Gaiam Sol Power-Grip Yoga Mats (4mm)

When I first purchased this mat less than a year ago, I loved it. I loved the grip, the texture and the price point since its cheaper than the Jade mats or Manduka.However, probably about three weeks into ownership the corners of the top layer of the mat began to lift. Then a few months later there were holes. You see- the mat is constructed into layers- including a center which isn't rubber at all, its sort of a mystery material - kind of like carpet padding.The problem is that it seems like the top layer is literally glued onto this middle layer and when the glue wears down, your practice causes friction. Thus, the top layer of rubber begins to pull off in chunks. I literally am in the middle of my yoga flow getting bits of red colored rubber all over my yoga clothes, in my hair and in my mouth.There are several holes in the mat now and it definitely needs a replacement. I've also taken a good look at some competitor rubber yoga mats and here's the thing I notice: 1) there's no cheap middle layer 2) the layers of the mat aren't glued together, they're often stitched together in better quality mats.For just a few dollars more, spring for one of the other mats. I practice in both heated and non-heated rooms, so I knew I wanted a rubber mat for better traction. Other than that- I couldn't imagine a simple mat being of poor quality, but the Gaiam Sol is certainly just that: poor quality and bad construction for a high price.

When I first started doing yoga regularly, my daughter bought me a mat [she's a sweetheart], but it did not have any grip to it on the floor, so I kept sliding all other the place. I did not want to use the gym mats, although it is exactly like this one, because I could not stand the thought on lying on one that others had used. I noticed that most of the yogis brought their own mats, but I wanted one that was consistent with the gym quality....this one is for sure. I got the blue one because those in the gym are red and I did not want the instructor thinking I had taken one from the gym. If you are looking for a really good quality yoga mat; look no further...this is the one. I love laying on this mat so much; I could almost sleep on it. It's not overly thick, but does have just the amount of thickness to enable me to do the exercises that require you to be on your knees. I am going to look for more products by this brand.

I waited a few weeks before posting a review on this because I wanted to "break it in" before forming an opinion. The first time I used the mat my hands were slipping a bit so I was a bit disappointed but decided that there might be a manufacturing coating of some kind on it so I wiped down the area where I put my hands with some warm water. Since then the mat has been fine and I have no complaints. I wouldn't say that it's necessarily any batter than any other mat but I like like the natural rubber material and the lifetime warranty (than I hope I will never need to use). I did not notice any smell from the new mat other than when first opened. I would probably buy another one. I paid $40 for this mat.

Okay, I've had this mat for 2 weeks, and thus far I love the grip. It's the grippiest. It's so grippy, it can feel a bit rough on your toes, but I don't mind.It remains to be seen how this mat will hold up. I like it thus far — the only thing I don't like is that it gets ugly fast. By this I mean, if you leave some wet swim trunks near it or sweat for an extended period of time in one place, it will be discolored and patchy. So, basically it's an awesome, soon to be very UGLY mat. Ha ha ha...

I'm a sweater and often go to yoga after my run/lifting routine. So a non-slip mat is pretty important, especially for hot classes. This mat is solid; my hands and feet (no socks or gloves) remain stationary even in the poses imposing the most pressure or potential for movement. It is the perfect thickness; thin enough to feel grounded on the floor and thick enough to ensure a comfortable practice in poses that put pressure on floor/body contact points. Highly recommend!

Says it's non-slip, but the only thing that doesn't slip at all is your clothing -- the one thing you might want to slip a little. The MOMENT your hands get a little sweaty, your hands slide much worse than a cheap mat from the department store. My suggestion: Go buy a $12 mat from the store!

What you are getting:Texture: Soft rubber. Much like the soft red kick balls are made.Odor: Yes, it has an odor but nothing that can not be over come by laying it out flat and letting it air out.Grip: Super sticky until one perspires too much. Once your hands become sweaty it will loose some of the grip, as would every matt I have owned. Super sticky can be a bit of a cleaning issue since anything that might have been left of the floor prior to putting your matt down will adhere to the matt.Thickness: Speaking for myself I think it is perfect.....Quality: This matt is of industrial quality. it has been made to hold up over time and use.Negative: The grip / texture can give an individual a sting when one drags their knee or foot across the matt. It will remove loose or dry skin. Why? Cause it is rubber.Would I buy it again? Not likely..... for I am always on a quest for the "PERFECT" matt.I found the item to be true to the add.Color is as seen.

It's been my first yoga mat and it's perfect! It still makes me slip a bit, but that's because I'm so sweaty (I've discovered that if I use a towel it doesn't slips anymore. TRY IT!. Also It sticks to the ground hard so it doesn't move a centimetre and you can do downward-facing dog comfortably. I've heard comments about its smell. I don't think it's that awful. I mean, at first it smells totally plastic but that's normal (like all new things smells like new).To sum up: a good yoga mat if you're finding stickiness.Ps: maybe is a little bit expensive

Die beste Matte die ich bisher hatte! Ich habe extrem schnell wirklich stark schwitzende Hände und hatte bisher immer Angst mir beim herabsehenden Hund mal die Nase zu brechen, weil meine Hände immer gerutscht sind. Bei dieser Matte rutschen meine Hände echt minimal. Ich kann auch bedenkenlos ein Handtuch drauf legen um darauf meine Hände zu stützen, das war bisher auch nicht möglich. Das Material ist komplett anderes, greift sich schon griffig an. Kleines Manko ist, dass jedes kleine Mutzel von den Füßen oder so sofort drauf „kleben“ bleibt. Find ich persönlich aber nicht schlimm es lässt sich alles super mit dem Bürstenaufsatz vom Staubsauger absaugen. Am anfangen haben meine Hände nach dem Workout sehr nach Gummi gerochen, mittlerweile aber nicht mehr. Ich hab die Matte permanent ausgerollt da liegen und dadurch trocknen auch Schweißflecken zu 100% rückstandslos weg. Ich empfehle nicht voreilig zu urteilen ich musste mich auch erst mit ihr anfreunden und möchte sie nun nicht mehr missen!!

Muy bonito y funcional, la verdad es que los tapetes normales que venden en cualquier lado no duran nada, el tipo de material del que están hechos se deshace muy rápido pero este tapete de Gaiam es muy duradero, tiene una textura diferente que hace que no se resbalen tan fácil las manos y pies y además es muy bonito, tengo varios años con él y sigue igualito.

Poor quality. Product is peeling apart.No warranty in Canada.Do not buy this brand outside Canada.Reached out to manufacture to see if they will help. Will update.

I like this yoga mat. It's very grippy and I do not find myself slipping at all while holding poses. It's one of the most grippy mats that I've ever used. It can loose it's grip when your hands or feet get sweaty, but this is true with most yoga mats. The only thing I do not really like is that it's a little rough in texture, which does not affect any part of my body other than my forehead while doing child's pose.

Materiale buono al tatto ma ha un odore molto fastidioso che non va via neanche se lasciato qualche giorno all'aperto.