Gaiam Yoga Mat – Premium 6mm Print Reversible Extra Thick Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts (68″ x 24″ x 6mm Thick) by Gaiam

When I opened the package, there was a very strong chemical smell to the mat. Think noxious fumes invading the entire level of my house. This was anything but faint. I loved the quality and pattern too much to return, so I looked on other reviews to find a solution. I’m new to yoga, so I don’t have the fancy mat cleaners. I used Mrs. Meyer’s Basil cleaner twice on both sides, but it still stunk up the room. I then moved it to the garage for a day and washed it down with Clorox wipes – better, but not something I’d want to be around, let alone put my face on. At this point I’m 2 days in and still haven’t gotten rid of the smell, so I put it outside, hosed it down with water and let it dry outside all day over a chair. The smell was finally gone! I also purchased the Gaiam blocks and there’s a reason they ship those wrapped in plastic… those reeked too! But this time I went straight outside, hosed them down and let them sit on my patio table for the day. By night, they were free of smell too. FINAL SUGGESTED REMEDY: Completely drench in water and let sit outside for the day.

I’m new to yoga, but have horrible joints and was apprehensive of a 6mm mat being thick enough. It’s very comfortable! I can do gate pose on hardwood without knee pain and tree pose without feeling like there’s too much give to balance on. It rolls up and out nice without curling of the corners. I’m only a week in, so I’m definitely not as graceful, or gentle, on the mat as I will be eventually. My mat doesn’t seem to care and takes the beating with grace for me. It’s a very sturdy and patient mat. The colors I chose are no longer available (Mandala Mantra), but I love the navy and red mandala pattern. When I get tired of it I can turn it over, but not any time soon. I love the versatility!

I was looking for a more durable and long-lasting yoga mat, and so far, I love this one. It is thicker than my previous mat and feels more sturdy. The designs are beautiful as well.
When I first opened it, there was a noticeable smell, but after letting it air out for a bit, it improved significantly. I do find that I slip a little during certain poses, but overall, I am pleased with this yoga mat compared to my last one.

I like the mat pattern, the mat itself does provide grip without being too thick. It does border on too thin, for my 55 year old knees (without any known knee injury). However, that’s a personal issue and not a manufacturer issue. It may be perfectly fine for you. I end up putting a small folded towel under the kne and it is fine. The mat provides enough resistance to hold the towel in place.
The reason for the missing star is the mat needs to air out for longer than I expected. There is a heavy chemical smell which took about a week diminish. I can still smell it occasionally during outdoor or warm yoga practice. I have been using the mat for approximately 2 weeks. It stays hanging in my garage or shaded porch when not packed for class.

Usually I’ll give a product time to fall apart or explode unexpectedly, but this thing is just quality through and through.

While unwrapping, I’m telling myself I hope I like it because the mat looks awesome even rolled up – the colors are just as vibrant in person.

The texture is well above what I had been used to on the standard, generic yoga mat. The raised bumps resemble that of a rope weave and feel great. The mat is thinner than my old one but is denser and more resilient. Less give but not uncomfortably so.

And many items reviewed on Amazon will mention the product’s unexpected smell. This is usually never good.

Not here. No, I’m not sure what I’m smelling but if they sold it in air fresheners? I’d buy em. Get on it, guys. “Gaiam x Glade Fresh Thermoplastic Sunrise”. Subscribe & save

Love this yoga mat, it’s a lot more cushy and thick than I expected. Design is so cute and it feels truly high quality. Highly recommend!