PRO Yoga Mat

I've had a bunch of nice yoga mats. My Jade mat began to fall apart and I got little rubber bits all over me when I practiced & my Lululemon mat wore down so much that it was no longer grippy. I decided to fork out the money for a Manduka Pro because I've read about their longevity. So far so good! I'll address the most pressing concern: the mat is really slippery when you first get it. It really shouldn't be because it's so expensive, but whatever. You have to do a bit of work to get it to a reasonable grippiness. Skip the salt advice; it doesn't work at all. Take regular old Dawn Dish soap, squirt it all over the mat, scrub the mat with the rough side of one of those green and yellow sponges, rinse and let dry. Do it a second time if it needs it. This worked great on my mat and it now grips very well except in the hottest of classes where I do have to use a yoga towel (also went with the ridiculously expensive Manduka towel and it works very well). It's a heavy mat. I'm not sure why people who exercise complain about this. It's not THAT heavy. It's a thick mat, but not in a cushy way. It's nice and dense. This is great for folks with joint (especially wrist) trouble. It's a closed cell mat. This means It doesn't soak up your sweat. If you're really sweaty, it will pool and you'll need to use a yoga towel. This is ideal for me because I was yucked out by open cell mats that make the sweat disappear. Where does it go? Into your mat. Forever. The closed cell nature of the Manduka Pro means you can wash it and it actually gets clean. I think this is overpriced, but I practice a lot and so far I'm a fan.

In case anyone else is wondering, I contacted Manduka to verify if this would be a legitimate mat and was told as long as it’s sold and shipped by Amazon it’s guaranteed. My old nat was jade harmony which lasted me ten years. But it was too thin (it says it’s 5 mm which is 1 mm thinner than this mat but really it measured about 4.7). Believe me the extra millimeter for this Manduka pro mat makes a lot of difference in cushioning for the joints and over all comfort. I did not use the whole salt method because I don’t like the idea of sprinkling salt all over my mat which will end up all over my floor. So I just wiped it down with a damp microfiber cloth. It does not feel slippery at all. However, I don’t do hot yoga so that might make a difference. I bought the extra long length which is nice so I no longer hang off the edge. I also like that this mat is 2 inches wider than my old one. Overall, this has much better cushioning, it has just as good grip and feel sturdy like it will last a long time. Happy with purchase.

An excellent and high-quality yoga mat that will last you a lifetime. I highly recommend the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat. It has a lifetime guarantee and the company is environmentally conscious. The cushioning is great for my knees, elbows, and other joints. It was a little slippery at first, but after using the salt method to break it in, it has been perfect. Be aware that it is a bit heavy, so you might want to get a carrying strap if you plan on taking it to and from a yoga studio. One word of caution: I ordered two of these from Amazon Resale and had to return one because they sent the wrong brand. Be sure to inspect the product carefully when it arrives. Even with that issue, I still highly recommend this mat. It's a great investment and will be your forever mat.

I Love this mat! I am a relative newbie in yoga, have been sporadically going to YMCA yoga classes for a little over a year. I started out by just using the mats at the Y. Then I decided that I would get my own mat... I didn't really want to use the same mat that lots of other people have been using; wasn't too sure how often they are cleaned or the health of previous users of the mats. Well... I got a yoga mat in the $20 range. Thin and my hands slipped in Down Facing Dog. Moved up to a mat in the $30 range and used both mats during practice. No problems with the thickness of the combined mats stacked together (comfort of knees in poses that require you to be on all fours), but still a little problem with slipping hands. And standing balance poses were a little more difficult since the two mats together were a little "spongy" and my balance is not that great that I needed the extra "added benefit" of a less stable surface to balance on! I noticed that all my instructors use Manduka mats... Hmmmm, wonder if the mats are worth the (lots) extra money they cost??? Asked a couple of my instructors, and they all said emphatically "YES!" Sooooo.... Decided to give the $$$ mat a try. I mean, after all, I spend well over $100 for running shoes... and stability and comfort in my yoga mat is also important! Well, I have to say, the instructors are right! I LOVE this mat. My hands do NOT slip in Down Dog, even toward the end of a strenuous yoga workout when I am a little "damp". (I sweat like a well lathered horse after a hard run...). The mat is comfortable in all of the poses that I have done; no issues with knees on the hard surfaces of the gym floor. Standing balance poses have become a little easier; the firmness of the Manduka mat provides stability that I was just not getting with less expensive options. The mat itself is obviously of better material than my previous less expensive mats. Firmer, heavier, less slippery. I have seen some reviews that say it is TOO heavy... not a problem. If you are doing plank position, and you are complaining about the weight of this mat, then something does not equate! I like the fact that the mat has a lifetime guarantee. One of my main instructors has used her mat for over 4 years; and she teaches classes 2 hours a day on average ... every day (or maybe more...). Her mat is still in perfect condition. She said that she went through 2 mats a year before moving up to the Manduka... So is it really more expensive than the cheaper mats??? Maybe not!!! I got the extra long Manduka mat. I am not tall (5'9") but I like to stay on the mat and not on the floor - shorter mats have me hanging off the ends on some poses with the normal sized mats. The longer mat is perfect! If you are new to Yoga, give yoga a try using the studio mats at the class before buying a Manduka (they are expensive). If you like Yoga and want to continue... BUY A MANDUKA MAT!!! You will not be sorry!

