After using the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat in Los Angeles for several months, I’ve come to appreciate its combination of style and comfort. The vibrant prints add a personal touch to my practice, making each session more enjoyable.
While the mat’s cushioning is great for most yoga routines, I did find it lacking a bit of thickness during intense exercises. That said, it’s been a solid choice for my daily stretches and Pilates sessions. Let me share my thoughts on how it performed and what I like best about this mat.
What I Like
I’ve been using the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for my daily workouts, and here’s what I love about it:
- Comfortable Cushioning: The mat offers excellent cushioning, making it ideal for floor exercises, yoga, and Pilates. It’s soft enough to protect my knees during long stretches, but firm enough to provide stable support.
- Beautiful Designs: The prints on this mat are vibrant and eye-catching. They add a bit of personality to my workout space and make my practice more enjoyable.
- Durability: Even after several months of use, the mat has maintained its shape and color. It doesn’t show signs of wear, even with frequent stretching and rolling.
- Non-Slip Surface: The mat has a textured surface that provides excellent grip. This is especially important during intense sessions where I don’t want to slip, and it really helps me stay focused.
Order the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for your fitness journey today on Amazon!!
What Could Be Better
While I really enjoy the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat, there are a couple of areas where it could improve:
- Thickness: While the mat offers decent cushioning, it might not be thick enough for people who need extra joint protection. A slightly thicker version could make it even more comfortable for those with sensitive knees or hips.
- Cleaning: Although the mat is easy to clean, it can be a bit tricky to remove stubborn stains or marks. I wish it were more resistant to dirt, especially if you use it frequently.
- Material: While the mat is durable, the surface material could be a bit softer. Some mats have a plush feel, and this one could be slightly softer for added comfort, particularly for long sessions.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’ve been using yoga mats for years and have tried many different brands. Here’s why you can trust my review:
- Personal Experience: I’ve used the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat in various settings—home yoga practices, gym sessions, and even outdoor exercises. I don’t just write about products; I test them thoroughly to give you real, honest feedback.
- Hands-On Testing: I’m passionate about fitness and yoga, so I understand the importance of comfort, support, and durability in a mat. I use these mats daily, so I’m familiar with their performance over time.
- Expert Knowledge: With my experience in fitness and yoga, I know what to look for in a quality mat. I can give you insights on what works and what doesn’t, based on personal use.
Order the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for your fitness journey today on Amazon!!
How I Tested
Testing the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat was an enjoyable experience. Here’s how I went about it:
- Regular Use: I used the mat for daily yoga and Pilates routines. I also tested it with high-impact exercises to assess its durability and comfort.
- Multiple Surfaces: I placed it on different types of flooring, including hardwood and carpet, to see how well it stays in place. The non-slip surface held up well on all surfaces.
- Cleaning Trials: I cleaned the mat several times to test how easy it is to maintain, especially after intense workouts that involve sweat and dirt.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for over two years, and it has become a staple in my fitness routine. Here’s a deeper dive into my experience with it:
Design
The Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat is not just practical but stylish too. The beautiful prints bring a personal touch to my workout area. Whether I’m in the middle of a calming yoga session or a tough Pilates workout, I enjoy the aesthetic of the mat. It makes me look forward to my practice.
Rating: 9/10
The design is one of the most striking aspects of the mat. It’s visually appealing and adds a fun element to my workouts.
Performance
Performance-wise, the mat delivers as promised. The non-slip surface keeps me stable during poses, and the thickness is just right for most exercises. I especially appreciate how the cushioning supports my joints, even during long sessions. It’s not too thick but provides enough comfort for daily use.
Rating: 8.5/10
While the mat performs well overall, a bit more cushioning would make it perfect for those with joint sensitivities.
Build Quality
I’ve been impressed with the build quality of the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat. It’s sturdy, durable, and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Despite rolling it up and storing it frequently, it hasn’t lost its shape or texture. The material feels high-quality, and I have no doubt it will last for years.
Rating: 9/10
The mat’s durability is excellent. It handles daily use without showing signs of wear, and the prints remain vibrant.
Overall, the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat is a great choice for anyone looking for a functional, stylish, and durable mat. Its cushioning and non-slip surface make it ideal for yoga and fitness enthusiasts, especially those looking for an affordable yet reliable mat. While it could use a bit more thickness and could be easier to clean, it’s still one of the best options for the price. If you’re searching for a mat that balances comfort with style, this is a solid pick.
