Gaiam Yoga Mat Buying Guide
About Gaiam Yoga Mats
Gaiam is derived from the words “Gaia” which refers to the name of a Greek goddess and “I am” meaning I am the Earth. Their yoga mats are available in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes.
Most of the Gaiam mats are made from PVC which is why they’re relatively affordable. They have the most beautiful prints and colors. However, they smell initially but you can air out for 3-4 days to dissipate the odor.
Overall, they’re good but they’re not as good as higher-end brands. If you’re a beginner to yoga and want to save up for your first yoga mat, then Gaiam is perfect for you.
Comparison Of Gaiam With Other Brands
Let’s see how Gaiam compares with other leading brands, like Jade, Manduka, and Lululemon.
Gaiam Vs Jade Yoga Mat
Unlike Gaiam, Jade yoga mats contain no PVC or other artificial rubbers. They’re made from natural rubber, a sustainable resource that offers superior traction level. However, they only come in solid colors making it look pretty boring compared to Gaiam.
Gaiam Vs Manduka Yoga Mat
Manduka is more expensive than Gaiam but you save yourself the problems of having flaky and fading mats in the long run. Both Gaiam and Manduka offer a lifetime guarantee but the latter seems to be more durable and even promises to improve over time. Although Manduka is beaten with Gaiam in terms of colors and prints, it performs better in wicking away sweat and moisture.
Gaiam Vs Lululemon Yoga Mat
Both Gaiam and Lululemon offer a reversible mat for practical reasons. However, Lululemon has better traction when you sweat making it ideal for hot yoga. It’s a good eco-friendly alternative to Gaiam PVC mats.
How To Find Your Perfect Gaiam Mat
Thickness
Gaiam yoga mats are available in 5 thickness levels: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm. If you’re a beginner or suffer from injuries, choose the thickest mat to support your knees and back. Choose the thinner mats if you want to feel more connected to the ground.
The 3mm mat is the best for those who have limited storage space and like the feel of just a slight cushion. Consider getting a 2mm mat if you want it to bring in your bag for travel.
Size
The standard size of a yoga mat is 68 inches long and 24 inches wide. If you’re a little taller, you might need a longer mat with a length of 72 inches. For kids, 60 inches is enough length to make room for both hands and feet.
Material
The material determines the stickiness, texture, and eco-friendliness of the mat. Most Gaiam mats are made of PVC, which is free of the six harmful phthalates. It has the most “give” than any other materials, plus it’s sticky and can endure a lot of beating.
More eco-friendly options are natural rubber, jute, and organic cotton. If you’re sensitive to latex, steer away from natural rubber.
Style And Design
Gaiam offers a wide variety of colors and patters. If you want dual functionality, choose reversible mats. There are tons of printed designs including oceanscape, granite mountains, and green bamboo. It all boils down to your preference.