Manduka

When it comes to yoga mats, Manduka is hands down my absolute favorite brand, and I never practice without my Black Mat PRO. It's durable, thick, and firm, and still looks exactly the same as the day I bought it. It's heavy, though, weighing in at seven pounds, and doesn't come cheap at the steep price of $85 (although it's worth every penny).

If you're looking for a thinner, lighter, and less-expensive mat, then you'll love its new eKO Lite Mat ($42). It weighs 3.5 pounds, so it travels easily, but the best part is that it's environmentally friendly. This Manduka mat is made from non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber. It contains no PVC or toxic plasticizers, and will leave no footprint in landfills. This mat has a wonderfully grippy surface and doesn't lose its stickiness even when I sweat. Plus, the material won't flake or disintegrate with use, so you'll have this mat for years to come. I think the mat's endurance makes it environmentally friendly as well.

There's something even more special about this green eKO Lite Mat. To find out the details read more

Since many of you will be traveling this Thanksgiving, and eating tons of yummy food, I'm sure you don't want to abandon your exercise routine completely on that long weekend. If I go on a trip, I always bring a mat along so I can do some yoga stretches or some of my favorite Pilates moves.

I'd bring along my Manduka Black Mat if I could since it's the best mat ever, but it's way too heavy to stuff in my suitcase (it weighs 7 lbs.). So that's why I also own a PurpleLite Travel Mat. This mat weighs only 4 lbs., so it's much easier to travel with. It's made by Manduka so you know it's constructed out of the same dense material as the Black Mat. The PROLite Mat is slightly thinner, but it's still extremely cushiony and durable. I'm such a fan of Manduka Mats because I've had mine for six years and they haven't torn, pilled, or worn whatsoever. I plan on keeping these mats for life, which is good news for the environment.

Fit's Tips: Manduka mats come in the standard 71-inch length ($57), but if you are a little taller or just like practicing on a longer mat, they also make 85-in mats ($79).

Source

Are you looking for the world's best yoga mat? One that isn't too slippery, is thick and dense enough to cushion your bones, and will last a lifetime? Well, I have found it. The Manduka Black Mat is my absolute favorite mat ever. I've had mine for over six years and it looks exactly the same as the day I bought it.

This 7-pound mat is made of extremely durable material that won't tear, wear, or pill unlike thinner yoga mats. That means the Manduka mat will be the only mat you'll ever have to buy. In speak that would fall under the category of "reduce."

The surface it slightly textured on the bottom so it won't slip on the floor, and the upper surface provides traction. If you are an extreme sweater, you may want to purchase a cotton rug or a Yogitoes skidless towel to place on the mat to absorb your perspiration.

Order one from Manduka for $79.50. It comes in the standard 71-inch size, or if you are taller (6 ft or more), you can get the 85" mat for $90.50.

Fit's Tips: This is seriously one of the best purchases I've ever made, but I didn't fall in love with my Black Mat right away. This mat, like all mats, takes some breaking in. The surface may be a bit slippery at first, so if that's the case, rinse it with warm water and a sponge. Also, practicing on it is the bet way to break it in. It may take 10 or more classes, but it'll lose its slickness and be well worth your money and effort. Plus, talk about motivation. You can talk yourself into doing some yoga just to break in your mat!

If you have a thick yoga or Pilates mat like the Manduka Mat, you know that it's tough to find a mat bag that can hold it and a bunch of other stuff. If you are going to a class right after work, you need room for your exercise clothes, post-workout clothes, a water bottle, snacks, your phone, and maybe sneaker or post-workout shoes. Who wants to carry around a mat bag and a separate bag for all your stuff? I found just the thing to solve your mat woes.

I'm in love with this Gravis Yoga Bag - it even comes with a mat. The sleeve on the side can fit any size mat or rug, and there is an exterior pop-out water bottle pocket for easy access. The large compartment has a handle attached to the 2 zippers so when you open it up, you can see all your stuff and get to it easily. There's also an interior key clip so you won't have to fish around for an hour trying to find your keys.

The best part is the 2 handles. It makes it look more like a cute purse than a hefty gym bag. It comes in Grey (shown), Black, or Cork, and for $39.95, this Gravis bag is quite a steal.

When I teach a yoga or Pilates class, many of my students complain that they're in pain. No, it's not their muscles burning from working too hard - it's their poor bones that dig into the ground. Ouch!

Regular mats are fairly thin, and offer no cushion for your bones when they're pressing into the mat. Some mats are thick but too cushy, and your body parts end up sinking into them - not so good for balancing poses.

I've found the Queen of Mats - Manduka. The Black Mat is my absolute fave. It's thicker than regular mats, but it's also dense, which is what sets it apart. That firmness makes this mat ideal for any postures - even headstand.

This mat cushions your spine, hip bones, knees, elbows, and feet without you having to fold it in half (like other mats). The Black Mat is a bit expensive, $79.50, but completely worth it because this will be the last mat you'll ever need to buy. You can buy them in 2 lengths - 71" or 85" if you're a tall yogini.

Fit's Tips: This mat is also heavier than typical mats, weighing 7 lbs, so if you want a firm mat that's a bit lighter for when you go on those yoga retreats, check out the PurpleLite Travel Mat. It weighs 4 lbs, is $57, yet is still durable enough to last a lifetime.