How about a ten year anniversary update? I’m back, to order a couple new mats. I’ve ordered five more since this earlier review in 2015, and I STILL love these these wonderful, low maintenance, grippy mats.
I tried a Manduka. I really wanted to love it. I scrubbed it with salt (honestly- it was recommended in the owners manual that came with it!), did all the stuff, and hated it so much after nearly busting me arse, that I gave that expensive toy away after a week, and went right back to my Gaiam dry grip. Sorry Manduka, it was you, not me.
Have used a Jade at a friend’s house, but unimpressed. It showed dirt, was crazy thin, and smelled. A couple of my Gaiam are easily five, six years old, and have no smell, but I do throw them in the washing machine with vinegar every six months or so, and hang dry them outside. Be aware, though, it will make the self balancing function on your washer sound like a drumline practicing in the laundry room, but it’s well worth it.
I actually like the occasional “bubble” or small bit of delamination or scuffing on the mat surface as the mat ages. It doesn’t spread, become even grippier. and it makes the mats absorb sweat (and boy, am I ever a sweater…) I sometimes wish I could figure out how to make all of my stable of mats do that. Yeah, I’m weird, and super particular about my mat(s).
The only time I’ve ever had any issue with the “shiny” pattern another reviewer mentioned is when the mats are brand spank new, and only for the first couple of uses. They break in quickly.
Since I first ordered, they came out with the XL. Oh, JOY!!!!!
In the past ten years, I’ve tremendously upped both my yoga game, and my health, too, losing a ton of weight. I keep three mats in constant rotation, and hang them over a small A-frame step ladder after each use. (I typically do hot yoga five or six times a week.). The oldest mat lives in my car, for use during cardio weight class at the gym. The thought of using a gym mat grosses me out, so I always bring my own. I walk long distances with my mat, but with a gain strap looped over my back, I forget I have it on til I try to go through a doorway. (You’ll eventually perfect the XL mat shimmy!) it’s not a heavy mat. (The Manduka, THAT was a heavy mat. )
Several people at my studio now use these mats because I sing their praises to anyone who will listen. Sorry, studio owner, I love you, I love your studio, and know you’re selling the hundred dollar mats out front. I’ll support you by buying other gear, but this is so much better of a mat.
Yoga mats are wildly personal, but for the price, give this one a chance. No salt scrub required.
—————————————
I love love love love this mat. Did I mention I love it? I had an old honeycomb foam Gaian mat from Target that wore like iron for a couple of years. Didn't loose a single crumb, but I wanted to upgrade to a better mat. Everyone in my classes uses the trendy brands, but I figured I was so happy with the quality of the first Gaiam, I'd take a chance with one of their better mats. I am so happy I did. The difference over the less expensive Gaiam was immediately noticeable.
I'd heard about "grip" but had no idea what it meant. Imagine you are a lizard with those little suction cuppy things on your hands and toes. Yep. You can push your hands forward, your feet apart, and they will not move, no matter how sweaty they are. You can pull them back during Sphinx pose, and your mat does not move. It also sticks to the ground beautifully. No more inch worming mat bunching up between your feet. Because you grip the mat so well, it makes some poses- downward dog, warrior poses, triangle, etc actually more enjoyable. I don't feel like my mat is fixing to slide right out from under me.
I have used this mat for about six months now, easily 100+ uses. No signs of wear whatsoever, other than faint scuff marks where I put my feet in down dog. No odor either, even though I sweat an embarrassing lot.
The only thing I would NOT do with this mat is fold it. I was in the habit of folding my old mat double and then rolling it, so the part that I practice on never touches the part that's on the floor. I tried that the first day with this mat, and it rolled, but unhappily so. When I went to use it the next day, there was an unsightly crease down the middle. It's still there after months, although it's finally started to fade.
I would buy this mat again in a heartbeat. This mat truly took my practice up a notch.
My only complaint is, I wish it were about sixth inches wider and 6-12 inches longer. I'm not particularly tall, but I use all my mat and then some, and I loath touching studio floors. Would love one that had the extra wiggle room.
Springlering –
JSmith –
Lis –
Jenni –
Amazon Customer –
kristen leslie –
Amazon Customer –
Bonita Westover –
Melanie –
Jacqueline Faye –
GD –
Nisha Sarma –
Wendy Johnson –