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Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat Review

The Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat is a 6 mm PVC exercise mat designed for yoga, Pilates, stretching, and general floor workouts. It stands out for cushioning, reversible designs, and strong buyer satisfaction at a $27.99 price point. The main trade-offs are a commonly reported new-mat odor and mixed feedback on grip and long-term durability.
Expert reviewed
85
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

The Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat is a 68 by 24 inch, 6 mm thick PVC mat for yoga, Pilates, and other floor-based training. It has textured surfaces intended to provide non-slip performance, two reversible printed designs, and enough cushioning to make kneeling and supported positions more comfortable on hard floors. At 1.36 kg, it can be rolled for storage or transport between home and studio sessions. The supplied review data points to a product aimed at beginners through regular recreational users who want a visually distinctive, padded mat without a high upfront cost. Reviews frequently praise the design, thickness, and comfort. However, traction and durability reports are not uniform, and the initial odor noted by the manufacturer and customers should be expected before first use.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
Gaiam
Manufacturer
Gaiam
UPC
018713658609
Part Number
05-65860
Model Number
05-65860
Unit Count
1.0 Count

Materials & Care

Material
Polyvinyl Chloride
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.

Measurements

Item Dimensions L x W x Thickness
68"L x 24"W x 6"Th
Item Weight
1.36 Kilograms

Additional details

Color
Cosmic Energy

Scores breakdown

70 /100

Recovery support

84 /100

Performance

86 /100

Training support

62 /100

Strength training

60 /100

Cardio training

92 /100

Mobility & flexibility

82 /100

Ingredient transparency

78 /100

Safety

Strengths

  • 6 mm cushioning earned a strong 90/100 comfort score and is frequently praised for knee and wrist support.
  • Reversible printed designs provide two visual options in one mat.
  • The textured surface is designed for non-slip use and receives generally positive traction feedback.
  • Its 68 by 24 inch format, roll-up design, and 1.36 kg weight are practical for home or studio sessions.
  • At $27.99, the 90/100 value score reflects a comparatively accessible price for a cushioned yoga mat.
  • Customer satisfaction is strong at 92/100, supported by a 4.7/5 average from 15,454 reviews.
  • The listing includes a lifetime guarantee and access to an online video library.

Limitations

  • A noticeable initial odor is a repeated buyer concern; the manufacturer advises airing the mat out for two to three days.
  • Grip feedback is mixed, with some users reporting slipping during very sweaty sessions.
  • Durability feedback is inconsistent, reflected in the moderate 69/100 durability score.
  • The PVC construction may not suit shoppers seeking a mat made from a different material.
  • At 1.36 kg, it is portable but not an especially lightweight travel mat.
  • The 6 mm cushioning can be less suitable for users who prefer a very thin, firm surface for maximum floor feedback.

Ideal user profiles

  • Yoga beginners wanting a cushioned, approachable mat for home or class use.
  • Pilates and floor-workout users who value padding under knees and wrists.
  • Home exercisers looking for a reversible mat with a compact rolled storage format.
  • Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing comfort, design, and broad buyer approval.
  • Studio attendees who want a 68 by 24 inch mat with a textured surface.

Use cases

  • General yoga practice at home or in a studio.
  • Pilates sessions and other controlled floor workouts.
  • Stretching, warm-up, and cool-down routines.
  • Bodyweight exercises such as abdominal work.
  • Low-impact mobility sessions requiring knee and wrist cushioning.
  • Creating a more comfortable exercise surface on hard floors.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This is primarily a yoga, Pilates, mobility, and general floor-workout accessory rather than a dedicated strength or cardio product. Its main role is to provide a cushioned, textured surface for poses, stretches, bodyweight movements, and low-impact exercise. The 6 mm profile places it toward the more padded end of everyday yoga-mat use, making comfort a clearer priority than minimal weight or maximum floor feel.

Best for

This mat is best for home exercisers, yoga beginners, Pilates users, and studio attendees who want noticeable cushioning at an accessible price. The 92/100 mobility and flexibility score, 90/100 comfort score, and 90/100 value score align with its use for stretching, floor routines, and poses where knees or wrists contact the mat. It also suits shoppers who value reversible prints and easy rolled storage.

Not best for

It may not be the best fit for users who need consistently dependable traction during very sweaty practice, since grip feedback is mixed and the grip score is 74/100. It is also less compelling for buyers who avoid PVC, want an ultralight travel mat, or place long-term wear above cushioning and price. New owners sensitive to odors should account for the recommended two-to-three-day airing period.

Training use

The mat supports regular yoga, Pilates, stretching, warm-ups, cool-downs, and bodyweight floor sessions by adding a defined exercise surface and extra padding. Its training support score of 86/100 reflects useful day-to-day versatility, while its compact rolled format helps reduce setup friction for home or studio routines. It is most appropriate for low-impact, mat-based training rather than high-load lifting or machine cardio.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Performance analysis

The Gaiam mat earns an 84/100 performance score because it addresses its core job well: providing a padded surface for yoga, Pilates, and floor workouts. Its 6 mm thickness, textured construction, and reversible design are relevant functional features, while many buyers praise the support and feel. Performance is not entirely consistent, however. The aggregated feedback includes reports of slipperiness, particularly in sweatier use, so the non-slip positioning should be treated as generally positive rather than universal.

Training support

At 86/100 for training support, this mat is a useful everyday base for low-impact home or studio exercise. It can support routine consistency by rolling out quickly for yoga, stretching, Pilates, and bodyweight sessions, and the online video library may offer additional guidance. Its main limitation is category scope: it adds comfort and surface coverage, but does not offer resistance, load options, or cardio-specific features for progressive strength or conditioning training.

