Manduka Black Mat PRO 71-Inch Yoga and Pilates Mat

Yoga mats come in three basic thicknesses. At 1/4" this one tops even the thickest sticky mats. Roughly the thickness of two average mats together, this one will help cushion all those boney parts and not bunch up the way two mats together always seem to do. It''s not only thicker, it''s denser to boot. It''s cushion without mushiness. However, this cushion comes at the price of being quite heavy -more heavy than four average mats combined! Probably not the best choice for a mat you tote around unless you want to get in some extra strength training. This one is the kind you buy, find a place for, and leave it there. Also note that the roll this yoga mat makes is huge, something to consider if between practice storage space is an issue. The "thick" mats at 3/16" will still provide extra cushion without the hassle but if you''ve tried them and they''re still not enough, this might be the way to go. Mats that are about one third as thick as this one (1/16") are good for travel or placing under a thicker mat to provide more traction. The average mats are about 1/8." This mat is also two inches wider than the average mat, 24" is the standard width, and three inches longer than average -68" is the standard length.

There are two sides to this and nearly all yoga mats. Look carefully at the ''bumps'' on each side of the mat. On most mats, the larger bumps are designed to face upwards to cushion your hands, feet, and knees during poses while keeping your body from dangerously slipping out of alignment. The smaller bumps are designed to face downwards to grip the floor and keep the yoga mat from sliding. With this mat it''s slightly different. Manduka''s mats have a unique dotted bottom surface that holds the mat in place during your practice. It looks unlike any other mat you''ve ever seen. This mat also has a brand label on one end. Just like on most but not all mats with a label, it is located on the ''up'' side.

You will need to wash this mat once before using it the first time to remove the coating. Instructions for this are included with the mat. This yoga mat will increase in stickiness with use. (So do most mats.) They start out mildly sticky and increase in stickiness the more they are used. If you find yours decreasing in stickiness each time you pull it out, this is the typical sign that a light coating of dust or too much body sweat has accumulated on your mat and it needs a light hand washing with very diluted soap and water. After washing, dry your mat unrolled, inside, and away from sunlight. (Hanging over the shower bar works nicely.)

When you first unroll your mat you will find one end to be a bit curled. Simply alternate the direction you roll your mat (top outside once, then bottom outside next) or the end you start from (curled end once, flat end next time) and you''ll find it straightening out more or less over time.

I recommend buying your own yoga mat even if your yoga studio or gym provides them for you. I''ve worked in many studios and gyms over the years. Sometimes management has mats cleaned often, sometimes not. If you bring your own mat you always know where it''s been. :o) Plus, owning your own mat may encourage you to begin valuable practice at home.

For my students who have trouble with their knees in some of the poses requiring the body weight to rest on a knee, I recommend temporarily folding over one end of the mat to get double cushion under the knee while still leaving one layer under the rest of the body. This saves you having to haul more than one mat out each time you practice which can be discouraging especially to the beginner.

First off, I''ve been practicing ashtanga/power yoga for about a year and a half now. I''m not an expert, but I know what works for me. My hands and feet sweat a lot during class. Most mats I''ve tried turn into a slip-and-slide after the first 5 minutes. From day one I''ve had to use a towel under my hands at the front of the mat to keep from collapsing in down dog. I''ve tried them all, your standard "sticky" mat, a mysore rug, etc. The sticky mat gripped until I got sweaty then it was worthless. The mysore rug needed to be so wet to grip that I ended up sitting on wet spots (not fun). The Black Mat is the only one that works. It grips perfectly and I don''t even need the towel under my hands. I also love that it is so thick and dense. It doesn''t "follow" me when I jump through, provides plenty of padding for my knees/arms, and is very stable for balancing poses. I even like that it''s heavy...it helps tone my arms!

Buy Manduka Black Mat PRO 71-Inch Yoga and Pilates Mat Now

I bought the black mat due to great Amazon Customer reviews. Bottom line with this mat: If you are going to use the mat to constantly go to the yoga studio, buy the Purple Travel Mat from Manduka. If you are keeping this Black mat at home and not needing to travel with it, its an excellent mat. The Purple Travel mat is great for traveling, light weight enough and provided adequate yet firm padding for joints/knees. The Black Mat which I returned due to its weight and bulkiness, is better as a stationery, at home mat. Its depends on where you pratice your yoga. Both Manduka mats a wonderful products.

Read Best Reviews of Manduka Black Mat PRO 71-Inch Yoga and Pilates Mat Here

I have been practicing yoga for nearly 3 years. I feel that the Black Mat is the best investment I have made. Its comforatable for all the floor work, and stable for all the standing and inversions asansa.

Its heavy, but no no one is perfect.

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I purchased the Manduka black pro mat a couple months ago and have practiced/taught at least 100+ hours (primarily vinyasa flow) with the mat. I have naturally clammy, sweaty, moist hands at all times and I was hoping the Manduka would be a good solution to the constant slippage. Unfortunately after breaking it in and using the Vermont organic mat wash (recommended by Manduka) my hands still slip a lot and require a towel or yogitoes at all times. Evidentally, I''m purchasing the Jade Harmony mat as a replacement. I compared the Jade and Manduka side by side and my hands didn''t slip as much on the Jade due to the spongy texture which grips better. Plus the Jade is all natural and biodegrades.

Manduka Pros: great cushion, mat stays in place, dries quickly after being washed, good size

Manduka Cons: sweaty hands slip easy, not environmentally friendly, 7 lb weight if using as a travel mat

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