Outstanding Consumer Support - Large Yoga Mat Critique
Because the mat is thicker and softer/more cushioned (though not too squishy) my feet are "gripping" differently. Of course, this is a great feature for any kneeling/floor poses.
It provides good support, even when getting sweaty. The Manduka black mat offers the most secure footing of any mat I have used; the enhanced stability allows one to concentrate on the pose and not on keeping the feet from slipping.
I never need to double my mat, even with a knee injury. Some people have complained that it is too heavy to cart back and forth to class, but I think most yoga students are plenty strong enough to carry 6 pounds (especially if you get a shoulder strap or bag).
I am a heavy build and muscular around 225. This mat is a good length for me, has just the right thickness and does not skid at all, highly recommended. It was a decent starter mat - until I had to move up or risk avoiding going to another yoga class again. Now, the transition from that to using the BlackMatPRO is like night and day. The last time that I called the manufacturer, they mentioned that Manduka mats use a "closed cell" technology which keeps water out of the mat (mitigating the need for periodic cleaning) but necessarily keeps water on the surface of mat. Translation: sweat stays between your hands and the mat.
I give this three stars because although my hands and feet continue to slide, I guess that it helps me work a little harder to hold my poses firmer and longer and it is a very plush mat. I guess I need to scrub it down again! Finally I have found the mat that feels right for my yoga. I am enjoying it every day for the new dimension it is bringing to my yoga practice, and the feeling that I have made a wise purchase. I was expecting a different material, guess I didn't do enough research, the mat is sturdy (fairly smooth, I still practice with an additional layer on top). The thing I don't like so much about it is its weight- heaviest mat I have ever had! It didn't have to be cute or pink I just wanted a mat that lasted longer than 6 months. The mats I was buying would begin to flake and by the end of class would end on my skin.
The thickness really helps as well when ankle bones and hips are resting right on the ground- it makes ALL the difference and makes the workout much more comfortable. Some reviews I read when I was contemplating buying this mat complained about the smell. This is a great mat! After two months, 40 yoga-hours, and at least 1,000 Sun Salutations, the mat shows zero wear.
Definitely feels solid, manly, and protects you from the floor. One drawback, mine is still slippery after three washes and probably 20 classes.
Given that my hands and my face smelled of it after practice, I am done with using it after one time. Laying in child's pose and inhaling the fume just cancels out the benefits of practice, I think. A lot more firm, set responsive to kneeling and standing. Better grip, once you're using it, you'll never go back.
It provides good support, even when getting sweaty. The Manduka black mat offers the most secure footing of any mat I have used; the enhanced stability allows one to concentrate on the pose and not on keeping the feet from slipping.
I never need to double my mat, even with a knee injury. Some people have complained that it is too heavy to cart back and forth to class, but I think most yoga students are plenty strong enough to carry 6 pounds (especially if you get a shoulder strap or bag).
I am a heavy build and muscular around 225. This mat is a good length for me, has just the right thickness and does not skid at all, highly recommended. It was a decent starter mat - until I had to move up or risk avoiding going to another yoga class again. Now, the transition from that to using the BlackMatPRO is like night and day. The last time that I called the manufacturer, they mentioned that Manduka mats use a "closed cell" technology which keeps water out of the mat (mitigating the need for periodic cleaning) but necessarily keeps water on the surface of mat. Translation: sweat stays between your hands and the mat.
I give this three stars because although my hands and feet continue to slide, I guess that it helps me work a little harder to hold my poses firmer and longer and it is a very plush mat. I guess I need to scrub it down again! Finally I have found the mat that feels right for my yoga. I am enjoying it every day for the new dimension it is bringing to my yoga practice, and the feeling that I have made a wise purchase. I was expecting a different material, guess I didn't do enough research, the mat is sturdy (fairly smooth, I still practice with an additional layer on top). The thing I don't like so much about it is its weight- heaviest mat I have ever had! It didn't have to be cute or pink I just wanted a mat that lasted longer than 6 months. The mats I was buying would begin to flake and by the end of class would end on my skin.
The thickness really helps as well when ankle bones and hips are resting right on the ground- it makes ALL the difference and makes the workout much more comfortable. Some reviews I read when I was contemplating buying this mat complained about the smell. This is a great mat! After two months, 40 yoga-hours, and at least 1,000 Sun Salutations, the mat shows zero wear.
Definitely feels solid, manly, and protects you from the floor. One drawback, mine is still slippery after three washes and probably 20 classes.
Given that my hands and my face smelled of it after practice, I am done with using it after one time. Laying in child's pose and inhaling the fume just cancels out the benefits of practice, I think. A lot more firm, set responsive to kneeling and standing. Better grip, once you're using it, you'll never go back.