Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium 5mm Thick Non Slip Mat - Cushioned Support

In this review the Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium 5mm is judged as a straightforward, no-frills mat for everyday home practice and fitness routines; its single biggest selling point is the extra 5mm of cushioning that eases pressure on knees and joints during floor work. The mat is positioned for users who want a lightweight, portable option that still feels substantial underfoot, and it includes a free downloadable yoga class to help beginners get started. For those needing advanced grip or heavy studio use, there are tradeoffs to consider.

Key Features

• 5mm thickness: Provides noticeable joint cushioning for seated poses and floor exercises without feeling bulky when rolled up.
• Sticky non-slip texture: Delivers improved traction for standing and balancing poses, reducing slippage for most typical home practices.
• Lightweight construction: Makes the mat easy to carry to classes or to move around the house while retaining durable feel.
• Non toxic 6P free PVC: Manufactured without DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP for a cleaner material choice compared with some alternatives.
• Free downloadable yoga class: Includes a bonus class to help new users establish a routine and learn sequences tailored to the mat.
• Standard dimensions: At 68 in long and 24 in wide it accommodates most practitioners comfortably for general yoga and stretching.

Who It's For

The Gaiam 5mm mat is best for casual yogis, home exercisers and Pilates practitioners who want extra cushioning without carrying a heavy mat; the 5mm thickness helps protect knees and hips during longer floor sessions. It is also a good value for buyers who want a clean, non toxic PVC option and an included starter workout.

Those who do intense hot yoga, daily studio instructors or practitioners demanding the highest long-term durability and absolute zero slip in sweaty conditions should look at thicker or specialty grippy mats instead. Users sensitive to initial PVC odor should plan to unroll and air the mat for 2 to 3 days before regular use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable 5mm padding eases joint stress for floor work and gentle flows.
• Textured, sticky surface gives solid traction for most home routines.
• Lightweight and easy to transport despite its cushioning.
• Made with 6P free PVC for a less toxic material choice and includes a free class download.

Cons

• Some users report mixed results on slipperiness and long-term durability compared with more expensive specialty mats.
• A harmless PVC odor may be noticeable at first and requires airing for a couple of days.

Specifications

Brand	Gaiam
Thickness	5mm
Dimensions	68 in x 24 in
Material	6P free PVC (non toxic)
Surface	Textured sticky non-slip
Includes	Downloadable yoga workout

Our Verdict

The Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium 5mm is a sensible pick for home practitioners who want extra cushioning and a grippy surface without a heavy mat or premium price. It balances comfort, portability and cleaner PVC construction, making it a good value for casual and beginner users, while those who need extreme grip or the highest durability may prefer a different specialty mat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the mat have a chemical smell at unpacking?
Yes, a harmless PVC odor can be present; unroll and air out the mat for 2 to 3 days before regular use to reduce it.

Is the mat suitable for Pilates and floor workouts?
Yes, the 5mm cushioning provides comfort for Pilates and floor exercises while the textured surface helps with traction.

Is this mat good for sweaty or hot yoga?
It performs well for typical home sessions, but for very sweaty hot yoga some users may find specialty high-grip or thicker mats more reliable.