Yoga Mat Review - Gaiam, 5 Below, Manduka, Jade & Lulu Lemon

Over the years I've had multiple yoga mats and some have served me better than others, but it was a trial and error process. In this video I review six different mats and give you the pros and cons of each, hopefully helping you to make a proper choice.
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[@leannezzers]

Loved the review! It was candid and very helpful :) Thanks for posting!

[@ShinshoYoga]

leanne 🌱 you’re welcome! Glad it was helpful 😊

[@MilyFellis]

I watched a lot of these videos and ended up buying a B-mat strong. Its incredible, so grippy, even in sweaty conditions. Im so happy with it! The two finalists were the Jade harmony pro and the b-mat strong.

[@ShinshoYoga]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻

[@Barelyyogi]

Bmat offers the best value in my opinion

[@lchapin8838]

Thank you for the reviews. I’m going to look at the Jade and Lululemon mats to replace my well worn Giam mat. Take care!

[@ShinshoYoga]

Either or should serve you well! :)

[@lc4582]

Thanks, this was really helpful. After a day of research, I'll probably get the lululemon :)

[@ShinshoYoga]

Liv Aleen Remez you’re welcome 😊 it’s a good mat, hope it works out for you!

[@lillycarter7655]

Thank you so much for this review- I was very close to getting a Gaiam, but now I know better! I think I'm going to go with the Manduka 👍

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad to help :) The Manduka is a durable mat, should last you a long time.

[@lourdeslainez3467]

I also was about to buy one of Gaiam! But I think I can have the lulu lemon! Thank you so much!

[@gregorywaite1732]

Thanks Tony. Was looking for a review by a big sweaty guy like myself. Went with the Lulu, thanks to you!

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad it helped! 🤗

[@user-wu8ke9ce7q]

Thank you for the review, good insight

[@ShinshoYoga]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful :)

[@tylerfahlenbock4895]

Truthful and no BS haha, thank you.

[@ShinshoYoga]

You're welcome! And glad it came across that way, I wanted to offer the info as straightforward as I could.

[@seechangenyc280]

Now I know why I despise my Gaiam (I got it for a different purpose). Slip sliding all over the place. It made me not want to practice. Bless you for confirming. I ordered the Jade Harmony. Sticky is key for me (but so is decent cushion and stability). Manduka recommended their eKO 6mm for us sweaty folks who want grip, comfort and no break-in (but I read some strange reviews). Thank you so much for the advice!

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad it helped & thanks for sharing the info! I recently checked out their site and saw they were offering a new mat, but wasn't sure of its construction, hopefully it will work for those who buy it... But the Jade should serve you well, they make a good mat.

[@stateofbalance5509]

Lululemon was my investment mat and I had researched Mars for ages I'm doing my teacher training so wanted non slip and cushioning for knees 2 month on I love it and look forward to my practise

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad it work out for you! It's a good mat, I've been using mine recently and have had no issues with it, it's worked out well :)

[@DanicaElle]

Slimming black! Haha! Jade is the very best mat on the market!

[@ShinshoYoga]

Jade makes a good mat, can't argue: I've have three! :) And black is definitely my go to color lol :)

[@raqueltello8443]

Thank you for this video. I’ve watched a bunch of other videos about yoga mats and I found yours the most helpful. What mat would you recommend for practicing on tile?

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad it was helpful! Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to say what is best for you and your practice, but only what different styles of mats offer. A thinner mat will offer more floor feel so in standing postures you will have more stability, but may be challenging when on all fours as it will put more pressure on the wrists & knees. Conversely, a thicker mat will help offset that, but then you can get stability issues in standing postures. Also it depends on how much traction you need. I need a sticky mat and one that offers a good floor feel so I use the Jade & LuLu mat. I wear padded compression knee braces when I practice to help with the knee pressure and will use a yoga blanket under my knees as needed.

[@wunnaaung7386]

Thanks,it was really helpful 🙏🏻

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad it helped!

[@qwerszesze]

Thanks!! I buy lululemon after watching ur video!❤️

[@ShinshoYoga]

You're welcome! It's a good mat, it should you serve you well :)

[@originalmiramar]

Thanks for this review.

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@MadameLaMademoiselle]

Thank you a lot!

[@ShinshoYoga]

You're welcome! :)

[@untitleds856]

Thank you

[@ShinshoYoga]

You're welcome!

