How often do you replace your yoga mat? I have to admit I never have. My mat is close to a decade old, but with all the hot yoga I’ve been doing lately I’ve been wishing I had more than one option. I’ve been on the hunt for a new yoga mat for over a year. I kept putting it off because it didn’t seemed like that exciting of a purchase. Then I came across this funky Gaiam 5mm Reversible Yoga Mat in Elephant.
How I love looking at this elephant every time I practice!
Best reversible yoga mat
The moment I spotted this happy mat I was hooked. Bye bye boring solid colours. Hello vibrant blue elephant on one side and intricate orange designs on the other. Yep, the mats are reversible. The trouble with that is I don’t want to get all OCD about it and only use blue for flow classes and orange for sculpt classes or something ridiculous like that. So far so good.
When I need energy, I use the orange side.
As much as I’m in love with the stylish aspect of this reversible mat, it’s the comfort level that really wows. It’s 5mm thick, which I didn’t think was a big deal, but the extra padding actually is. My wrists aren’t as sore and I’m now able to plank like everyone else instead of from my elbow.
Nobody in my studio has a mat as rad as this one!
I’m not a super environmentalist, but I must admit, I like that though the mat is made of PVC (as the majority are), they’ve eliminated the six most harmful phthalates, making it a healthier choice.
On-The-Go Yoga Mat Carrier
Because I bike to yoga, I was all over this On-The-Go Yoga Mat Carrier. It has the ease of a sling, with essential storage space. There’s this internal elastic band that holds the mat secure so it doesn’t slip out when I’m biking. An external zip pocket holds my phone, keys and cash.
Sometimes I crisscross the handles and wear this carrier like a backpack
I still get a rush when I glance at my happy mat and I want you to be as jazzed about your yoga practice as I am. I reached out to Gaiam and asked if I could offer one lucky Travels with Baggage reader a mat, and they happily agreed.
It’s now 2018 and neither the elastic nor the velcro has worn out.
Please comment below and let me know how often you replace your fitness equipment. You can also share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Just be sure to tag me, so I can record your entry. (Twitter: @Jody_Robbins and facebook.com/TravelswithBaggage). All shares and comments must be received by midnight, April 1, 2016.
Thank you, Gaiam!
And if you’re looking for a good travel yoga mat (as I now am) check out this compact and lightweight one.
What a gorgeous mat! Like you I have never changed my mat. I use mine for my home workout routine and have been thinking of trying a yoga class. Maybe winning this is the push I need!
I’ve only been doing yoga a few months so still on my first mat!
Not nearly enough I’m sure!
Ahhh Jodi! What a beautiful mat. I’m bad at replacing my mat. I had the same one for YEARS. But 2 years ago I did get a thicker one and it absolutely spoiled for anything different. The thicker mats are definitely worth the $$. : )
I know, right? I had no idea the thicker mats were worth it. Now we’re enlightened!
Love this! I don’t replace my workout gear nearly enough. Well…I don’t use it enough either so there’s hat.
I usually replace fitness equipment when I find something I like better.
So true!
What a beautiful mat! I’ve been using the same one for over 10 years…it’s time for a new one!
I’ve never replaced my mat, but after buying a new one for my daughter I realize I really need to get a new one – hers is so cushy compared to mine!
I replace other equipment (shoes mainly) every year or so.
How wonderful is it that your daughter has her own mat? #Inspired
I’ve never changed my yoga mat and I’ve had it for about 7 years. Bud I do give it a scrub regularly. I do need a new sports bra at least every year and new runners every 6 months if I’m sticking to a fitness program.
I definitely need a new mat! Mine keeps leaving crumbs everywhere!
Crumbs?! Oh, yes you do need a new yoga mat!!
I definitely don’t replace my fitness equipment as often as I probably should! I’ve had the same yoga mat for about 8 years, and I think getting a new one would motivate me to work out more, haha! 😉 Thanks for the awesome giveaway, tweeted! (@stephaniewarthe)
This is a beautiful yoga mat! I love the design and I am sure it is
a good quality mat.I have not changed mine for ages now.Thanks so much for the awesome giveaway and chance to win!!
Best of luck!
Sadly I rarely replace mine (like once every few years?) The only exception are my running/training shoes. I replace them about 1/year.
I also have never replaced mine… and it is a hand-me-down! Oops!