This new mat is truly a great product. It’s much thicker and provides cushion and support.
I started using this mat for Bikram and it’s fine, since I usually put a towel over the mat and I have no problems with slippage. However, when I did regular yoga with the mat without a towel, it was slippery especially when your hands or feet are wet and sweaty. The 71″ length is perfect for me and I am six feet tall. Yes, it is heavier than other mats but I see that as a positive as it is more substantial than regular mats.
It has made a difference in my practice. After letting the mat air out – as suggested on the label accompanying the mat – it has been absolutely perfect for my Yoga practice.
This mat is sturdy enough to last a long time while taking a lot of abuse: Ashtanga brings on a good deal of sweat, and the vinyasa between each pose consists of jumping back, rolling over your toes to upward dog, and back over them to downward dog and hopping back to seated. I’ve tried this on cheap, thin mats and find that it hurts my toes, and the thinner mats slide around. A lot more firm, set responsive to kneeling and standing. Better grip, once you’re using it, you’ll never go back.
I practice Ashtanga so I put my yoga rug on top and it provides the perfect cushion and traction without being mushy. It does weigh quite a bit, but I like it so much I actually take it with me when I travel. I have not had any concerns with slipping. It is quite sturdy. It is a dense, rubbery mat that makes my hands and feet really stick during my yoga. I also use it for my Plyometrics (jump training) and ab workouts.
If you sweat a lot, then you’ll probably also want to grab a towel: Manduka Large Towel. All of these products together will run you about $160, which is A LOT, I know, but what price is ultimate comfort when you’re practicing your daily asanas? My yogi toes works well but does not cover from side to side or top to bottom. Not a concern for me at all.
I started with a cheap mat that I purchased through a discount retailer. It lasted only a few months and a handful of yoga sessions so I decided to upgrade to this one. The Black Mat is the only one that works. It grips perfectly and I don’t even need the towel under my hands. I would recommend this mat to anyone who is serious about yoga practice. This is a great mat for doing yoga. I absolutely love my Manduka. I bought this mat because my best friend pressured me into it!
And it’s long enough for even those extreme stretches (maybe not if you’re over 6 feet, but certainly for those of us who are of more normal stature). inexpensive landscaping.
