BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Review

There are many reasons to use a yoga mat during exercise, but there are also many, many more options to choose from. I put the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat through a variety of exercises, including yoga, but also higher-intensity strength-building exercises. I judged it for comfortability, versatility, and durability, to determine whether or not it will last through many sweat sessions. Read on to see if this yoga mat is worth adding to your arsenal. 

The thickness of your yoga mat depends on your preference. While some people prefer mats with plenty of padding, others like thin mats that allow for stability. In my experience, some yoga mats are too thin to adequately protect your spine or elbows when exercising, but you don’t have to worry about that with this yoga mat. I found that the ½-inch, high-density foam material was thick enough to cushion me against the hard floor without impeding my ability to flow through my routine.

The BalanceFrom mat is also quite long—71 inches—so most users will be able to lay down fully, but anyone close to 6 feet tall will need something bigger. Because I am on the shorter side, the size was perfect no matter what exercise I was doing. I also found the 24-inch width to be more than adequate. 

Slipping is another common problem with yoga mats, which can be not only annoying but also dangerous. The BalanceFrom yoga mat has non-slip material on both sides. It wasn’t completely non-slip in my experience, but it still provided enough of a grip that I didn’t feel like I was going to fall or that the mat was going to move around too much. I think for most low-impact exercises, the slip-resistance is just fine.  

It’s worth noting that some users (including a Verywell editor) experienced a fair amount of stretching and squeaking with this yoga mat—not so great for group classes. But for at-home use, it can provide a comfortable surface to exercise. 

This yoga mat is made with moisture-resistant technology so it can be washed down with soap and water (keeping your mat clean is important to extend its lifespan). 

But after a few uses, I noticed indentations from the strap and my hands and feet, which increased further with continued use. While the mat remained perfectly usable, keep in mind that it may show signs of wear and tear quickly. 

Regardless, I do like that the company stands behind its products, as noted by the 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and a two-year warranty.

Because the mat is so thick, it’s too bulky for most travel. However, it is lightweight, and the included strap makes it easy to roll up for transporting to and from exercise classes. I actually prefer this strap over others I’ve used for a few reasons: First, the length of the strap can be adjusted to allow for less or more slack in the handle. And second, the straps that go around the yoga mat have hook-and-loop fasteners, so there’s no wrestling with an elastic band. 

The price of this yoga mat varies depending on which color you choose, but most are around $15. This is extremely affordable compared to other yoga mats, which typically run around $30—especially considering how thick it is. With this mat, you’ll get your money’s worth if you enjoy a padded surface for your practice. 

I also tried out another yoga mat from Lululemon. The Reversible (Un) Mat is designed to be extremely lightweight for exercisers who travel with their mats. This mat is much, much thinner than the ½-inch foam of the BalanceFrom yoga mat—Lululemon’s is only 1.5 millimeters, and I personally found it too thin to be comfortable. It’s also more expensive, ranging from $48 to $58 depending on the color.

For everyday yoga and exercise, I prefer the BalanceFrom yoga mat for its affordable price and thick cushioning (though some may find it too padded and stretchy). But for long-distance travel (like on an airplane) the Lululemon mat is thin enough to roll up in checked baggage.