I do yoga 5 times a week - Bikram, yoga sculpt and sometimes hot power flow. All hot variations. This mat is superior quality from others I’ve owned, it keeps its shape and washes easily, although when washing it does hold a bit of moisture so it can take a full 24-48 hours to completely dry out after a full submersion clean. It also doesn’t hold in odor which is great and it’s easily to wipe down after each class with anti microbial essential oils and cleansers. I do a full submersion clean probably once a week. Not sure what the official recommended clean routine is for yoga mats in general but this routine works for me and this mat has held up well. It boasts non slip design but doing the extreme heat hot yoga classes I still need a yoga towel, not only to absorb ... MoreI do yoga 5 times a week - Bikram, yoga sculpt and sometimes hot power flow. All hot variations. This mat is superior quality from others I’ve owned, it keeps its shape and washes easily, although when washing it does hold a bit of moisture so it can take a full 24-48 hours to completely dry out after a full submersion clean. It also doesn’t hold in odor which is great and it’s easily to wipe down after each class with anti microbial essential oils and cleansers. I do a full submersion clean probably once a week. Not sure what the official recommended clean routine is for yoga mats in general but this routine works for me and this mat has held up well. It boasts non slip design but doing the extreme heat hot yoga classes I still need a yoga towel, not only to absorb moisture but also if the mat gets super saturated from humidity and sweatiness in class, without the towel it can get a little slippery but not near as slippery as other mats I’ve used. It’s a common sense non slip, if you saturate it, it might be a little more slippery than if you were doing an unheated class. Doesn’t detract from the overall design and quality of the mat... Show more
lauren.b
originally posted on influenster.com
feels like ice skating
slipping all over the show from day one, and daily ashtanga on this mat for 8 years has not reduced the slipperiness one bit. Also tried all the salt sun lemon etc recommendations, either there is something wrong with my mat- which I wrote to Manduka about but they refused to look at it, or this mat is a total rubbish option - sweat or no sweat, hot or cold, this baby slips like you're on ice, from the first downward dog, my hands are slipping further away from my feet with each breath. Back bends are hazardous, forget dropping back on this without a cotton cover. I've done ashtanga on plenty of other mats that don't do that. It's a shame the mat lasts so long, I've been waiting for it to break apart to replace it, but it's still holding up, I guess that's a plus if ... Moreslipping all over the show from day one, and daily ashtanga on this mat for 8 years has not reduced the slipperiness one bit. Also tried all the salt sun lemon etc recommendations, either there is something wrong with my mat- which I wrote to Manduka about but they refused to look at it, or this mat is a total rubbish option - sweat or no sweat, hot or cold, this baby slips like you're on ice, from the first downward dog, my hands are slipping further away from my feet with each breath. Back bends are hazardous, forget dropping back on this without a cotton cover. I've done ashtanga on plenty of other mats that don't do that. It's a shame the mat lasts so long, I've been waiting for it to break apart to replace it, but it's still holding up, I guess that's a plus if you don't mind sliding around in yoga, hence two stars, but for me, I can't wait for it to reach the end of its life and I sincerely regret this purchase.... Show more
J
originally posted on manduka.com
Love, but where is the grip?
