manduka

PRO Yoga Mat 71"

Save your money! Manduka claims (after you receive the mat) that there is some sort of film that makes the mat initially a little slippery, but that it comes off in a little while. Well, I tried using this mat in a DRY environment, and was not sweating in the least, and I was sliding all over this mat. Upon further research, Manduka claims that this film wears off . . . after daily usage of three months! I can't even practice for three minutes without my hands sliding across it in downward dog! And I see NO evidence of any sort of film. I bought this mat because I couldn't take my Lululemon with me, and they don't ship to APO addresses. I teach yoga to soldiers, and had to cancel my class because I couldn't use my own mat! And at this price, there is NO excuse. Zappos is fabulous, as always, but this mat is going back.

After much research, I bought this mat (though the extra long version) for a couple of reasons. 1- It is the standard or definitive mat that I kept seeing on blog after blog and under yogis and instructors in class. 2- The lifetime warranty (I had read that Jade and Lululemon's wear down rather fast). 3- The durability. 4- The cushion (I tore my ACL and MCL a year ago and so my knee is will never be quite the same.) I was very nervous about the many complaints about slippery surface upon initial use. I did find that when it first arrived it was a little slick, but I proceeded to break it in via the video they post on Manduka's website using a salt scrub and placing in the sun. I also purchased a Yogitoes towel to use because I sweat profusely during hot yoga sessions. The towel, combined with the break-in, work wonderfully. I can tell that each time I use the mat it becomes more "mine" and feels better and better. I can't imagine not using a towel anyway because I have sweat dripping off of me like a faucet during practice, so I think I will always use a towel despite breaking in the mat. Yes, I'm that sweaty. :/ It even runs UP my nose. While I do concede that it was an investment to purchase the mat and towel (I subsequently ordered more towels to reduce having to wash it every night), it really isn't much different that buying a quality pair of running shoes or something. I figure I have already earned my money's worth and none of the items have shown wear. I adore everything that I have purchased and feel like it was money well spent. I'm a true Manduka fan; I LOVE their stuff. Another concern I often see on the Manduka Black is the weight. While I will agree that the mat is heavy (especially since I wanted the long version), it's not a deal breaker by any means for me. I drive to my class so lugging it from car to class is not a big deal. I do see how others, with the Mat by Lulu or Jade mats have less bulk, for me and my knee, I'm grateful for my luxurious mat. I'm glad I decided on the mat I did. If you are walking a ways to class, taking the subway, or a bike, I can see how some would not like the bulk. For me though, I love my mat so much, I wouldn't change a thing.

Tried the salt scrub, dried thoroughly and slipped not even during regular practice but just when I'm working on a particular pose. During my hot vinyasa workouts even with the Manduka towel I was not grounded. I'm really torn about keeping it because it's beautiful and provides a lot of cushion. They say it gets better with time, but if I can't practice on it I'm not sure how that's going to work.

First, I cannot believe that I actually spent this much on a yoga mat. I was hoping that I would not like it so that I could use Zappos' great return policy and put my obsession with this mat to rest. I have been eyeing this yoga mat for a while and going back and forth between this Manduka mat and others like Lululemon's The Mat or Jade's Harmony. In my research of the mats, I learned that Lulu's deteriorated quicker than you would want an expensive yoga mat to. I chose this mat over the Jade due to the Lifetime Warranty offered by Manduka. As a disclaimer, I have only practiced on cheap Gaiam mats or the generic Walmart mats. I was a little worried about the slipperiness of the mat before it gets broken in that was expressed by some of the other reviewers. The top of the mat was slippery, but in my personal opinion, was not unbearably slippery when sweating. I can see where the Yogitoes slip resistant mat would be beneficial for use on any yoga mat. The bottom of the mat is super sticky and does not slide around at all. The mat itself is not as cushiony as I expected, but it does wonders on my joints. I would be interested in comparing this mat to the ProLite version as this is quite heavy. I cannot imagine carrying it to and from class, but it does work for my purposes at home, where I do most of my practice.

The Manduka PRO yoga mat was recommended to me by a yoga instructor. So I decided to buy it. At first I wasn't sure because it was a lot different than my other one that I had. But now that I've had it for about two weeks, I absolutely love it. The right mat is really important for yoga and I think I got the right one for me. There are a couple things about this mat you should know: 1) It is extremely hard to break in. Yes it is slippery at first. I bought a brush from Target and have been scrubbing it and I'm planning on putting it out in the sun when it gets warmer outside. As for right now I've been bringing a little towel to put at the front of my mat for downdog. I'm hoping over time the slippiness will fade. 2) I wish I would've purchased the longer mat. I am only 5'9 but I still think I would've liked the longer mat. But its not a huge deal, just keep it in mind. Over this is an amazing mat. If you like yoga and are serious abou it, spend the extra money, and you will be glad you did. Keep your old mat and compare it to this one and you won't believe the difference. I feel like this little mat is my treasured possession:)