Manduka Black Mat PRO Review Yoga Mat

February 02, 2022 Post a Comment

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A yoga mat that lasts nine years (and counting) is worth writing about. Back in 2022 I was looking for a new yoga mat, specifically a thick yoga mat that would be gentle on my knees and joints. In this Manduka Blackness Mat PRO review I'll share why a $100 yoga mat is completely worth the investment.

Prior to owning the Manduka Blackness Mat PRO, I had heard of the mat through other bloggers and from seeing other yogis practice using this mat at the studio. I knew that if I were going to upgrade soon it would exist this mat.

Manduka Black Mat PRO

About the Manduka Black Mat PRO

I had heard rave reviews most this mat, and even heard the Manduka Black Mat PRO described as the best yoga mat out there, fifty-fifty with a lifetime guarantee to back information technology upward. This item mat is a best-seller, although Manduka also produces thinner mats, travel mats and various yoga accessories.

Many yoga studios sell Manduka products, and they tin exist purchased online. Additionally, the Black Mat PRO has "unmatched" cushion and quality – again that was a huge selling point for me I was difficult-pressed to find whatever other yoga mat this thick and supportive! The Manduka PRO is 6mm thick.

The Black Mat PRO celebrated its 20th ceremony in 2022 so that means this mat has held true over the test of fourth dimension for many yogas and remains incredibly popular since its introduction in 1997.

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Thick Yoga Mat

More About Manduka PRO Mat

Over the years it does appear that Manduka has slightly changed the name of this mat, they at present call information technology the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat. In addition you tin at present purchase this mat in multiple colors! Back in 2022 information technology was only available in blackness. You can select from:

Original Blackness (this is what I accept)
Majestic
Green
Red
Blueish
Teal Stripes (I could see myself ownership this colour!)
Chocolate-brown

When I purchased this yoga mat, another big selling point was information technology'due south size. Information technology is larger than boilerplate yoga mats. At present I'm a petite person but the idea of having a petty more space sounded smashing. Today you can buy the Manduka Black Mat PRO in the standard 71-inch length or the alpine length of 85-inches.

The Manduka Black Mat PRO features performance grip texture, a non-slip texture basically to help you lot grip the mat and hold each pose. In improver it features closed-jail cell construction which means it's difficult for bacterial to enter or build up in the mat and it makes cleaning the mat really piece of cake.

Yoga Mat Office

The biggest shock for me was this mat weighs a whopping seven pounds! I have to exist careful not to knock anyone over when I throw my mat sling over my shoulder. I wouldn't recommend this size and weight of mat for anyone who is a driver or wants a travel mat.

All the same, for those attention regular exercise at their local studio — it'due south worth lugging along. The mat I selected is i/4 inch thick, providing extra cushioning for joints. Thinking about my exercise long-term the actress thickness is well worth information technology.

The Black Mat PRO comes in standard and long lengths. I selected standard, which at 71 inches long is still about two inches longer than my previous yoga mat, and a flake wider. Fifty-fifty though I am petite, with the extra space I haven't found myself wandering from my mat as much as usual.

Manduka Yoga Mat Review

Yoga Mat Quality

Only time volition truly tell on how long this yoga mat volition last, but with the lifetime guarantee, information technology's difficult to get wrong. The material feels more than than durable to me. It's comforting to notice a mat that is promised to last the lifetime of my practice.

Breaking in Your Manduka Black Mat

Personally, I just started practicing with my mat. I didn't detect any significant break in flow but it'southward been nine years now so all I can really say for certain is the mat is in great shape and non showing significant wear. Manduka says y'all can try a simple salt scrub on your Manduka mat to break it in faster if you want. In society to do this you volition need:

Manduka Blackness Mat PRO Yoga Mat
Coarse Sea Salt
Clammy Cloth

Sprinkle the table salt on the mat and let it sit or scrub in a circular motion. Permit the common salt sit for 24-hours. Wipe the salt off using a clammy cloth. Then repeat this process ii to 3 times as needed.

Cleaning the Manduka PRO Mat

Cleaning the Manduka Black Mat PRO is piece of cake. I have used Clorox wipes, yoga wipes or fifty-fifty yoga cleaning spray. Manduka makes their own spray (the Manduka's All-Purpose Mat Wash) if you are interested in that.

