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 | Purple |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gaiam |
| Material | PVC |
| Product Care Instructions | Yoga mats release a very strong but harmless odor when first unwrapped. Please unroll and air out your mat for 2-3 days before use. Spot clean with our Yoga Mat Wash or damp cloth with cold water and mild detergent. Dry flat. The mat may fade and become brittle and unusable if exposed to the sun for extended periods of time. We recommend storing your mat in a mat bag when not in use. |
| Product Dimensions | 68"L x 24"W x 0.19"Th |
| Item Weight | 4.25 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Fit For Life |
| UPC | 018713640277 018713616272 018713616821 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00018713640277, 00018713616821 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 24.25 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches |
| Package Weight | 2.43 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 68 x 24 x 0.19 inches |
| Brand Name | Gaiam |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 05-61682 |
| Model Year | 2017 |
| 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 |
