Gaiam Ultra-Thick Yoga Mat
Runner's World's best bargain: a legitimate consensus endorsement for maximum cushioning, ranked last among picks because it serves comfort first and yoga performance second.
Backed by one cited source so far - limited coverage
See the source4 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
Overly dense, making it hard to grip and less suitable for dynamic styles; better to choose a thinner, more responsive mat.
Flagged 26 July 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ Runner's World's best bargain among yoga mats for runners
- ✓ Maximum cushioning for joint protection
- ✓ Ultra thick cushioning
- ✓ Comfortable for joints
- ✓ Good grip
- ✗ Serves comfort first and yoga performance second
- ✗ Bulky design
- ✗ Hard to transport
- ✗ Too dense
- ✗ Hard to grip
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. We quote no words from this source, so its row shows only where we placed it.
1 positive source
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #13 of 13 on our yoga mats tier list, in F tier. That placement rests on one cited source.
Serves comfort first and yoga performance second. Bulky design. Hard to transport. Too dense. Hard to grip.
Ranked nearby in Yoga Mats
S tier #1 Manduka Pro Mat
S tier #2 JadeYoga Harmony Mat
S tier #3 Lululemon The Mat 5 mm
A tier #4 Liforme Original Yoga Mat
B tier #5 1 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Liforme Classic
C tier #8 Manduka Pro Light
D tier #9 2 of 4 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat
D tier #10 2 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Mat
D tier #11 1 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Jade Travel Mat
F tier #12 6 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.