I’ve been looking for a while now to invest in a high quality mat. I’ve had a cheap, $20 mat from target for almost 11 years and the only reason I opted for a new one was because it was thin af and after ten years my knees are not the same😂. I want to love this mat, but I have the same critique as what others are saying, there is no grip. Even when doing regular poses, my feet and hands are sliding. I can’t even stay put in down dog. What? That’s the easiest pose. I even took the quiz they offered and in my answer I noted that I would be using it for hot yoga. This was the mat they recommended. After reading all the reviews, customer service seems to just say the same thing, there’s a break-in period. I’ve yet to hit that period. Other than the slipping which is ... MoreI’ve been looking for a while now to invest in a high quality mat. I’ve had a cheap, $20 mat from target for almost 11 years and the only reason I opted for a new one was because it was thin af and after ten years my knees are not the same😂. I want to love this mat, but I have the same critique as what others are saying, there is no grip. Even when doing regular poses, my feet and hands are sliding. I can’t even stay put in down dog. What? That’s the easiest pose. I even took the quiz they offered and in my answer I noted that I would be using it for hot yoga. This was the mat they recommended. After reading all the reviews, customer service seems to just say the same thing, there’s a break-in period. I’ve yet to hit that period. Other than the slipping which is pretty big, I have no other complaints. I love the color, love the thickness, and there is no visible discoloration. I couldn’t tell you what isn’t “almost perfect” but maybe it’s the grip level and I was bamboozled 😂... Show more
Eugenia
originally posted on manduka.com
Love the color and the mat, a bit slippery
I was hesitant to buy this mat because of the reviews that said it is slippery. Yet I was also really drawn to the fact that this mat is going to last longer and stay cleaner as it is a closed cell mat. so with much hesitation, I bought it. and I am happy I did. I love the color and the cushion of the mat and it barely has a smell unlike some mats. As someone with clammy but not sweaty hands I do find myself slipping ever so slightly in poses like downward facing dog, however this is not a deal breaker for me. I am going to try and break the mat in naturally but am also reassured that there is the option to do the salt scrub to increase the grip of the mat if I do not find it to break in over time naturally. overall I would recommend this mat.... Show more
Katie G
originally posted on REI
Not bad
I've been going back and forth about whether purchasing a Manduka mat was a good or necessary choice. I opted to get it due to its closed-cell design and renowned density. Open cell has its benefits, but you can never really get all the sweat out that it absorbs so not only does the bacteria stay in there, and sweat is an oil that can be a problem over time. Open cell mats can peel away with time, especially with consistent or vigorous practice (namely, ashtanga or vinyasa practices). So, I took the jump when it was on sale.When it arrived, I scrubbed it with scotch brite (instead of salt), rinsed it off with water and washed it with a gentle dish soap outside in the sun. Honestly, I think dish soap alone would have been sufficient. There's not much point with the ... MoreI've been going back and forth about whether purchasing a Manduka mat was a good or necessary choice. I opted to get it due to its closed-cell design and renowned density. Open cell has its benefits, but you can never really get all the sweat out that it absorbs so not only does the bacteria stay in there, and sweat is an oil that can be a problem over time. Open cell mats can peel away with time, especially with consistent or vigorous practice (namely, ashtanga or vinyasa practices). So, I took the jump when it was on sale.When it arrived, I scrubbed it with scotch brite (instead of salt), rinsed it off with water and washed it with a gentle dish soap outside in the sun. Honestly, I think dish soap alone would have been sufficient. There's not much point with the method Manduka recommends as it's a longer process with variable results. If you want to get the film off, just use dish soap, Scrub it and rinse it well in the shower.When I first tried it, I wasn't sure I liked the feeling of the grip. It wasn't bad though. Even practicing in the sun I did not slip even with moderately sweaty palms. it was just a different type of grip than a mysore rug, a good jute mat (not all are great), or a cork & rubber mix mat like Yoloha Unity. I found the grip slightly reminiscent of an open-cell rubber mat but with a bit more "give" when you adjust if needed. The feel of it is growing on me but the mat itself is good. The density is on point for Ashtanga practitioners and those who need cushion without the squish. I've used it outside a few times on cement without an issue. Cleaning is easy. I've used it for hot yoga a few times. I've only had an issue with the slipping once during hot yoga but the room was extra hot that day and I was sweating buckets. This is the only time I had an issue with the slipping. I would recommend bringing a towel for good measure but I find so far I haven't consistently reached for a mat towel. Your experience may be different.This mat is lightweight enough to travel without compromising on cushioning but it can feel a bit bulky. The mat is sturdy and built to last. The mat is good for most types of yoga, including rigorous practices like Ashtanga. While it works with my hot yoga practice, it might not be the same for you. I recommend you bring a yoga towel just in case. If you are not sure why would you get a mat only to use it with a towel: it's a personal choice but this mat doesn't hold onto a sweat or bacteria so your mat truly gets clean when you wash it and the grip (or mat) isn't negatively affected over time due to this. Overall, Im happy I took the plunge but I WISH THE TRAVEL MAT COMES BACK OUT! (especially with new colours). This mat isn't heavy per se but it would be nice to have the light travel option.... Show more