As someone deeply involved in the practice of yoga, I've had the experience of using a variety of mats over time. Recently, I decided to explore the Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat, and for the past few months, this mat has been a constant companion in my yoga routine. Here's my unique take on this mat. First off, the eco-conscious nature of this mat was a major draw for me. Its Oeko-Tex certification and chemical-free construction align with my values of using products that are not just beneficial for us, but also gentle on our environment. It's clear that Manduka echoes this sentiment. This mat’s dimensions are impressive, with a length of 79 inches, making it an excellent choice for those who are tall or simply prefer a bit more room during their yoga or Pilates sessions. I found this additional space quite convenient, particularly during stretches that require a wider range of movement. The mat’s density, with a thickness of 6mm, provides generous cushioning, which I found to be a relief for my joints in poses like Child's Pose and Savasana. Despite this thickness, the mat’s stability is uncompromised. Even during more challenging asanas that require balance, like Tree Pose or Warrior III, the mat provided a stable foundation. One of the key highlights of the Manduka PRO mat is its superior grip. The mat stayed secure and non-slippery even during intensive sessions or hot yoga classes that resulted in sweating. This greatly minimized any worry of slipping, letting me concentrate fully on my practice. The aesthetics of the mat are also noteworthy. The deep black color lends it a sophisticated, professional look that I find pleasing. It's a mat that I feel confident about using in any class. The material feels robust and of high quality, suggesting that it is likely to endure regular usage over a long period. To sum it up, the Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat has swiftly become my favorite mat. Its blend of size, density, superior grip, and eco-friendly attributes align perfectly with my needs. Despite a few minor downsides, I believe it offers excellent value for its cost, particularly for dedicated yogis keen on investing in a top-quality, durable mat. I would recommend it to anyone seeking a comfortable, trustworthy, and eco-friendly option for their yoga or Pilates sessions.

It is sad that so many 'sticky' mats just are not. The Manduka BlackMat Pro stands up to my wide poses well. I am 6'3" tall and had been looking to replace my very stick but over worn mat (Hugger Mugger from back when...) There are not too many choices for extra long mats for us tall people, and several that I tested out were like trying to work on ice. My hands and feet would start creeping and eventually just slide me out of my poses. A bit frustrating to say the least. Tried a Jade mat and found it to have wonderful grip, but it felt very hard on my body and rough to the feel. The major problem was the strong rubber smell that enveloped me when I worked on it. I asked a friend who has one ans she said hers still smells after two years. Back it went. I finally bit the bullet and when high end, trying the Manduka through Amazon. Applying my Amazon credit card points to the purchase cut the cost in half, so that made the thought a bit easier to digest. Now I am glad for the purchase. The mat is luxuriously long and a bit wider than standard mats as well. I really feel like I have my space in classes now (too selfish for yoga? Separate!) The mat had some slip to is at first, especially when my hands and feet were a bit sweaty. I followed the website advice and rinsed it with sea salt and water. The fact that it does not absorb water like a sponge is great. You can wash it and use it the same day! The mat is wearing in nicely now and has very good hold in all positions -- not perfect, but very good. I expect this well keep improving over time as it gets seasoned. Another element that increased my confidence in this purchase is the fact that everyone I speak to that has one for a while loves it and say they wear like iron -- the last mat you will need to buy. Why a 4? The slight slip and the weight. The 85' mat s a bit of a beast to cart around. I never used to leave my old mat in my trunk, but this one stays there as it limits how much I have to physically cart it around. Not too heavy to handle, just a bit much to really want to.

