Manduka PROlite 71-Inch Yoga and Pilates Mat

I bought this mat for three reasons: 1. I was hoping to find a mat on which I wouldn't slip as much, 2. I needed a slightly thicker mat than the one I'd had (no idea what brand, just something cheap I picked up at a yoga studio), 3. I didn't want toxic chemicals leaching or out-gassing from my mat. On all accounts, I'm basically happy. This is definitely a heavy-duty construction and I believe it will last a lifetime, even of daily use. The material is really dense, not squishy, but it does cushion the joints very well. The mat is not super-light, but I carry it to and from the studio with no problems (unlike the Black Mat, which is really heavy!). It also really stays put on the floor - doesn't slide around or bunch up at all. I've learned that NO mat is completely slip-proof, if you're sweating a lot while you practice. However, I only slip on this one if I'm sweating a ton, and just wiping my hands with a towel is enough to stop the slippage, on the rare occasions when it happens. Even though the mat is PVC- and phthalate-free, it did smell like chemicals when I got it (that's normal, from the manufacturing process). I washed it immediately with Dr. Bronner's hemp soap, which got rid of most of the chemical smell. I've washed it a few times since, used it constantly, and now it doesn't smell. Finally, I love the shade of purple that it comes in, it's not very pink-ish, instead it's more of a blue-y purple. In all, I highly enjoy this mat and recommend it to anyone who wants to buy just one mat, tote it around, and use it forever.

This mat is amazing! Previously, I bought a cheapo mat from Wal-mart that worked when I went to yoga once a week - but now that I have been going to daily practices which include Hot Yoga, Bikram, and Core Power classes - this purchase was definitely needed! I've been using it almost daily for a year now and still works as new, if not better! It did take a week or so to break in the mat, at first it was very slippery and I was very annoyed, but once you use it enough your practice will be much approved! It is non-slip on the bottom, so I never have a problem, also, the surface itself is very resistance to slipping so my hands stay in place during my sweat down dogs! I also like the length, I am 6ft and find it is the perfect length. I also like that it is not super cushiony like my previous mat, it is soft enough to be comfortable, but firm enough that it will last a long time. I love my Manduka mat, when I don't have it, I can definitely tell the difference. My advice to anyone who is not fully sold on theirs yet - bring it to a couple hot yoga classes and you will break it in in no time!

I researched long and hard before I invested in a yoga mat. For quality mats, my choice came down between the Manduka PROlite v. the Jade Harmony. Both are 3/16 thick and weigh about the same (Jade is heavier by 1/2 lbs). I ended up buying the Manduka Prolite Amore because it was cheaper, closed-cell (less bacteria, easier to clean), and has a lifetime guarantee (for the amount of money, I want a mat that lasts)! When the mat arrived, like the other reviews indicated, it was super slippery (there was non-existant smell; it didn't bother me). I gave it three or four washes in the shower, coarse salt scrubs, and 3/4 uses per week with mat cleaner wipe downs. After two months, it is less slippery than it used to be HOWEVER I still slip on it in a vinyasa/power yoga class. I don't consider myself to be a heavy sweat-er, but my feet and hands slip during most poses and I have to constantly search for "dry" space on my mat (I almost always slip/fall to my death in wheel pose). The constant slipping has caused unnecessary strain on my wrists to keep my body in place during various poses. If you sweat minimally, Manduka prolite is a great mat - great colors, lasts a long time, and feels very study/great cushion during practice. However, if you sweat at all during class, I highly recommend going the Jade route. I just returned my Manduka and purchased a Jade - yes, everything sticks to it, it is open celled (greater risk of bacteria accumulating), and has a strong rubber smell in the beginning - but no slipping! A silp-free downward dog feels heavenly after months of constant readjustment on the Manduka. I'm not sure how the Jade will hold up with constant use, but it is the mat my studio recommends and even if it breaks down after 1 year of use, it is probably a good idea to get a new mat (if purely for hygienic reasons). While yogitoes might solve my slippage problem, it also has grip-to-mat problems. For me, I'd rather focus on my practice than focus on not falling.

After reading the rave reviews, I was really excited to start a life-long romance with my new Manduka mat. However, our short-lived relationship led only to heartbreak. I was ready to move on from my peeling (but sticky) cheap-o that I'd purchased from my local big box retailer a few years ago, and wanted something lasting that would be eco-friendly and all that stuff that the other was not. Unfortunately, I had to cast it aside in the middle of our "first date" because it was insanely slippy--to the point that I was concerned about injury if I continued to practice on it. Down dog was like being on soapy glass and high lunge left me in fear of pulling a groin as the ship of my foot sailed out behind me(I practice Vinyassa, too; not Bikram, and am a non-sweater). A "coating" was mentioned on the packaging, so (still hopeful) I returned after class and washed it with the rough side of a sponge THREE times. I am not exaggerating. I tried again between each soaping and still . . . fail. I even tried leaving it in the sun for several hour stretches as per suggestions in reviews . . . fail. Finally, my hubs convinced me that it was never going to be all that I was hoping for, and I returned it. Then I bought the Jade Harmony mat and my yoga life is transformed, just like I had hoped it would be with Manduka. Some affairs are meant to be short, I suppose. I also realized that Manduka is made in Germany, not in the US, whereas Jade mats (or at least the one I got) is made in the US. Being "eco-friendly" sounds really nice, but damage is already wrought on the production end? Is a mat that was made and shipped from Germany really good for the environment? Does it help sustain American jobs and families at the time when we need that the most? So, now I'm in love with my Jade. It is sticky and lovely and everything that I wanted in a mat so far. It seems that inner peace and nirvana are within my grasp. Sorry, Manduka, you taught me a lot; perhaps it is due to your shortcomings that I can now recognize the tenor and quality of my new relationship.