[@noamto]

Thanks for the video! What do you think about the 3mm mats? Such as the Jade Travel (not Voyager, that one is even thinner). Lululemon also has some of those. Have you had any experience with them?

[@ShinshoYoga]

noamto I’ve never used those particular mats, but I can comment in general about the style. The thinner mat is going to be a trade off. It will be lighter, easier to carry & store, and traction should be the same but you generally sacrifice cushioning & mat life/durability. The thinner mat will offer a greater floor feel which helps with stability in standing poses, but definitely can be harder on the the knees & and other part of the body where pressure is put on it as there is less between you and the floor. Also less material can mean it will not be able to take as much use/abuse, so it can wear out faster. If you have a regular vigorous practice, it probably won’t serve you as well as a standard mat would.

[@baybay7898]

I use the thinner one as a second layer on top another one and also bring for travel

[@seechangenyc280]

Lovin the Jade! Just got it today. TY! Yup, it smells. I can deal with that for the incredible grippy, non-slip surface (and bottom). I wish it were 1mm thicker for my sore knees. But my hands were so happy. Would love to hear your take on the Lifeform - I hear so many raves - and Manduka Eko (4 or 6mm - not the travel mat). Many thanks.

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad you are happy with it :) It's a good mat and should serve you while if you care for it, I have a video on mat care that may be helpful with that. I have never used either of those particular mats, but they look & sound good. The Liforme is expensive, $140 is on the high end of mat of prices, and my experience with mats that expensive is that they are generally just overpriced and you could get one that will serve your practice well for a much lower cost. As for the Manduka Eko, it looks good but again haven't used that one either. My Manduka experience was mixed, and although it looks like a more tacky surface, the Jade is tried & true along with the LuLu Lemon mat. Who know, maybe they will get wind of this video and send me some to review! That would be cool :)

[@seechangenyc280]

@@ShinshoYoga I don't even wanna go Manduka. Agree. Too many reviews about slipping. Curious, the other Jade you tried, was it the same grip and just a tad thicker? I want to get a second mat that's a little thicker. My knees are a little sensitive. Loveeeeeeee the Harmony for grip! Genius!

[@ShinshoYoga]

@@seechangenyc280 The Elite S isn't any thicker than the Harmony, but according to Jade there is an extra layer on it that makes it more durable. My experience with it is that it wore out quicker than my Harmony mat, so it not worth the extra cost in my opinion. They make a thicker mat called the Fusion that may be what you are looking for. I haven't used that mat myself, but more than likely is just as tacky as the others. I do not care for a thick mat myself as you lose floor feel and stability in standing poses. although the thinner mat is definitely harder on the knees, this is where props come in. I always suggest students have a yoga blanket with them to use, especially those with knee issues. Anytime you need to go to the knees, just slide the folded blanket under and that should really help.

[@seechangenyc280]

Shinsho Yoga brilliant!

[@seechangenyc280]

I have one more stupid question: should we always roll up our mats after use and if yes, why? Or, when should one roll up the mat?

[@Psmgamer]

I have a Manduka Pro and love it. Haven't broken it in yet but I hope that if I do sweat that I don't begin slipping on it. Would you recommend rubbing the mat with sea salt like the instructions say. Or does the mat get better the more you use it?

[@ShinshoYoga]

Mats often can start out a bit slick, but that can wear off with use. In my opinion, I would break it in first before doing anything to the surface. See how it performs after 10-20 classes and then, if you need it, try their recommendation.

[@Psmgamer]

@@ShinshoYoga Thanks, I"ll definitely try what you said first before doing what Manduka says on the instructions.

[@sianabanana69]

Thank you, this video was very helpful! I practice yoga almost every day and I'm about to start a teacher's training. I have sensitive knees so I need extra support. But I don't want a mat too thick that it affects my standing/balancing poses. I'm thinking Jade Harmony is a good one for me. I was considering LuluLemon but I read a lot of reviews about it's awful smell and being tough to clean - do you have an feedback on this? Thanks again! :)

[@ShinshoYoga]

Glad it was helpful! My main mat now is the Lulu Lemon 5mm and I have no issues with odors. As for cleaning, as long as you use mild product (soap and water) I don't feel you will have an issue. I have another video comparing my Lulu and Jade directly, which hopefully can help you further with the choice. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqvbY6CMrpyEd68

[@louisllull8343]

Im a begginer. I do yoga in my living room on an area rug somewhat thick. I want to get a yoga mat. I like the Manduka that you reviewed. I have some knee pain from previous injury. Is the Manduka good enough to use on a rug and knee comfort?

