Let me start by saying: this mat spoiled me for all others. After cycling through cheaper options that curled at the edges or turned into pancake-thin torture devices, the SPRI mat feels like stepping onto a luxury fitness cloud. The dense 5/8" foam (I chose this thickness after reading reviews) provides just-right cushioning—supportive enough for my bad knees during planks but firm enough that I don’t wobble during balance exercises.

Real-talk durability test: I’ve had mine for 6 months with near-daily abuse—HIIT workouts, yoga flows, even my dog occasionally using it as a nap throne. The reinforced grommets haven’t stretched (unlike my last mat that tore within weeks), and while it does show temporary indentations from heavy weights, they disappear within hours. Pro tip: Store it flat or hanging as recommended—the one time I left it rolled for a week, it took two days to fully flatten again.

Where this mat shines: The textured surface is a game-changer for sweaty workouts. No more slipping during downward dog! I use mine on hardwood floors, and it stays put without sliding around like cheaper mats. The 71-inch length fits my 6’ frame perfectly for full-body stretches.

The not-so-perfect: It does have that new-mat smell for about a week (I aired mine out on the balcony), and while the material cleans easily with a damp cloth, the texture means you’ll need to scrub slightly harder than with smooth-surface mats. Also worth noting—it’s heavier than typical yoga mats, which makes transport less ideal but contributes to that premium feel.

Final verdict: If you want commercial-grade quality without gym membership fees, this is your mat. After testing everything from $20 Amazon specials to boutique brands, SPRI delivers where it counts—durability, functionality, and that elusive ‘lays perfectly flat’ magic.