lululemon Yoga Mat Review – The Mat 5mm

The lululemon yoga mat I tested, The Mat 5 mm is an extra thick yoga mat with reversible appeal. The Mat delivers everything in one lulu yoga mat both inside the studio and outdoors. Personally, as my mood changes my practice location will also change. That being said, the duality of this reversible mat leaves me free to choose whether I want to practice on a hot pink mat, or pastel blue surface. Regardless of where I decide to practice on that day, there’s a mood for that. The multi-colored lululemon logo uplifts my spirit on blue days while the flip side brightens my day in pink.

How’s the Mat Perform?

The lululemon Mat was simply the best choice for a reversible yoga mat – in every criteria category. Not only does The Mat secure my hands and feet during yoga class, but I can also take my practice outdoors. Able to pass all stability and durability tests, the visual appeal is also undeniable. The recognizable lululemon logo motivates my practice in rainbow colors, enriching my alignment.

When I teach yoga inside a studio I have a tendency to turn the thick textured pink side downward and utilize the ultra-grip of the slick blue surface. While I tend to break a sweat indoors, the blue side clings to my hands, leaving me free to move. The quick-drying baby blue surface allows me to reposition my hands and feet in any asana without fear of falling.

With so many things to love about The Mat 5mm from lululemon I broke down each feature for the review process. Using The Mat included numerous yoga classes both in the studio and outside. I was able to also take the mat around town and enjoy my private practice in a range of environments. Here are the five most notable features of lululemon’s The Mat 5 mm.

lululemon The Mat Durability

When it comes to my yoga practice, I take it everywhere. The Mat 5mm is ideal in any environment because it’s made just for yoga. Featuring an innovative reversible design the top layer offers moisture wicking so you can stay grounded even in Bikram Yoga (hot yoga). The sustainably sourced natural rubber base offers extra cushion in 5mm thickness. Made with antimicrobial rubber cleanliness is never a concern when I use The Mat 5mm.

Grip

Each side of The Mat 5mm delivers a different grip for a unique experience. Specifically made for yoga, one side offers a rubber grippy top layer absorbs moisture. Planting hands and feet onto the baby blue side I enjoy the non-slip rubber and the confidence it offers. Feeling the 5mm cushioning through the other side, I enjoy how this grip feels when I take it outdoors.

Inside the yoga studio, it’s debatable. Flipping the rubber side over, I notice the texture of the pink side invites my hands and feet to dig deeper into any asana. The unique padding takes hold of my hands and feet delivering a soothing side of The Mat 5mm. Available in 3mm also, I prefer the 5mm cushioning for comfort.

lululemon The Mat Reversible Yoga Mat

Which side works better? Both! There is no wrong way to use The Mat. While each side delivers something different. Made for yoga teachers, novices and even gurus, there is a way to use each side. For advanced yoga flows, the soft textured side improves my performance with a direct 5mm cushion. While the top layer absorbs moisture which is nice in hot yoga classes or for practicing outdoors in the heat.

Looking for more stability once I start heating up, I’ll flip The Mat over and utilize the rubber side.

Gripping my hands and feet with moisture-wicking sustainable rubber, I never slip or slide out of any position improving my performance during a sweaty yoga session.

Cleanliness

It’s easy to slip into a downward facing dog or, even a puppy pose with either side of The Mat. You can count on the built-in antimicrobial rubber to keep germs at bay but if you get really down and dirty, cleaning The Mat is a breeze. I’ll take my yoga practice and The Mat deep into the backcountry, and afterwards I just will wipe mat clean with a dry cloth and a natural cleanser and store for the next practices.

When unrolling the Mat I can always tell it’s clean because the materials were designed with an additive to reduce mold, mildew and bacteria on contact. I can tell by the smell, The Mat is always clean.

With this mat it’s recommend you store out of direct sunlight otherwise it will fade over time. You might notice a slight smell when first using this mat. But that smell will fade away quickly.

lululemon The Mat Materials & Sustainability

The Mat 5mm yoga cushioning features a FSC certified natural rubber base, and a textured grippy flip side for any practice. Sustainably sourced, The Mat provides a combination of materials including natural and synthetic materials. The thick textured base offers more depth while the rubber side provides a polar opposite option.

Working as a yoga instructor I already know that not all lulu yoga mats are created equal. In fact, most people don’t even use a cushioned workout mat. Realizing years ago that every asana requires secure footing and a non-slip surface I turned to lululemon for The Mat. With one side in hot pink and the other a cool baby blue – it’s a vibe. Depending on the day and location I may choose one side or the other. Regardless, The Mat gives me 5 mm yoga padding in the studio, outdoors and in my own living room.

lululemon Yoga Mat – The Mat 5mm Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extra thick for stability and durability
• Reversible design for versatile use
• Dual grip for varied yoga practices

Cons:

• Dual-sided design may lead to color preference
• Slight smell when first using the mat

Overall Impression

If you have never tried yoga or are a guru – it doesn’t matter! Everyone can get the most out of their mantra with lululemon’s The Mat $98.00). The innovative grippy top layer i ultra-gripy and never slippery, you’ll stay firmly positioned no matter how advanced your practice is. Toss your towel and upgrade to The Mat 5mm or 3mm from lululemon.

This lululemon yoga mat is ideal for travel, yoga teachers and beginners as well for a sturdy, balanced practice. Off the mat yoga can hurt your body and put your joints at risk. Take extra good care of yourself with this double sided yoga mat from lululemon.

Related Yoga Gear We Enjoy

1. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
2. Yoga Design Lab Mat
3. lululemon Align Women’s Yoga Pants