• It helps to protect the environment because it’s eco-friendly and non-toxic.
• It is made from a porous material that is very absorbent.
• It is smooth and easy to clean with most yoga mat cleaners.
• It can be used by almost all practitioners of all different levels.
• It is anti-skid, so it will stay in place even if you move around while practising.

Cons: 

• It may not be ideal for ultra-light practice because it doesn’t have enough cushioning.
• It may not be ideal for younger practitioners who are just starting because of its weight. 

Final Verdict: Gaiam yoga mat 

The Gaiam yoga mat is one of the most affordable and best yoga mats in the market. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then this is perfect for you.

The Gaiam yoga mat has excellent non-slip properties, especially for a mat in this price range.

This mat has lasted three years of heavy use. It’s something I didn’t expect, but it has still done well. In addition, this mat is free from harmful materials like latex and phthalates, so it won’t harm you when it’s no longer usable.

The Gaiam yoga mats are great for beginners. They're not targeting the high-end market, so you can't expect them to compete with expensive yoga mats. 

Nevertheless, they provide good value for the money, and they’re worth purchasing as an entry-level option.