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Yoga Equipment |
Yoga for Beginners (Home) > Yoga Equipment > Gaiam Yoga Mat Gaiam Yoga Mat: Information, Types and BenefitsThe Gaiam yoga mat was created by Gaiam, Inc., a company that operates out of Colorado that bills itself as a "lifestyle company." In addition to their yoga products, they offer information and merchandise regarding Pilates, feng shui, meditation, and environmentally friendly products. Gaiam is also one of the few companies to acknowledge that yoga mats do not last forever and discuss recycling ideas, including giving worn out mats to animal shelters and using them to make foam puzzles for kids. Different Types of Gaiam Yoga MatsThe natural rubber Gaiam Yoga mat is a part of Gaiam's Enviro-Fit series. It is made from natural rubber but offers the standard "sticky" surface for traction during asanas. The only color featured on the website is a bright yellow-orange. The asking price is $40, which is at the high end for most yoga mats. The Gaiam Rubber Fitness mat is intended for higher impact workouts, like Ashtanga or Power Yoga. The only color available on the website is blue and Gaiam makes no claims of durability. The asking price is $80, which is comparable to the famously durable Manduka black yoga mat. Yogis might want to consider which product will get them the better value for their dollar. Next on the list is the Essentials Gaiam Yoga Mat. This standard, non-latex mat is available in a rainbow of colors and several different styles. The price is a very reasonable $22. At 1/8 of an inch thick, this mat probably does not provide the cushioning needed for thin or frail Yogis, senior citizens, and Yogis who practice Ashtanga. The Envirofit Jute Gaiam Yoga mat is made from jute plants and PER plastic, which is more environment friendly than substances used in standard Yoga mats. Gaiam states that the texture and traction are similar to other Yoga mats. The only color displayed on the website is a pleasing light brown, and the price is $40. Finally, Gaiam offers the Premium Bene-Fit Eco-Friendly Mat. Like the mat described above, this mat is manufactured with environment-friendly materials. It comes only in olive. It is thicker than the Envirofit Jute Gaiam Yoga mat, and is therefore more appropriate for Ashtanga Yogis. Overall, Gaiam offers a host of environmentally friendly options to online shoppers. Their wide range of yoga mats should satisfy a wide range of Yogis, from those just beginning to study yoga to the most hardcore Ashtanga practitioners.
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