Strength training

The 62/100 strength training score reflects a supporting, rather than central, role in strength work. The mat can improve comfort for core exercises, kneeling movements, and floor-based bodyweight training. Its textured surface may help it stay in place during controlled movement, but the provided details do not establish suitability for heavy equipment, dynamic lifting, or progressive resistance work. It is most useful alongside, not instead of, strength equipment.

Mobility & flexibility

The 92/100 mobility and flexibility score is the product’s strongest training-specific result. Reviews repeatedly highlight cushioning and comfort, which are relevant for yoga poses, Pilates, and stretching performed on firm floors. The mat’s dimensions and roll-out format support an uncomplicated personal practice space. Grip feedback remains mixed, so people doing heated or very sweaty sessions may need to assess whether the textured PVC surface provides enough traction for their practice.

How it compares

Within the general yoga-mat category, this model appears stronger for cushioning, visual design, home storage, buyer approval, and price-to-feature balance than for maximum grip certainty or proven long-term durability. Its 6 mm construction favors users wanting a softer floor interface for knees and wrists, rather than those seeking the thinnest, most direct connection to the floor. It also performs well as a quiet, low-friction home workout accessory. The trade-off is that the favorable comfort and value profile is tempered by varied reports of slip resistance and wear, especially compared with what a buyer may expect from a more specialized mat.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 85/100, the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat ranks as a strong general-purpose option in the yoga and Pilates mat category. Its best results come from mobility and flexibility support (92/100), customer satisfaction (92/100), comfort (90/100), value (90/100), and space efficiency (88/100). The 6 mm cushioning, reversible prints, and rolled storage format explain much of that appeal. Its ranking is held below more consistently specialized options by a 69/100 durability score and a 74/100 grip score, both of which reflect mixed buyer feedback, plus the commonly reported initial odor.

Buying advice

Consider this Gaiam mat if your priority is a cushioned surface for yoga, Pilates, stretching, or bodyweight floor workouts at a moderate price. Its 68 by 24 inch size, 6 mm thickness, reversible prints, and roll-up storage are practical for most home or studio routines. Before buying, confirm that PVC is acceptable for your preferences and plan to air the mat out for two to three days after unboxing. Users who practice in very sweaty conditions should weigh the mixed traction feedback carefully. If long-term durability is your top priority, review the lifetime guarantee terms and current buyer feedback.
85
Overall score

Final verdict

The Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat is a strong everyday option for yoga, Pilates, and low-impact floor exercise. Its main strengths are the comfortable 6 mm cushioning, reversible appearance, compact storage, high buyer satisfaction, and excellent value score for a $27.99 mat. It is especially well suited to users who want more padding under knees and wrists without moving into a premium price range. The main limitation is consistency: reviews vary on grip and durability, and the initial odor is widely reported. For general practice rather than high-sweat specialty use, its overall 85/100 score is well supported.
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Key topics

Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat, Gaiam yoga mat review, 6mm non slip yoga mat, reversible yoga mat, yoga mat for Pilates, cushioned exercise mat, yoga mat for floor workouts, Gaiam Cosmic Energy mat

Frequently asked questions

How thick is the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat?
The listed mat thickness is 6 mm. That cushioning is one of its strongest areas, with a 90/100 comfort score and repeated review comments that it feels supportive under knees and wrists during yoga, Pilates, and floor exercise. The brand notes that some packaging may reference 5 mm or 6 mm while describing the same size and style.
Is the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat non-slip?
The mat has a textured surface intended to support non-slip use, and many reviews describe good traction. However, its 74/100 grip score reflects mixed feedback: some users report that it can feel slippery, particularly during very sweaty practice. It appears better suited to general yoga and floor work than to buyers expecting consistently high traction in heavy perspiration.
Does this Gaiam yoga mat have an odor when new?
Yes. The product information says printed mats can release a strong but harmless odor when first unwrapped, and buyer feedback frequently mentions it. Gaiam recommends unrolling and airing the mat out for two to three days before use. Some reviewers say the smell reduces after cleaning and with time, but the initial odor remains a clear consideration.
Is this Gaiam mat suitable for Pilates and floor workouts?
Yes. The listing specifically positions it for yoga, Pilates, and floor workouts. Its 6 mm cushioning, 92/100 mobility and flexibility score, and 90/100 comfort score make it a practical option for routines involving kneeling, stretching, abdominal exercises, and controlled bodyweight movement. It is a mat rather than a dedicated strength-training surface.
How portable is the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat?
The mat measures 68 by 24 inches and weighs 1.36 kg. It rolls up for storage or carrying, and reviewers note that it is easy to roll. Its 76/100 portability score suggests it is convenient for typical home-to-studio use, though shoppers focused on minimal carry weight may prefer a lighter, thinner travel-oriented mat.
What material is the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat made from?
The listed material is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Gaiam also states that the mat is manufactured without the six phthalates it identifies as most harmful. Material disclosure is relatively clear, reflected in an 82/100 ingredient transparency score, although the provided information does not give a full material breakdown beyond PVC and that phthalate statement.
How durable is the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat?
Durability is less certain than comfort or value. The mat receives a 69/100 durability score because buyer feedback is mixed: some reviewers report that it has held up well over time, while the aggregated review overview also notes reports of poor durability. The included lifetime guarantee is a positive support feature, but usage intensity and care may affect individual results.
Does the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat include a warranty?
The product details list a lifetime guarantee, contributing to an 88/100 warranty support score. The supplied information does not describe claim procedures, exclusions, replacement terms, or customer-service experiences. Buyers who consider warranty coverage a deciding factor should review the current guarantee terms directly before purchasing.

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