Is This the Best Yoga Mat for Beginners? My Honest Gaiam Essentials Mat Review

If you’re new to yoga, picking a mat feels weirdly high-stakes. You want something comfy so your knees don’t complain, but not so squishy you topple in Tree. Here’s the thing: the popular Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat gets recommended everywhere, and for good reason. I’ve been testing it for real—slow flows, core work, even a sweaty session—to answer the big question: could this be the best yoga mat for beginners without blowing your budget?

First impressions: soft landing, friendly price

Right out of the wrap, the Gaiam Essentials feels cushy. It’s a thick NBR foam mat—about 10mm (roughly 2/5 inch). Translation: kneeling postures are kind. Child’s Pose feels like a pillow. If you’ve got sensitive wrists or cranky knees, that extra give is lovely on hard floors. The included carry strap is simple, light, and honestly more useful than I expected. And price-wise, it’s firmly in the starter zone. If you’re dipping a toe into yoga, this is a low-stress way to begin.

Size matters too: it’s about 72" x 24", so average in length and width. Believe it or not, that’s enough room for most folks to plank, lunge, and stretch without hands slipping onto the floor. For a first mat, the comfort-to-cost ratio makes it feel like the best yoga mat for beginners—at least at first touch.

Grip check: great dry grip, meh when sweaty

Dry hands? The ribbed texture holds up fine. Down Dog felt stable, and my hands didn’t travel much. But when I got sweaty, the surface turned slick. That’s the trade-off with cushy NBR foam—it’s comfy but not exactly sticky in heat. If you’re eyeing hot yoga or fast, sweaty Vinyasa, you’ll want a grippier surface or a microfiber towel on top. For gentler classes or slow flows at home, you’ll probably be totally happy.

Quick tip: wipe the mat with a damp cloth before class. A light clean can boost traction. Little habits like this can make a beginner mat feel closer to the best yoga mat for beginners without spending more.

Stability vs. thickness: the wobble factor

Here’s the honest bit: thicker isn’t always better. That plush 10mm feels dreamy on knees, but it adds wobble in balance poses. Tree, Warrior III, even Crescent Lunge felt a touch bouncy compared to a 4–6mm mat. If your practice is heavy on standing balance, you might prefer a slightly thinner mat for a firmer connection to the floor. If your priority is comfort for Pilates, stretching, Yin, or postpartum/recovery work, this thickness shines.

Bottom line on feel: this is a cozy, beginner-friendly platform. Not perfect, but close to the best yoga mat for beginners if comfort is your non-negotiable.

Materials, smell, and longevity (aka the real-life stuff)

The Essentials Thick is NBR foam (PVC-free), which explains the cushion. There’s a light factory smell at first—air it out for a day or two and it fades. Durability is decent for the price: expect compression marks where hands and knees land, and some surface wear over time if you practice daily. If you see a 6mm “Essentials” version floating around, that one’s typically PVC; it’s a different mat with a firmer feel and better stability, but less plushness.

Cleaning is easy: mild soap and water, then air dry out of direct sun. Avoid harsh cleaners—they can break down foam faster. Treat it kindly and you’ll get a solid runway to figure out what you like before you invest in a lifetime mat. For many starters hunting the best yoga mat for beginners, that trade-off makes sense.

Specs that actually matter (in plain English)

Thickness: ~10mm. Super cushy. Great for joints; a bit bouncy for balance. Size: ~72" x 24". Average coverage. Weight: around 3 lbs with the strap—easy to carry. Texture: ribbed top adds dry traction. Use: best for gentle flows, Pilates, stretching, and beginner classes. Not my pick for hot yoga. If your version of the best yoga mat for beginners includes “kind to knees” and “under $30,” this checks those boxes.

Who should buy it—and who should skip it

Buy it if you’re brand new, you want more cushion than the studio’s loaner mats, and you’re practicing at home or in slower classes. It’s also a win for prenatal, restorative, or anyone with sensitive knees. Skip it if you’re doing hot yoga, you sweat a lot, or you’re working on balance-heavy flows every session—look for a thinner, grippier surface instead (think natural rubber or a PU-top mat).

So, is it the best yoga mat for beginners? For comfort-first beginners on a budget—yes, it’s a strong, friendly start. For sweaty, athletic classes—no, you’ll outgrow it fast.

A tiny setup trick and care notes

When it arrives, unroll it and flip the ends under for a few minutes to flatten faster. If corners curl, roll it loosely opposite the curl and leave it overnight. Wipe it down after class with a little mild soap and water; let it air dry fully before rolling. These small habits keep any beginner pick—Gaiam or otherwise—feeling close to the best yoga mat for beginners for longer.

Bottom line

Real talk: the Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is a comfy, wallet-friendly on-ramp. Not perfect. But if what you need is “soft, supportive, dependable for slow flows,” it absolutely delivers. If you’re craving max grip or long-term durability, I’d nudge you toward a thinner rubber or PU-top mat once you know you’ll stick with yoga. Want my full notes, alternatives I’d consider, and what I’d buy instead for hot classes? I laid it all out in my hands-on review at Consumer’s Best—give it a look before you buy.