Order the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for your fitness journey today on Amazon!!
Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat Review
I’ve been testing out two popular yoga mats: the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat and the Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat. Both offer great features, but they’re suited for slightly different needs. Here’s a comparison of the two mats to help you decide which one is the better fit for your practice.
| Feature | Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat | Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat |
|---|---|---|
| Material | NBR foam | NBR foam |
| Thickness | 1/4 inch (6mm) | 2/5 inch (10mm) |
| Design | Stylish, printed designs | Classic, solid color choices |
| Comfort | Offers moderate cushioning for most exercises | Extra thick for added joint protection |
| Non-Slip Surface | Textured surface for grip | Textured surface for grip |
| Carrying Strap | No carrying strap | Includes a convenient carrying strap |
| Durability | Durable, but may show wear with intense use | Durable, designed for frequent use |
| Ideal Use | Yoga, Pilates, light exercises | Yoga, Pilates, all-purpose fitness routines |
| Price | Slightly higher priced due to the design | More affordable, budget-friendly |
| Overall Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
What I Like About It
I’ve been using the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for a while now, and here’s what I love:
The beautiful designs on the mat add a touch of personality to my practice, and the textured surface provides just the right amount of grip. It’s perfect for my daily yoga sessions, offering moderate cushioning for comfort during stretches.
Problem
However, I did face a slight issue with the mat’s thickness. For more intense exercises like long-standing poses or high-impact routines, it sometimes lacks the extra cushion I need for complete joint protection.
Solution
A little more thickness would improve the mat’s overall comfort, especially for those with sensitive joints. But for light to moderate use, it works perfectly!
Order the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for your fitness journey today on Amazon!!
Final Thoughts
Both mats have their strengths. The Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat stands out for its stylish design and moderate cushioning, making it ideal for lighter yoga or Pilates sessions. On the other hand, the Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is a more affordable option with extra thickness for enhanced comfort.
Particularly for those looking for more support during intense workouts. If you prioritize aesthetics and light use, the Premium Print mat is a great choice. If you’re after something more practical and comfortable for daily fitness, the Essentials Thick mat offers better value.
Rating for Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat: 8.5/10
Rating for Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat: 9/10
Both are excellent, so it ultimately comes down to your specific needs.
Order the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for your fitness journey today on Amazon!!
FAQs
What makes the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat different from other mats?
The Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat stands out due to its vibrant, stylish designs and moderate cushioning. It’s perfect for light to moderate yoga and Pilates sessions, offering both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Learn more about the mat’s unique features.
Is the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat comfortable for all types of exercises?
While it offers good cushioning for basic yoga and Pilates, the mat may not be thick enough for high-impact exercises or intense routines. For more joint support, consider a thicker mat.
How durable is the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat?
This mat is built to last, offering excellent durability for daily use. The material holds up well against frequent stretching, though it may show wear with extremely intense use.
Is the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat easy to clean?
Yes, the mat is simple to maintain. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth or use a gentle cleanser to keep it looking fresh after every session. Learn more about the mat’s cleaning tips.
Can the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat be used outdoors?
Yes, the mat can be used outdoors for yoga or Pilates. However, it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this can cause the vibrant prints to fade.
Order the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat for your fitness journey today on Amazon!!
Founder, Owner, and CEO of TaekwondoKing.
He is one of the top 100 martial artists in Bangladesh and among the top 20 referees in Bangladesh.
Ehatasamul Alom is an esteemed Taekwondo 3rd Dan Black Belt with over 12 years of experience in this dynamic martial art. Born in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Ehatasamul’s journey with Taekwondo began at the tender age of seven. His passion led him to compete at national and international levels, where he has bagged numerous awards and honors. He is also a member of the Taekwondo National Referee Panel.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the prestigious Rajshahi University, Ehatasamul has a deep understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of martial arts and some other martial arts.
In 2022, Ehatasamul created the “TaekwondoKing.com” blog to share his knowledge and experiences. His articles focus on Taekwondo training techniques, competition strategies, and the art’s rich history and philosophy. He also writes about the importance of mental fortitude and discipline, key aspects of his teaching philosophy. His goal is to inspire both beginners and seasoned practitioners worldwide through insightful and engaging content.
If you need any help, contact Ehatasamul Alom at any time.