All have worked well for me. I clean the side I practice on, the bottom and then let the mat air out a bit before rolling it back upward.

Manduka does advise against submerging this mat in h2o as information technology tin can break down the mat and ruin the lifetime guarantee. I wrote a full postal service about how to clean your yoga mat and the importance of cleaning your mat.

Manduka Yoga Mat

Here are Some Cons

I mentioned the size of this mat being larger than normal, well along with that this mat is heavy at seven.5 pounds for the standard size. This is not a good mat if you are biking to yoga class or walking a long distance.

I alive in a suburban surface area where I drive to course and only have to walk a short distance into the studio. Literally this mat is big and heavy like you could peradventure use it as a self defense weapon!

That beingness said, I've e'er felt like it's not so heavy to be a complete burden and I figure I'm getting a little extra workout past conveying the mat – and the tradeoff for comfort during exercise is worth it – for me.

Not fix to commit to acquit effectually 7.5 pounds of yoga mat? Manduka offers several high-quality thinner models for your consideration including:

Manduka PRO Travel Yoga Mat
Manduka PROLite Yoga Mat
Manduka GRP Lite Hot Yoga Mat (4mm thick)

Initially I had to adjust to how I store my yoga mat. For this mat you need to roll information technology up one manner and then secure information technology with a strap. In the past I had thin yoga mats and would fold them in half, then roll them upwardly so that I always had a top side to practice on and a bottom side facing the ground.

Y'all cannot do this with the Black Mat PRO. Lastly, the simply other negative I take experienced with this yoga mat is the Manduka logo is coming off. Mine is older and then the logos were a material "sticker" placed on the upper corner of the mat.

My sticker is notwithstanding affixed but I have to be really careful when I practice and make clean my mat not to peel the sticker. I have seen other yogi's with this mat and their stickers take come up off. Manduka thankfully has fixed this upshot and so if you buy this mat today the logo is printed direct on the mat.

What if You Sweat a Lot?

As with any yoga mat, a pop question is how well does the mat concur up if you lot sweat a lot? I primarily do heated vinyasa yoga. For me the mat does fine for these classes. I similar using a small-scale hand towel for extra grip and to wipe the mat.

When I took Bikram yoga I needed something a little stronger and then I used a towel to cover the unabridged mat. This could also be helpful if you sweat more during regular classes. If you purchase a towel to cover the mat just be sure it fits your Manduka Black Mat PRO because of the larger size of this mat. Some yoga mat towel options include:

yogitoes yoga towel
eQua Mat Towel
eQua Paw Yoga Towel

How Much Does the Yoga Mat Toll?

The retail price of the Manduka Blackness Mat PRO yoga mat has varies depending on which exact mat y'all purchase. For example if you lot select a specialty model or pattern it may cost more than.

The yoga mat remains under a 5-star Review on the Manduka Website based on nigh 900 reviews. Back in 2022 the mat cost just under $100. I know the price tin can be a bit of sticker shock.

I'k a frugal person and talk well-nigh tactics to save money on my web log. However, I likewise believe in ownership high-quality items that will terminal, specially when it comes to items I know I volition use frequently and for a long time. If you decide to buy the mat and desire to ease the brunt fo the price, consider budgeting for the mat over a few months time.

Manduka PRO Review

Overall Thoughts

Every bit I've shared, I've at present been using the Manduka Blackness Mat PRO yoga mat for nine years. I have practiced as ofttimes as three to five times a calendar week using this mat or as infrequently as one time a calendar week. I take used the mat at multiple studios and at habitation.

I've hauled it in my car as far every bit downtown. Really the mat has stood the test of time for me. It remains comfortable and supportive.

The initial investment, I admit, seems high simply if you lot think virtually how often you practice, over time the toll is hands broken down. Additionally, I do not think a cost can be put on the boosted support this mat provides your joints and trunk.

Do you have a pricey yoga mat? A toss in your machine mat? Or both?

*This postal service was originally published in 2022 and has been updated and republished for accuracy and comprehensiveness.