I am very confused by the other reviews. Let's talk about texture, progress, and size. Pictures show an old ProLite in green, new Pro in black. Texture - I did nothing to my mat. It's beautiful and sticky and I flew my crow right away. I plan on washing it regardless, because it feels almost like a film of stickiness put there for people who are concerned about the breaking in period. Out of the box, this mat is already stickier than my old prolite mat, which I find to have more than sufficient grip. For most practices, including a nice fast vinyasa / power flow, all I need is a hand (mat) towel in case my hands are slick. I do use a mat towel for hot yoga for grip and because it feels better against my skin. The striations of the embedded fabric top have changed somewhat over the years - I've attached a photo so that you can compare. I'd say the variance in the texture has also increased - I don't mind, but it is slightly less perfect. Of course, this comes from someone who did exchange her first Manduka because the texture lines were misaligned to the mat, which was included in the warranty. (Side note: Manduka has been a fantastic company for me, and they sent me another one which was perfectly aligned.) This one deviates by maybe 4mm at most, and I have the extra long. All in all, still a beautiful finish. The weight of this thing almost feels wet and heavy; it drops to the floor like a soaked towel and becomes one with the ground. Progress - I've owned my Manduka Prolite for 10+ years. I watched them transition from logo stickers to fabric tags to this iteration of printed on frog. This one is even stickier out of the box than my first one, which I did indeed have to break in. I noticed them making them less slick out of the box a few years after I bought my first one - and this one is even stickier than that! If anything, I think it's almost as sticky as a Jade Harmony, but less dry feeling and much more solid. This upgrade (and stay at home mat) is totally unnecessary for me - my old mat shows zero signs of wear, and I'll be hard put to justify buying another mat ever again after this one. However, as much of an indulgence as this is, I am so enthusiastic about it - it feels just different enough, like the top of the line model of a car compared to its middle sporty model, all smooth, heavy, and finished. Size - My new mat is extra long at 85" and 26" wide. I'm what, 65 inches? I don't really need it, but it is amazing to stretch my arms up and still have mat. Those extra inches on every side oddly give me more confidence to try balancing poses. I seriously thought this would be too long and pointless, but as soon as I laid on it, I knew it was never going back. It feels different enough that I wouldn't bring it to a super crowded yoga class because I don't need to be the person who thinks they need more space than the rest (since I am not larger), but at home, oh man. The freedom, the sprawl. To my fellow average height females, do it. Splurge. You're already getting the Pro, there's no going back. All in all, this reinvigorates my home practice and gives me more (unexpected) confidence to fly / fall. It's perfectly usable the moment you get it, and will completely outlast you. The only shame is that I'll never be able to justify getting another mat.

BUYER BEWARE!!! The slipperiness will NOT go away!! I ***HATE*** THIS MAT!!!!! I'd give it negative five stars if I could. IT IS SOOOOO SLIPPERY!!!! I bought this mat in July 2018. I practice on it daily, even doing hot yoga twice a week. I've done the salt treatment FIVE times, put it out in the direct sun with and without salt. I've used coarse sea salt and fine sea salt. NOTHING has helped even a little. I've tried two different mat towels and both slid on the mat, despite misting my mat to help it stick. Nope. I got a pair of grippy yoga gloves and socks; halfway through a class and they were sliding on the mat. I used a Manduka Pro mat provided by my workout studio for four year and loved it. So I took the reviews cautioning on slipperiness with a grain of salt. (I should have taken it with a bajillion grains of salt because that's how much salt I've used trying to make this mat not slippery.) This is not the same Manduka Pro mat that I used for four years. I don't know if the style, material, etc. was changed, discontinued, or something else but this mat is HORRIBLE and extremely UNSAFE!!! I can't even do a downdog - one of the most basic, repeated yoga poses - without my hands sliding forward. I got a Gaiam mat for $5 at a discount store for my daughter that works better than this Manduka Pro. I'm baffled that others have been able to "break-in" their mat with salt treatments and practice. HOW!?!?!?!? They must be different mats and not the Pro. Or the reviewers work for Manduka. Or they're lying. I was bad-mouthing this mat three weeks after I got it, after salting and practicing seemed to do NOTHING to help the slipperiness. Why would you pay this much for a mat and then make it infuriating to break in for safe use??? Even if I break in this mat next week, I've still been bashing it to everyone because a mat should NOT take almost 9 MONTHS to break in. DO NOT BUY THIS MAT!!! Do not waste your money and time - it's not worth it. Try cheaper versions that you can return. Also, Manduka's "lifetime guarantee" only applies to defects - not effectiveness. Don't be tricked like I was!! Google 'manduka pro mat breaking in" and you will read that this is a wide-spread common problem with these Manduka Pro mates. If you're still not convinced to not buy this mat, at least sleep on it. Don't think your Manduka Pro will be the exception to all the negative reviews like I did. I HATE THIS MAT. Literally the ONLY good thing about the mat is the color. But I'd take a doo-doo brown mat that isn't slippery any day over this POS. Whenever someone compliments the color of my mat, I'm sure to tell them how slippery and ineffective it is. I try to never miss an opportunity to warn yogis about my super slippery Manduka Pro. One slip could cause an injury. Continuous slippage will ruin your yoga practice. Do not take a chance and subject yourself to the dangers of this slick mat!! Do not compromise your practice. It's just not worth it.