Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat
Primary practice surface providing grip, cushioning, and natural alignment.
The Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat combines a natural cork top for superior sweat-activated grip with a TPE base for stability. At 5mm thick, it offers joint-friendly cushioning ideal for home studios.
Perfect for this budget as it punches above $60 price with eco-friendly materials rivaling $100+ mats. Compared to premium Lululemon ($98), it lacks printed guides but excels in breathability and odor resistance.
Outstanding value: Durable for 500+ sessions, antimicrobial cork fights bacteria—key for shared or humid spaces.
Pros
- +Exceptional sweat grip improves safety in hot yoga
- +Eco-cork is naturally antimicrobial and lightweight
- +5mm thickness cushions knees/elbows without instability
- +Latex-free for sensitive skin
- +Rolls compactly for studio storage
Cons
- -No alignment lines (use blocks instead)
- -Cork surface stiffens when cold
- -Heavier than PVC at 5.5 lbs
Upgrade Option: Lululemon Take Form Mat ($98) - Adds alignment markers and cloud-like rebound
Budget Alternative: Amazon Basics Yoga Mat ($13) - Loses cork grip and cushioning depth