Best. Mat. Ever. It's very much like Lulu The Mat. But a bit smaller in size, lighter & more beautiful. Lulu's The Mat wears down so fast & this one doesn't. Much lighter than manduka. Thicker/comfier than jade harmony which previously was my favorite. The surface is very absorbent. The grip is amazing - way better than traditional mats - I am so secure in warrior 2. I am able to go through half my hot power yoga class without a yoga towel. Then I lay down a towel during core when my sweat starts really dripping. It performs great when hot & damp, but also when dry. This mat is thick which is awesome for my knees in camel, and feels sturdy rather than squishy. I use chained hair elastics attached to a large button to hold it rolled when not in use. Any mat strap would work, I was just feeling creative & made my own. I used another thick mat before, but it was slippery. Then I used jade harmony but it was too thin. This is perfect.
Update: I have had this yoga mat for 2 years now!!! I went through TWO yoga teacher trainings using this every day for hours, and often allowing other students to use it. I practice on it every single day. I do restorative yoga, drip-heavy heated power yoga and Bikram, as well as occasionally an outdoor class. It remains immaculate, as though I bought it yesterday! I cannot say enough good things about this mat. I clean it with JUST WATER and I think this is why it has retained its beauty. Occasionally, like every few weeks, I will clean it with either dish soap, vinegar, lemon juice-dilutred water with a drop of tea tree oil. Not consistent, just whatever is around. Usually it's water and let hang dry outside. It does not smell (I am a medium-sweater, not a huge dripper but not just a glower). I wish my yoga studio carried this mat, I think I am going to recommend that they do. I don't use it during my teaching only because I feel like I cannot "sell" it up, since we don't carry it. But if we carried it, I would tell every student to buy it. Especially that student who face-planted on her lulu mat. The surface is only slightly worn - it's almost as new looking as the day I bought it. It's a beautiful mat. It's thick and comfortable for those with knee issues, it has not matted down much at all - maybe just slightly after two years & only recently. I think I'll get it in purple next!
UPDATE: Year 3 almost to the day. I am finally beginning to see wearing on my beautiful mat. I've been practicing at home regularly & just did a third yoga teacher training. I am starting to notice it wearing down at the top middle & top bottom of my mat. I think it's time for a replacement, but I'll never throw this one away. They'll have to bury it with me.
UPDATE: It's STILL my favorite mat after 5 years. It is showing some love wear on the surface but it's not peeling, and i can see some of the threads around the top and bottom of the mat that are starting to be exposed. I kind of want to buy another identical mat but I kind of want this one to last forever and it's still 100% functional. Part of me wants another just to test how much better (or not) a brand new one is because I think this MUST have lost some of its cushioning. Right? Well, it is like the tarot deck I've had for 25 years, I could buy a new one but the old has become an extension of me, one of my favorite possessions in its perfection as it is not new but still exactly perfect.
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gaiam |
| Material | Rubber |
| Product Care Instructions | Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry flat. |
| Product Dimensions | 68"L x 24"W x 0.19"Th |
| Item Weight | 4.25 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Fit For Life |
| UPC | 018713610287 018713635396 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00018713610287, 00018713635396 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 24.13 x 4.45 x 4.45 inches |
| Package Weight | 2.16 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 68 x 0.2 x 24 inches |
| Brand Name | Gaiam |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 05-61028 |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Style | Yoga Mat - Premium 5mm Dry-Grip Thick Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for Hot Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts (68" or 78"L x 24" or 26"W x 5mm) |
| Size | One Size |
| Sport Type | Exercise & Fitness, Yoga, Pilates |
