So, I finally got my hands on this Manuka eco yoga mat, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the experience. I’ve been meaning to get more serious about my yoga practice, and a good mat seemed like the first step, right?
First off, finding the right size was a bit of a hassle. I mean, I’m not exactly a giant, but I’m not petite either. I ended up going for one that’s about 24 inches wide and 72 inches long. It seemed like the standard size from what I could gather online. Turns out, it’s pretty comfy. I can stretch out without feeling like I’m gonna fall off the edges.
Then there’s the whole thickness and support thing. I’ve used those super thin mats before, and let me tell you, kneeling on those is like kneeling on concrete. Not fun. This Manuka one has a decent amount of cushion. It’s firm enough that I can hold my poses without wobbling all over the place, but it’s soft enough that my knees don’t feel like they’re being punished. Especially when I’m doing those low lunges, you know? My knees really took a beating when I did it, and now it’s been much better.
- Finding the right size: Looked for a standard size, settled on 24×72 inches.
- Checking the thickness: Needed something with cushion but also firm support.
- Trying out some poses: Started with basic stuff to see how it felt.
Getting Started with the New Mat
Once I got the mat, I was eager to try it out, obviously. I started with some basic poses, you know, like downward dog, child’s pose, just to get a feel for it. It felt pretty good! The grip was solid, which is great because I tend to get a bit sweaty during my practice, also I fell many times because of sweating. I didn’t slip at all, which was a relief. I worked up a bit of a sweat, but that’s good, right?
I also tried a few balancing poses, like tree pose and warrior III. The mat’s firmness really helped me stay stable. I felt grounded, and that made a big difference in my confidence. Of course, I still wobbled a bit – I’m no expert – but I definitely felt more secure than I did on my old, flimsy mat.
Moving on to More Advanced Stuff
After getting comfortable with the basics, I decided to push myself a bit. I’m not going to lie, I still fall sometimes, but at least I’m not sliding all over the place. I’m not sure if that’s because of the mat or if I’m actually getting better, but I’ll take it! I even managed to hold a headstand for a few seconds longer than usual! Maybe it’s the mat, maybe it’s me, who knows? But hey, I’m not complaining.
Anyway, I’ve been using this Manuka mat for a few weeks now, and I’m pretty happy with it. It wasn’t super cheap, but it wasn’t ridiculously expensive either. I guess you get what you pay for. Overall, it’s been a good investment. It’s made my yoga practice more enjoyable and, I think, more effective. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, which is always a bonus, right? I can say this is a good product. I feel very comfortable when I practice. So, yeah, if you’re looking for a new yoga mat, this one’s worth checking out. I will continue to share my experience with you guys next time. Don’t miss it!