Gaiam

Gaiam is an American lifestyle brand founded in 1988 by Jirka Rysavy in Boulder, Colorado. The name is a portmanteau of Gaia (Earth goddess) and "I am." Gaiam is credited with bringing affordable yoga mats and equipment to mainstream retail channels — they were among the first to sell yoga mats in big-box stores and online, dramatically expanding access to yoga equipment for everyday practitioners.

Gaiam's Market Role

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Gaiam played a critical role in yoga's Western expansion by making yoga equipment affordable and widely available:

• First major yoga brand to sell through Target, REI, and similar mass-market retailers
• Produced yoga DVDs with well-known teachers that introduced yoga to millions
• Made yoga mats a household product rather than a specialty item

Product Range

Gaiam offers yoga mats across multiple price points:

• Entry-level PVC mats: $20-40, primary target for beginners
• Premium eco mats: Cork and TPE options at higher price points
• Printed mats: Gaiam is known for colorful, printed designs
• Yoga accessories: Blocks, straps, bolsters, bags

Quality Considerations

Gaiam's budget mats are entry-level products that serve beginners well for casual practice. For regular practitioners or hot yoga, more dedicated yoga mat brands offer significantly better performance. Many yogis start with a Gaiam mat and upgrade to Manduka, Jade, or similar as their practice deepens.

Environmental Claims

Gaiam markets its TPE and cork mats as eco-friendly options. The brand has made sustainability commitments, though dedicated eco-yoga brands like Jade offer more rigorous environmental credentials.