Serena
originally posted on manduka.com
Not really a yoga mat
When I saw a Manduka yoga mat on super sale at 50% off I was actually excited. Since Manduka seemed to me to have a reputation for making great yoga mats and I knew they also made some of their models with extra grip, I said, "Why not?!" However, I discovered quickly that this mat was disappointingly not much of a yoga mat at all.I've used many a yoga mat over the last 20 years but have only ever owned a large, grey Lululemon mat supposedly designed to wick sweat and offer better grip than most yoga mats on the market. However, I used my Lululemon yoga mat many times at hot yoga classes and found it to be a minimal improvement over the average mat. So, I wanted to get something that had better grip.I though surely a company like Manduka that makes a seemingly ... MoreWhen I saw a Manduka yoga mat on super sale at 50% off I was actually excited. Since Manduka seemed to me to have a reputation for making great yoga mats and I knew they also made some of their models with extra grip, I said, "Why not?!" However, I discovered quickly that this mat was disappointingly not much of a yoga mat at all.I've used many a yoga mat over the last 20 years but have only ever owned a large, grey Lululemon mat supposedly designed to wick sweat and offer better grip than most yoga mats on the market. However, I used my Lululemon yoga mat many times at hot yoga classes and found it to be a minimal improvement over the average mat. So, I wanted to get something that had better grip.I though surely a company like Manduka that makes a seemingly superior product would ensure all of their mats had fabulous gripping technology. But that is not the case. After I received my order for this mat in the mail, I discovered pretty much immediately after opening the packaging that this was a terrible design.I know this is supposed to be designed to take up minimal space but it's not much better than just using a towel or the bare floor. It's just too thin and the surface isn't really any more grippy than either of those options.I do not recommend.... Show more
joeschmoh
originally posted on REI
Seems worth the $
I finally broke down and spent the $ and I'm glad I did. The only mat I've ever had that was sticky to start and stayed sticky was my original Gaiam mat, now almost 20yrs old (so it REALLY needs to be retired, and it's really thin). I've bought probably 6 or 8 different mats from different companies over the years and none of them are sticky, especially when my feet & hands are cold & dry (which has gotten worse as I've gotten older). I've only had the Manduka mat for a week but it was sticky right out of the box! I conditioned it w/ sea salt, per the instructions & am using Manduka's mat wash to wipe it down and so far, I love it. I hope I won't have to update my review (in the bad way) but at this point I don't think so. I have a daily home practice and go to the ... MoreI finally broke down and spent the $ and I'm glad I did. The only mat I've ever had that was sticky to start and stayed sticky was my original Gaiam mat, now almost 20yrs old (so it REALLY needs to be retired, and it's really thin). I've bought probably 6 or 8 different mats from different companies over the years and none of them are sticky, especially when my feet & hands are cold & dry (which has gotten worse as I've gotten older). I've only had the Manduka mat for a week but it was sticky right out of the box! I conditioned it w/ sea salt, per the instructions & am using Manduka's mat wash to wipe it down and so far, I love it. I hope I won't have to update my review (in the bad way) but at this point I don't think so. I have a daily home practice and go to the studio 2-3x wk. Right now the new mat is staying home but if it continues to perform so well, I'll be purchasing a 2nd one to travel with.... Show more
Deb
originally posted on manduka.com
Stable but slippery
I liked the thickness and stability of the mat, it doesn't move around even on high impact sessions. It is slippery as soon as your hands starts to sweat or carry moisture. It doesn't help that the textured lines are parallel to the length of the mat, so your hands slip even more. May be if the lines were perpendicular to the mat, it would provide more traction? I did the salt treatment to help break-in the mat, used the mat 8 times in hot yoga flow and fitness classes, made no difference. I didn't want to wait and see when or if it'll break-in before the 30-day return policy expires. Overall, I like the mat but not for hot yoga/fitness classes, you'll need a towel. Customer service was prompt to provide a return shipping label etc. For what I need, I think the a ... MoreI liked the thickness and stability of the mat, it doesn't move around even on high impact sessions. It is slippery as soon as your hands starts to sweat or carry moisture. It doesn't help that the textured lines are parallel to the length of the mat, so your hands slip even more. May be if the lines were perpendicular to the mat, it would provide more traction? I did the salt treatment to help break-in the mat, used the mat 8 times in hot yoga flow and fitness classes, made no difference. I didn't want to wait and see when or if it'll break-in before the 30-day return policy expires. Overall, I like the mat but not for hot yoga/fitness classes, you'll need a towel. Customer service was prompt to provide a return shipping label etc. For what I need, I think the a GRP mat might be better.... Show more
Bernadette
originally posted on manduka.com
Still breaking it in....
