Why the Manduka PROLite Yoga Mat? And All Things Manduka, for that Matter.

Is there anything more aggravating than trying to hold downward dog when your hands keep slipping? I know for a fact there is not. I have probably purchased 100 or more yoga mats over the years. At times it has seemed like the cheap-y ones are just as good as the break-the-bank ones. But then I discovered the Manduka PROLite mat and the earth perceptibly tilted.

I practice very sweaty yoga. So the aforementioned slippage is a serious concern. It can present a problem almost immediately upon the start of class and it can *seriously* ruin your day...I mean your class.

And what else matters in a yoga mat beside grip? Well, not much. But weight (as you race to class juggling 3 different bags) and cleaner-friendly surface are a distant 2nd & 3rd. The Manduka PROLite meets all these criteria and more. It will keep your hands and feet grounded and steady. The grippiness actually increases with use. The surface easily wipes clean. I loooove the Manduka citrus mat spray. After every class, I spray it down outside, rub the cleaner in with a towel and then let it sit on the porch for a few hours. Speaking of which, regular use and cleaning will not cause the mat to deteriorate. (Note: this was a big problem with my Jade mats, which I know many people swear by. But all of mine literally disintegrated with age). In fact, Manduka says on their website they guarantee the mat will last a lifetime (or two). And I believe them. Big bonus that this type of sustainable production reduces landfill PVC waste and that the mats are “manufactured through a process that ensure no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere”. 

I also highly recommend a yogitoes skidless towel if you are practicing in a hot and sweaty environment. I find myself spreading out my yogitoes about ⅓ of the way through every class, as the sweat starts to really pour. This mat + towel combination = total yogi-win.

So next time you find yourself in warrior 2, you can glance down at your Manduka PROLite and breathe a little easier. Or deeper. Or louder. Or whatever creative way your instructor is telling you to inhale and exhale.