Yoga Combo Mat - Luxury Mat and Towel That Grips While You Sweat No Slip PVC Free and

I was very surprised when I opened this yoga mat. I knew it would be different from the mats I'd used up until this point, but I didn't realize HOW different. In the past 8 years of practice, I've used gaiam mats that I picked up at target, and a few 1/2 inch "workout" mats purchased here. So my first surprise was how HEAVY this mat was! In comparison to my others, it was a little shocking, but in a good "wow! I feel like I got what I paid for" sort of way. I tried switching to the thicker mats due to sensitive knees, and while this isn't cushy, like my 1/2 inch mats, my knees really don't seem to have any issues on it like they do on my Gaiam mats. Though not as soft as I've become accustomed, this really pays off in balancing poses. Its sturdy, and supportive. A VERY happy middle ground, in my experience. The top is SOOO velvety/suede like, I was seriously worried about slipping around on it like some reviewers experienced. When I took my first Down dog, I DID slip- when I realized that that was actually an indication that I was using the squishiness of other mats to hold me into the pose, instead of my own strength. After adjusting my posture and shifting my wrists back ever so slightly I am happy to share that I have not slipped since. So far, I have been able to test it out with hatha flows, ashtanga, yin flows, and power yoga, and I am happy to report that slipping has just not been an issue for me at all! The only "issue" I did have, was when I tried taking my practice outside in the hot sun. WOW did this mat heat up! (Im not sure if a "regular" mat would have or not, it was my first go at yoga on my deck) But, after spraying it down with water, it was absolutely enjoyable to have the nice cooling sensation while I practiced, so i am not really considering it a negative, just the nature of the mat. Also, the microfiber mat likes to collect pet hair and dust/small dirt particles. Very similar to my smooth 1/2 inch mats, but this doesn't happen with the texture of the gaiam, so maybe something to consider. This mat it beautiful to look at, and so buttery soft when you settle into shavasana. Its so different from what I've used in the past, that I keep looking for an excuse not to like it.....Im still looking! 6/12 update When I finally machine washed my mat, I was happy to discover it looking as good as new, and feeling just as soft! I was thinking I should wash it once a week to keep it that when; when I discovered that it took 3-4 days to fully hang dry. As a daily yoga practitioner, I am now stuck between deciding weather or not to get a second one of these to rotate between washing (because it is a nice and beautiful mat), or investing in another brand of mat with different and easier care needs. So I suppose I've found "my" mat, but not my "only mat" Read more

This mat is beautiful and really more of a work of art! It came well packaged, includes the carrying strap, and is in perfect condition. The thickness level is just right, more than the typical mat, it's very comfortable, but still light enough to transport easily. The suede feel is fantastic, and I actually find it to be a perfect feel and fit for me, in comparison to other style mats. As soon as you unroll it, and get the visual, combined with the feel, you're like "Man, maybe all I needed was the right yoga mat to inspire me!" lol. If the price were $50 or less, I'd feel that extra awesome, but either way, I love the mat, and highly recommend it! Read more

One of the best yoga mats I've ever owned! It's heavy and high quality. It's also not going to crumble and fall apart like my old mats. The art on it is absolutely gorgeous and aids in aligning your chakras. The top is super soft and the bottom is grippy. Read more

The mat is very pretty, but also quite heavy. I used it in class and it was very slippery. Luckily I had some yoga feet and hand grips so I was able to use it with no trouble. I injured my knee recently and was not sure how it would feel, but had no problems doing positions which require being on your knees. The mat is very comfortable but only gave it 4 stars because of being so slippery. Read more

I absolutely love my mat! It is comfortable. It is soft. I do not have to spray it down with water for hot yoga, because as soon I I start to get sweaty, I stick better to it. I have washed it it the washing machine (a front-loader) on gentle cycle and hung it outside to dry and it stays in great condition. We have even used a pressure sprayer and laundry detergent to spray it down outside. I am the only person in all of my classes that has such a fun and colorful mat. It embodies my personality. The best thing about the design I chose, with the stars in the middle, is that they help align me during class. Not that it is necessary, but I am weird like that. I prefer to stand in the center of the mat, whether forward or back and I just like the direction it gives me... Read more

This is a great yoga mat in many ways but quality is the issue here. First and foremost it does not smell and it is crafted of eco-friendly material as well as the packaging, how thoughtful for the environmentally conscious yogi which there are many. Plus it comes with its own very high quality carrying strap, major plus there too. It is extremely comfortable to exercise on given the fabric on the top side of the mat is ultra-suede and everyone who sees it wants to try it out. You may think it is slippery but it is in fact not slippery. The artwork is superb and interestingly this particular mat fits me perfectly while I'm placing my hands and feet on the mat while practicing, it seems to fit on the design. I know this was just by chance but it is actually nice to look at a design rather than a plain color mat. This could be a new trend for yoga mats. Read more

I thought this yoga mat was a little pricey but I practice almost everyday so I decided to try it out. I’ve had it about two weeks and it is by far the best yoga mat I’ve ever used. The thickness is perfect. I’m able to do standing poses and maintain a solid balance whereas I lose stability on my thicker exercise mat. The chakra design is wonderful because it helps keep my mind focused on meditation, which is my goal. I washed the mat as directed, in the washing machine but hung to dry. Worked like a charm and the integrity of the mat remains the same. With all this in mind, I no longer think the price is high. You get what you pay for and that’s quality. I would highly recommend this mat! Read more