I recently moved, and the yoga mat I'd had for years sadly did not find its way to our new house. So I hit the web searching reviews to purchase a new mat. Based on reviews on Amazon and other sites, I decided on the Manduka PROlite. I'm very satisfied with my choice. A few reasons I'm so happy with this mat: there is very little odor, it is nice and sticky and works perfectly in my wood-floored yoga studio, the two sides of the mat are different, reflecting their different roles (the top is porous and sticky, the bottom has a pattern of tiny circles which help it grip the floor). It's very thick-- much thicker than my last mat, and the standard sticky mats at the yoga studio. The purple is a very nice color- vibrant and beautiful. Finally-- shipping was a snap. Amazon got it to me in two days-- right before my pilates class was about to begin. Thanks Amazon for stocking quality items in AmazonPrime. Don't think twice if you need a good mat to take to your yoga class. It's worth the extra $$-- if you've ever had one of those cheap yoga mats, you'll be extremely pleased with the quality. It's a significant difference. Namaste.

I do Bikram 5 days a week so I thought a nice mat was something I should have the mat is nice it has nice cushion my towel sticks very well It is heavy but not to the point where its a hassle to carry MY biggest problem is how it moves around during class it literally shifts the hole class which drives me nuts I like to stay aligned with the mirror and sometimes its moves so much I have to stop and move it back I am practicing on carpet in a standard Bikram room I don't see other people having to adjust their mats. So Im thinking of how I can alter it to make it stop moving. I would not buy this mat again because of this issue

***Update*** 3/1/09 Sierra at Manduka just received my returned mat. She stated that I did indeed wear the film off, but the texture of both sides of my mat were unlike the norm. She offered to send me another ProLite which would be the correct texture, but I decided to go with the eKo as I heard great things about it. I will say that Mankuka's customer service is the best I've experienced. They are very committed to having satisfied customers and even go through the trouble of practicing on your returned mat to see what it is that wasn't working for you. So I feel that if you are one in many that get a mat like mine that was slippery, you will be in excellent hands to get the mat you will be happy with. I'm looking forward to practicing with my eKo. ************* I rarely give reviews, but I felt this is important if you are a serious yogi. I treated myself with a Manduka mat for my birthday after hearing so much praise about them. I've had mine 4 months and I have done everything to make it less slippery: Use the cleanser, scrubbing it, laying it the sun for HOURS...out of desperation, I used Magic Erasers on it hoping to remove the shiny film on top. I finally resorted to CONSTANTLY wiping my hands on a towel before each asana...what a way to break a flow. Those that are in my class that have this particular Manduka all use a towel on top. I've gone through countless cheap mats without ever having to use a towel on top after 2 weeks of breaking in. I practice 90 minute yoga everyday and I still slip. It wasn't until someone shared my mat for a pose and commented "This is the slipperiest mat in the world! How do you practice on it?" that made me come here to review and look into returning it to Manduka (even though i purchased it via Amazon). I am way beyond the 30 days return because Manduka kept urging me to put it in the sun and wear it out. I would love any suggestions on how to make this less slippery and/or any tips on returning to Manduka. Please note: I am NOT a big sweater. It just takes one downward dog and I'm slipping. I gave this 2 stars because I really love the density of the mat and the no-rolling up at the end. email me if you have any suggestions! [email protected]

Ok i am reviewing this mat because I did extensive research before purchasing this mat and even bought other mats and had to return them before buying this mat. In my quest I have found that no mat is going to be perfect however i found that the prolite is the best out there for someone that takes their mat to a studio. It's thick enough for your joints but can easily carry it with no problems. Avoid any memory foam mat because as soon as you put pressure on the mat it squishes down into nothing and kills your knees! Now the down side to the prolite is there is a break in period but I do hot yoga and I don't care I want/have to use a towel. No mat except lululemon "the mat" can you do hot yoga with out slipping and needing a towel. Then you are wondering why not just get the lululemon mat? well because it is not as durable and it is so absorbent that you have to wash it after each class and it takes forever to dry. This is not good because I do hot yoga daily and the mat never dries! It was so frustrating to me trying to find the right mat and I hope this review will help someone out there that is going through the same trouble I did. The prolite will last, get better over time, and is great for your joints! If you do hot yoga like me get yourself a yogitoes towel and a darker color prolite mat (dark color to avoid staining) and you will love the magical combination! And don't waste your money on any other towel other than a yogitoes because they don't work trust me I have tried them! I am learning you get what you pay for! Even though the prolite is expensive it's the only mat you have to buy!

Wanted a nice thick one!

I'm pretty new to yoga and bought this as a good compromise between some really cheap mats that friends said I should avoid and some fairly expensive ones that some of the really committed yoga types go for. It arrived quickly and well packaged. I've not had it for long but it appears really well made and compact and light enough to carry around.