Kmart Yoga Mat Guide: Anko Fitness Mat Pros, Thickness & Value

The Anko yoga mat from Kmart offers 6mm of cushion for just $25 — a fraction of premium brand prices. This guide cuts through the marketing language to test what real users and official product listings actually say about Anko mats, so you can decide whether they belong in your home practice setup.

Price Range: $25 (user reports) · Length: 173cm · Key Feature: Lightweight with grip · Brand: Anko · User Praise: Thick and comfortable (Reddit)

Is the Anko fitness mat any good?

The honest answer depends on what “good” means for your practice. For casual home workouts and beginner yoga, the Anko mat delivers on its core promise: affordable cushioning without feeling flimsy. Real user feedback from community forums consistently praises the thickness relative to the price point.

User reviews from Reddit

The most repeated sentiment across Reddit threads is straightforward: “I have the $25 ones from Kmart. They are thick and I love it.” This isn’t faint praise — users specifically call out the cushion for joint comfort during floor exercises, and several mention the mat holds up through regular weekly use without visible compression.

Grip and comfort feedback

The Kmart product page for the NZ market lists “better traction and grip while performing yoga poses” as a key selling point, and real-world feedback suggests this claim holds up on hard floors. The grip weakens somewhat on carpet or in high-sweat conditions, which aligns with how EVA foam performs against rubber alternatives.

Durability after use

EVA foam is lightweight and budget-friendly, but it compresses faster than premium materials over time. Users report the Anko mat works well for 6–12 months of regular home practice before noticeable flattening occurs — reasonable lifespan for the price.

What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?

Thickness is where the Anko mat reveals its trade-offs. Industry data shows that standard yoga mats sit around 3–4mm thick, while thicker options reach 6–10mm for joint protection.

5mm vs 3mm comparison

A 3mm mat sits close to the floor and offers direct contact for balance-heavy poses — think tree pose or standing sequences where you need to feel the ground beneath you. The trade-off is minimal cushion for knees, wrists, and spine during floor work. Thinner mats (1.5–2mm) are preferred by traveling yogis or experienced practitioners who prioritize portability.

5mm vs 8mm for comfort

For beginners or anyone with joint sensitivity, a 6mm mat like the Anko provides meaningful cushion without sacrificing stability. Research from Canstar Blue recommends 6mm thickness for beginners or those with injuries. An 8mm mat adds more softness but can feel unstable during standing balances — your hands sink too much during plank variations.

Thickness guide for yoga styles

• 1.5–3mm: Hot yoga, vinyasa flow, experienced practitioners prioritizing portability
• 4–5mm: General yoga, Pilates, mixed workouts
• 6–8mm: Beginners, restorative yoga, joint support needs
• 8–10mm: Extra cushion, physical therapy, floor-based stretching

What is the best cheap yoga mat?

When “cheap” means under $30, the Anko mat sits in a crowded field alongside Big W’s budget fitness range and outlet-brand mats at Rebel Sport. The difference is that Anko delivers consistent availability and reasonable baseline quality.

Kmart Anko value assessment

At roughly $25, the Anko mat undercuts premium brands by 70–80% while matching or exceeding their baseline specs. You won’t get the textured sticky surface of a Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium Print, but you’ll get reliable grip on hard floors for a fraction of the cost.

Budget mat rankings

• Anko (Kmart): $25, 6mm EVA, lightweight, good grip on hard floors
• Pro Yogi (Big W): similar price range, comparable thickness options
• Gaiam Performance Essential: $35–45, 4.5mm with alignment ridges
• Premium rubber mats: $60–120, superior grip, heavier

Cheap vs premium trade-offs

The core trade-off is material longevity. EVA foam compresses over months of heavy use; natural rubber holds shape longer but costs more. For most home practitioners doing 2–3 sessions per week, the Anko covers a full year before replacement becomes necessary — making the cost-per-month roughly equivalent to pricier alternatives.

How to Choose a Yoga Mat?

Choosing a mat means matching your practice style, floor type, and transport needs to the available options. Here’s a practical framework based on what matters most.

Thickness selection steps

1. Identify your yoga style: restorative and gentle practices benefit from 6–8mm; active flows and balances prefer 3–5mm
2. Assess your floor surface: carpet reduces grip effectiveness; hard floors work with most thicknesses
3. Consider joint sensitivity: any history of wrist, knee, or spine issues pushes toward 6mm+
4. Factor in portability: thinner mats roll tighter and weigh less for travel

Material pros and cons

EVA foam (what Anko uses) scores high on lightweight portability and initial grip but compresses faster than rubber. PVC mats offer durability and sticky surfaces but may contain toxic compounds depending on manufacturing. Natural rubber provides superior grip and longevity but weighs more and costs more.

Grip and portability factors

If you practice in one location, weight matters less — prioritize grip and thickness. If you carry your mat to studios or outdoor sessions, a 3–4mm mat under 1kg makes a difference. The Anko’s reversible lightweight design works for home use but feels bulkier than travel-specific alternatives.

Which yoga mat is better, foam or rubber?

The foam-versus-rubber debate comes down to three factors: grip performance, material safety, and budget. Both have legitimate use cases.

Foam vs rubber grip

Rubber mats outperform foam on grip — especially in high-sweat or heated conditions where your hands need consistent traction. Foam mats like the Anko work well on dry, clean hard floors but lose friction quickly with moisture or on textured surfaces.

Materials to avoid

Traditional PVC mats pose potential health concerns due to manufacturing additives. EVA foam, used in the Anko mat, avoids some of these compounds but still requires checking for off-gassing on first unboxing. Natural rubber and cork surfaces offer safer material profiles if chemical exposure is a concern.

Anko mat material details

The Anko mat uses EVA foam, confirmed by the Kmart NZ product listing. EVA stands for ethylene vinyl acetate — a foam material known for lightweight cushion and decent durability at budget price points. It’s free from the toxic PVC compounds that concern some yoga practitioners.

Kmart yoga mat vs competitors

Three budget competitors target the same entry-level market. The comparison reveals where Anko leads and where it falls short.

Technical specifications

Six key specs determine how the Anko mat performs across different use scenarios.

How to buy and use your Anko mat

1. Check stock online or in-store: Visit Kmart.com.au or your local Kmart to verify current availability. Online inventory updates vary by location.
2. Inspect on delivery: Unbox in a ventilated area. EVA foam may emit mild new-product smell for 24–48 hours — air flat before first use.
3. Clean regularly: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent after each use. Avoid submerging or machine washing, which degrades foam structure.
4. Store flat or rolled loosely: Rolling too tightly can create permanent creases. Store flat if space allows, or roll loosely with the grip side out.
5. Replace when compressed: When thickness visibly reduces or cushion feel disappears, it’s time for a replacement — typically 6–12 months with regular use.

Confirmed facts vs unconfirmed claims

I have the $25 ones from Kmart. They are thick and I love it.

— Reddit user (r/fitness community)

Get better traction and grip while performing yoga poses.

— Kmart NZ product listing

For home practitioners in Australia and New Zealand, the Anko yoga mat by Kmart fills a practical gap: you get 6mm cushion with decent grip at roughly one-quarter the cost of premium brands. The trade-off is material longevity — EVA foam compresses faster than natural rubber under heavy use. If you’re practicing 2–3 times weekly and starting out, the Anko earns its shelf space. If you’re committing to daily hot yoga sessions, the extra $20–30 for a rubber mat pays dividends in grip performance and durability that outlast the initial savings.

Related reading: Single Leg RDL Guide · Infrared Sauna Benefits

Frequently asked questions