Your yoga mat can enhance your practice. The mat that's best for you is based on how you exercise. Qualities to look for include size, thickness and materials. If you sweat, look for material that absorbs moisture so your mat doesn't get slippery. While many yoga mats are made of PVC, more eco-friendly materials -- especially rubber -- are becoming the more popular choice, as of 2011.
Manduka Mat
Manduka's Black Mat PRO, while top of the line in price, is a favorite. Its 1/4-inch thickness provides cushioning and traction. Biodegradable tree rubber on the top and bottom layers resists peeling and flaking. The major drawback is its weight. At 7 pounds, the Black Mat PRO is not easy to lug around. So use it when you're practicing at home or store your mat where you do yoga. To clean your Manduka mat, avoid using your washing machine. Simply wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it in the sun. Depending on the size, the mat retails for $85 to $99, as of January 2011.
Prana Revolution
John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga, codesigned the Revolution Natural Sticky Mat. Larger than most yoga mats for adequate stability and freedom of movement, the Prana Revolution measures 30 inches wide, 78 inches long and 1/16 inch thick This three-layered biodegradable rubber mat, weighing in at a hefty 9 pounds, is also better left at home or stored at your yoga studio. It comes in two colors, olive and tangerine.
Jade Harmony
The eco-friendly Jade Harmony Professional, made of natural rubber, offers an open-cell design that absorbs moisture and 3/16-inch thickness for stability, traction and support. It weighs a little more than 4 pounds for easy toting. The Jade Harmony comes in two lengths -- 68 and 74 inches -- and eight colors -- purple, orchid, black, olive, midnight blue, slate blue, red and orange. To care for your mat, hand-wash with soap and water and lay flat to dry, not in direct sunlight.
Gaiam Travel Mat
The lightweight Gaiam Reversible Eco Travel Mat folds easily to fit into a suitcase. Made of natural rubber and microfiber, this 1-pound mat measures 24 inches wide, 68 inches long, 1/16 inch thick and provides a slightly sticky surface for stability. You can also use it on a hotel carpet or over another mat for a more athletic, sweaty practice. It's available in blue or purple and is hand-washable.
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