[@ShinshoYoga]

The Manduka is a thick, sturdy mat, so being used on a rug it will be probably offer a good amount of cushioning, your issue may be traction though. If you are new to yoga and not currently doing a vigorous practice, then it probably won't be a concern right now. But, as you progress and take on more challenging classes, it could be. I have video about what yoga props to have for your home practice, it may be helpful especially with learning to use a yoga blanket for your knees :)

[@louisllull8343]

@@ShinshoYoga So, Do you suggest I get a yoga mat with not as much thickness, since I have the rug underneath me already. Im looking on amazon but I just cant decide.

[@ShinshoYoga]

@@louisllull8343 I would be hard to say what is best for you as I do not know your practice or the challenges your body has, but I can offer what each mat would do for you and what I do. The Manduka will offer you good cushioning and will last a long time, but as your practice progresses, you may find it the lack of tackiness challenging, and as you learn standing poses the thickness of the mat will offer stability issues. The Jade or LuLu will offer you the tackiness and a better floor feel, but it will not offer as much support under the knees. One way to help offset the knee issues by using a folded yoga blanket under the knees. I personally use some compression braces on my knees when I practice to help support me.

[@pikolowet]

Damn. Got manduka becaue everyone was talking about how great it is for slippy hands and for Hot yoga (and I won't go there, coz I sweat profoundly). I will never go to a hot yoga class, but I sweat profoundly. Now I slip ALL THE TIME. I will resell it and get a lululemon

[@ShinshoYoga]

pikolowet I was told similar, that I should get a manduka because it’s the best etc, but had nothing but traction issues. Lulu or Jade is your best best from me experience. Hope a new mat works out for you 🙏🏻

[@seechangenyc280]

To add to your decision-making, this from Manduka (I wrote to them): "...Our GRP series is an open cell mat made specifically for those who practice heated yoga or are heavy sweaters." P.S. Don't blame the messenger if this fails to be true.

[@ShinshoYoga]

@@seechangenyc280 Thanks for sharing it! :)

[@pikolowet]

@@seechangenyc280 Hey, thanks so much! Yeah, I have also been thinking about this mat, but they were making it in a regular size (and I am 6,4), so it wouldn't be a smart idea for me. Also, I would have to import the mat, as I couldn't find it in a European store. I ordered lululemon. UPS said it should arrive today, so fingers crossed :D Thanks for the follow-up

[@pikolowet]

@@ShinshoYoga SOOOO happy with the lululemon (big) matt. No slips, perfect stability and grounding. If anyone is considering it - go get it guys! It's amazeballs!

[@NoxDineen]

Gaiam does make a Dry Grip mat that's incredibly sticky. I replaced my Jade Harmony with a Gaiam Dry-Grip and found it comparable. Both are miles better than my Manduka, despite spending literally years trying to "break in" the Manduka.

[@ShinshoYoga]

Good to know! I thought that Gaiam would eventually have to offer something more than the basic mat to keep up with the competition, I will need to check that out sometime. And yeah, Manduka...my mat is super heavy duty, but that traction never improved. Thanks again for sharing! :)

[@michelleacosta5339]

Came late to watch this video😪 I bought the GAIAM 4mm yoga mat and you're agree. The material is bad; funny that it says "non-slip" but no, you slip easily and I have to say it isn't worth it if you sweat from your feet or hands like me. Thanks for your review on these yoga mats❤️

[@ShinshoYoga]

Sorry to hear that! Yeah, the Gaiam mats unfortunately just don't perform anywhere near the level of the Jade or LuLu Lemon mats when it comes to traction & quality of construction. Hopefully you will have better luck with your next choice! :)

[@michelleacosta5339]

Shinsho Yoga you're right! Mu next mat will be better for sure thank u🙏🏼

[@avab33]

What mat should I purchase if the following applies: -has carpet, not wood floors -has a dog who sheds profusely -not wanting to spend a huge amount of money Thanks

[@ShinshoYoga]

In my opinion, the Jade Harmony may be your best choice. It has a moderate amount of cushioning which would work better than a thick mat on a carpet. It has good grip, and is relatively easy to clean (although doggie fur is going to be a tough one to keep off it!) and price wise they are reasonable for a quality mat (about $80) - hope that helps 🙏🏻