Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat Review: Extra Cushion for Knees, Hips and Hard Floors

A standard yoga mat is about 4 millimeters thick, which feels like very little when your knees are on a hardwood floor. The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat more than doubles that to 10 millimeters of soft foam, and adds a strap for carrying it.

That extra cushion is a real benefit for some workouts and a drawback for others. This review explains which is which.

Who it's for

• Beginners who find thin mats uncomfortable.
• Anyone with sensitive knees, hips, wrists or tailbone.
• People doing Pilates, stretching, core work or physical therapy exercises at home.
• Those exercising on tile, wood or concrete floors.

What we liked

• Real cushioning. Ten millimeters of high-density NBR foam takes the pressure off joints in kneeling and lying positions.
• Comfortable for floor work. Sit-ups, glute bridges and stretches feel far better than on a thin mat.
• Textured surface. The texture helps reduce slipping on most hard floors during dry workouts.
• Standard size. At 72 by 24 inches, it suits most adults.
• Light for its thickness. At under three pounds, it's easy to move from room to room.
• Carrying strap included. It cinches around the rolled mat for storage and transport.
• Easy to clean. Wipe with a damp cloth and let it air dry.
• Good value from a well-known yoga brand.

What could be better

• Soft foam is less stable. In standing balance poses, your feet sink a little, which makes holding steady harder. Gaiam itself describes the mat as prioritizing comfort over firmness.
• Not for sweaty sessions. The surface grips best when dry. For hot yoga, choose a sticky mat or add a towel.
• Foam marks easily. Shoes, pet claws and jewelry can dent or tear NBR. Use it barefoot.
• It may stretch under your hands in poses like downward dog.
• New-mat smell. Gaiam notes an initial odor that typically fades after airing for 24 to 48 hours.
• Bulky when rolled. It takes more space than a thin mat.
• Tall users over about six feet may want a longer mat.

Key specs explained

• NBR foam: nitrile butadiene rubber, a soft, springy synthetic foam used in fitness mats.
• 10 mm: just under half an inch, roughly two and a half times a standard yoga mat.
• 72 x 24 inches: six feet long and two feet wide.
• Easy-cinch strap: an adjustable loop strap that tightens around the rolled mat.

Tips for getting the most out of it

1. Unroll and air it for a day or two before the first use.
2. Roll it with the top side facing out so the ends lie flat.
3. Work out barefoot to protect the foam.
4. Step off the mat for balance poses if you feel unsteady.
5. Store it out of direct sun, which can dry out and fade foam.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is it good for yoga? For gentle, restorative and floor-based yoga, yes. For fast-flowing or balance-heavy styles, a thinner, firmer mat works better.

Q: Can I use it with shoes? It's not recommended. Shoes will damage the surface.

Q: Does it slip on carpet? Thick foam mats can shift on carpet. It performs best on hard floors.

Q: How do I clean it? Wipe with a damp cloth, with mild soap if needed, and air dry.

Should you buy it?

If comfort is your priority, this mat is an inexpensive and effective upgrade, especially for floor exercises and tender joints. It isn't the right tool for hot yoga or serious balance work. For stretching, Pilates, rehab exercises and gentle yoga at home, the cushioning makes workouts noticeably more pleasant.

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