I wanted to wait a while before writing the review as I've read many reviews and was aware of the slipping at the beginning.Unfortunately, I have sweaty palms and feet. I have a strong daily ashtanga practice which requires grip as I move a lot.When I first got the ProLite I was so excited. Initial grip was fantastic as my palms and feet were dry but after 2 sun sals, I began to slip in down dogs. It was like being on a plastic water slide after 10m into practice. I salted it for longer than 24 hours, rubbing the salt in before and after, trying to 'exfoliate' the mat. It helped a bit but not that much.I've been practising a long time so I understand that mats are very personal. A mat that suits one won't suit another. This mat is great for my hubby who has dry ... MoreI wanted to wait a while before writing the review as I've read many reviews and was aware of the slipping at the beginning.Unfortunately, I have sweaty palms and feet. I have a strong daily ashtanga practice which requires grip as I move a lot.When I first got the ProLite I was so excited. Initial grip was fantastic as my palms and feet were dry but after 2 sun sals, I began to slip in down dogs. It was like being on a plastic water slide after 10m into practice. I salted it for longer than 24 hours, rubbing the salt in before and after, trying to 'exfoliate' the mat. It helped a bit but not that much.I've been practising a long time so I understand that mats are very personal. A mat that suits one won't suit another. This mat is great for my hubby who has dry palms and hates my suede and rubber mats because he slips on them.But for sweaty palms me, it's been a few weeks now and it's still slippery. I'm giving this mat a 3 for now and will update it when/if the grip gets better. Martin from Eco Yoga Store who was very helpful and friendly, have warned me about it and suggested using a towel initially which works fine. I'm still confident that the mat will grip more as time goes by but I'm a little disappointed that it's taking longer than I thought.So my recommendation is, if you have dry palms and feet, this mat is awesome as it grips, feels great and has good cushioning. Weight is great as it's not as heavy as the Pro but still feels solid. I have plenty of friends who rave about their Mandukas so I trust that the brand is good. If you have sweaty palms, you have got to be prepared to put in the hard yards breaking it in. If you're a beginner with sweaty palms, prob give this one a miss.... Show more
Jojo
originally posted on ecoyogastore.com
Ultimately wasn't for me
Ive been on the market for a new and quality yoga mat, which apparently seems to involve countless hours,trials, and minor obsession of finding the right fit. I was under the impression that weight and portability was one of my top priorities, as i'm a frequent traveler..but I'm learning that grip is actually top on my list. I learned this through the purchase of this mat. I was sorely disappointed when I realized it wasn't a mat(ch) made in heaven..I wanted to keep it in all of its purple glory, but ultimately I didn't have the patience or faith that it would 'break in'. I salt scrubbed, soaped and rinsed, let it sit in the sun, took it to a few classes and I was still slipping and sliding. I also didn't enjoy the roll up process of this mat..it rolls from top ... MoreIve been on the market for a new and quality yoga mat, which apparently seems to involve countless hours,trials, and minor obsession of finding the right fit. I was under the impression that weight and portability was one of my top priorities, as i'm a frequent traveler..but I'm learning that grip is actually top on my list. I learned this through the purchase of this mat. I was sorely disappointed when I realized it wasn't a mat(ch) made in heaven..I wanted to keep it in all of its purple glory, but ultimately I didn't have the patience or faith that it would 'break in'. I salt scrubbed, soaped and rinsed, let it sit in the sun, took it to a few classes and I was still slipping and sliding. I also didn't enjoy the roll up process of this mat..it rolls from top under , and it doesn't roll up ( or rather stay ) tight. Also, the purple.. although stunning , was already holding onto dark marks/stains after the few field trips it had. REI was very graceful with the return policy. While I was in the store on the return mission, I saw the other Manduka mats on display...and strangely enough -different colors seemed to feel lighter or roll up slimmer than others of the same model/size ? It definitely leads me to believe each color, or even mat, may differ slightly or even significantly. I mean, I know I have this issue with a popular style of yoga leggings too, frustratingly so. I am now trying Jade/ rubber , and while I think its more suited to my grip needs for now..Theres definitely pros and cons to each though, as this one is closed cell as easy to clean, where as the rubber... not so much.... Show more
Tina
originally posted on REI