Fitness
Gaiam 10mm Thick Yoga and Exercise Mat
Our verdict
Gaiam's thick NBR mat is aimed squarely at comfort rather than grip, and ten millimeters is a lot of foam. It makes kneeling work, Pilates and physical therapy on tile or wood genuinely pleasant, though standing balance poses are exactly where all that softness works against you.
- 10mm NBR foam
- 72 by 24 inches
- Around three pounds
- Includes cinch strap
Why we picked it
This is the mat we would hand to someone starting out, recovering from an injury, or exercising on a floor that punishes joints. The textured surface gives some traction while dry, it wipes clean rather than needing a wash, and the cinch strap means it can live rolled up in a closet between sessions without taking over a room.
Compared with a thin, sticky rubber mat this is the opposite trade: more forgiveness, less stability. Serious vinyasa practitioners will want the grip instead. Anyone doing bridges, planks, stretching and rehab work will want the padding, and at 72 by 24 inches there is enough length for most adults to lie down fully.
Best for
- Beginners easing into floor work
- Pilates and stretching at home
- Rehab exercises on hard floors
Keep in mind
- Reviewers frequently mention tearing over time, especially at pressure points under knees and elbows.
- It slides on smooth floors, which limits its use for standing balance poses.
- Expect a strong foam smell for the first day or two after unrolling it.
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As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Last reviewed: September 2026