The Manduka PRO Yoga mat
has long been considered the Bentley of yoga mats. At $100-plus, it might seem steep, but that price comes with a lifetime guarantee. I do mostly hot yoga and for that, be forewarned that you might slip a little bit the first time you use it, but that’s about all it takes to “break it in.” If you use one of these there is no breaking in needed and you’ll save yourself from slipping down the line when you get really sweaty (even if you have a pool of water, the blanket will help keep your body in place). For the ultimate in stability there is no mat that I’ve found that can beat the Manduka Pro and I’ve been practicing yoga for years now on a near daily basis. Furthermore, Manduka’s mats won’t show the same wear and tear that other brands will. I’ve seen Manduka mats that have been used for years, multiple times a day and they look new! You are getting what you’re paying for and then some.
There is one major downside however to the PRO if you live in a place like NYC and need to lug your mat with you in the subway…it’s crazy heavy!! Like eight pounds heavy! Manduka got it, though, and they realized that not everyone practices at home or drives to yoga, and came out with their creative PROlite yoga mat
. The mat is AMAZING! It has the same properties as the PRO but it’s actually light enough to tote around, while still being supportive. It also comes in a bunch of colors and prints including limited edition ones that are constantly being switched up. Again, though, the mat does require some “breaking in” on your first use, especially if you’re using it for hot yoga. You’ll also want to remember to spray it down after every session – especially the sweaty ones – to make sure it stays in optimal shape.
Another option from the brand is their Live On Yoga mat
, which is the first 100% reclaimable and recyclable mat and just launched a few months ago. My mother has been using it for Pilates because it’s more cushion-y, making it back and joint-friendly, while still being light and supportive (there’s a version for kids too). For the ultimate in cushioning however there is no beating JadeYoga’s Fusion yoga mat
. It may not come with a lifetime guarantee, but it will last you a lifetime. In fact a number of the top yoga studios in NYC use JadeYoga mats and you can just imagine how much those get used (and for $20-plus a class these studios cannot get away with junky, used-looking mats). While I’ve only practiced on the thinnest mats when doing yoga in a studio, I’ve been using their thickest one, the Fusion mentioned above, for practicing at home, and it’s unbelievable how cushioned it is. Unlike other cushioned mats, however, your body isn’t sinking into it; it’s thick but sturdy – perfect for older practitioners, beginners, or anyone with weaker bones and joints. It’s also made of natural rubber which is both eco-friendly and makes this mat perfect for practicing in a heated room or for someone who sweats a lot since you won’t slip. Just note that it too is on the heavy side – seven pounds. Hey, all that cushioning doesn’t come light! It does come in an array of colors and in two sizes for those that are extra tall or like extra room to practice.
