Gaiam Insta-Grip Yoga Mat - Obsidian (6mm)

I decided to splurge on the "better" mat at Target as I was upgrading from an older $5 mat, also from Target. I should've saved my money and bought another cheap one because it would've had better grip than this. I brought it to a hot yoga class today and it was embarrassing - I couldn't hold a downward dog a single time and had to do alt poses the whole class instead because I would just slip forward if I tried downward dog. This does not have grip at normal room temps either, even with wiping the mat off it starts slipping quickly. Extremely disappointed. The thickness would be nice if there was any grip

The dense cushion is a huge upgrade from my previous standard grade yoga mat, but I am still disappointed by how much my hands and feet slip on this mat, especially since it advertises a good grip! I am hoping that with use the grip will become stronger and the slipperiness I feel now is due to factory newness. *review sourced from Gaiam

Definitely a different surface than a traditional yoga mat. It also requires a few days to fully break in, even with wipe downs. However once I got used to to I wouldn't want to go back to anything else. *review sourced from Gaiam

This mat is amazing! Super grippy and thick. So comfortable and completely confused with the other reviews? Did you get the same mat I did?

I wiped down the mat with vinegar/water blend as recommended, but my hands slid right off the mat during yoga. *review sourced from Gaiam

This mat is so slippery it is impossible to hold a downward dog. I tried to use it in class and my teacher noticed me slipping so much, she had to bring me a different mat. I will be returning. *review sourced from Gaiam

Do not buy this mat. You will slide right off of it, there is absolutely no grip to it. So disappointing. *review sourced from Gaiam

This mat is textured for grip, but somehow manages to be incredibly slick (not possible to hold basic poses like downward dog). Way more slick than most other mats. After several weeks of trying to break it in, it still wasn't usable, so I reached out to Gaiam for help. They told me that the material it's made of doesn't work for anyone with 'clammy skin' and were even honest enough to say this mat is too slick for them to use. They will allow a return, but won't pay for return shipping, which isn't cheap for a thick yoga mat. Super misleading description, unusable mat, and nonrefundable shipping; this was unfortunately, an all around negative experience. *review sourced from Gaiam

This mat claims to have premium grip which is flat out false advertisement. The ""grippy"" texture is just abrasive and doesn't actually prevent sliding. I am dissatisfied with this product and despite voicing my complaints with customer service, I will still be required to pay for shipping to return the item, even though I mentioned I would exchange for a more expensive mat with better grip. Instead they gaslighted me saying that grip is a ""very personal preference."" Save your money and don't buy this mat if you're looking for better grip. *review sourced from Gaiam

This mat does not provide stability when doing yoga. My hands instantly started sliding when I started my yoga workout. Very disappointed.

Is comfortable and doesn’t move from the floor, but is slippery. Is hard to do poses.

Lovely mat that feels like it will last a long time. Word of caution for anyone buying hoping to use the solid colour side: this side was not made for using and you WILL slip. The proper side is very sticky though. And the mat is the perfect thickness for anyone looking for a little more cushioning. *review sourced from Gaiam

Great quality. I've tried many kinds of mats and this is the best so far at holding my hands and feet in the pose. The thickness combined with the non-slip surfaces on both sides of the mat work together to hold me in the poses. *review sourced from Gaiam

Love the color and thickness, however not super ""grippy"" if I am sweaty, hoping this gets better with more uses! *review sourced from Gaiam

I love everything about this mat! Thickness and size are perfect and bonus is no-slippage. I use for yoga as well as stretching and HIIT workouts. *review sourced from Gaiam

Love doing yoga on this mat. Non -slippery, beautiful design. Well done Gaiam!!! *review sourced from Gaiam

Great Quality Beautiful Design Very Comfortable when practicing yoga. Love it!!! *review sourced from Gaiam

Per customer service: ""The mat you purchased is a closed cell PVC that does not wick away moisture from the skin. The insta-grip description is in relation to the texture on the mat."" If anyone is thinking of believing the description of this mat, DONT. This mat is very slippery and does not perform the way the description states.. ""non slip performance"" ""superior traction and grip during poses"". Beautiful design and true to color however this mat is not what the description states. *review sourced from Gaiam