Any OzBargain Yogis? - Recommend Me a New Yoga Mat(s) & Towel

SpaceFrog on 10/02/2017 - 14:33
Last edited 10/02/2017 - 14:36

Hi, So I've been doing yoga for a year. Was originally doing 3 or 4 different classes from Yogahub Melbourne. But I've finally comitted myself to 2 different classes. A Bikram Hot Yoga studio and a community class at the local primary school. I need one mat & towel for my bikram classes, and I will leave a mat at the studio. And then another mat that I can bring with me once a week to the primary school class.

I've been using a thick mat from Kmart. But it's time to step up.

I tried out one of my former teacher's mat and i liked it. I believe it was a Mukti Grounded Mat https://www.muktimats.com.au/products/grounded-mat

Very firm, nice texture that didn't feel synthetic, but it did have a rubbery smell.
But at $90 it's a bit pricey.

I prefer a firm mat for balance poses.

If I got the mukti I would use it for the primary school class. I'd rather not sweat all over a $90 mat and leave it at the studio.

Being new to bikram, I'm not sure of the ideal equipment needed. My kmart mat is not bad, but for some balance poses I find myself stepping off the mat. There are some thin mats at Kmart for $6 would they suit me better? I don't want to spend too much on this one, I might stick with the current mat. But for $6… It wouldn't hurt to try? unless someone can share their experience?

I was also thinking of getting a yoga mat towel. The cheapest ones on ebay were around $15. Any thoughts?

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • Heracles26 on 10/02/2017 - 15:04
    +1

    Pay a bit more and get a good mat, the difference is huge!

    I have a Manduka Pro Lite

    • ZippyRoo on 10/02/2017 - 16:11
      +1

      Actually I was just about to comment and recommend Manduka as well. It is by the far the best mat I've ever had. It's not cheap, especially in Australia, but sometimes you can find good deals on Amazon or on eBay if you look around.

      • Heracles26 on 10/02/2017 - 16:12

        Definitely not cheap but very good quality!

    • kasp on 10/02/2017 - 16:53
      +3

      This is ozbargain.

      They should be scouring the bins for some discarded carpet and cutting a yoga mat from that.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2017 - 17:47
        -1

        Plus the 'rebirth' of the discarded carpet adds to the whole cool zen of it all.

    • SpaceFrog on 11/02/2017 - 13:51

      It seems the Manduka has an excellent reputation. But they seem to be well over $100. I'll definitely keep it in mind.

  • Kangal on 10/02/2017 - 17:29

    I use a car port cover bought for $20 at Reject Shop.
    Much better than those $80 yoga matts.

    Its also huge, meaning you can cut it to whatever shape/size you desire.
    Mine is located where I have my boxing bag, weights, pads and skipping rope.

  • SpaceFrog on 12/02/2017 - 01:57

    Well I bit the bullet and got a Manduka Pro Lite. Picked the cheapest colour. Ends up being about 105 AUD shipped.

    Thinking back. I'm pretty sure these are the mats I was using at the first yoga studio I tried out. They were great mats from what I recall.

  • LoganLog on 14/02/2017 - 22:10

    I had a jade yoga mat for a while. It was nice to practice on, but it wore out after one year and I have not got another jade since. It likely wore out because I left it in my car (out of a bag) in the sun and the rubber was falling apart. I didn't replace it because it was hard to clean. I have been using a manduka for the last 3-4years and I love it. They take some time to break in (slippery!) but after the first few sessions they are cushioned, don't slip, and hold up well.
    My blog: http://classybackpacks.com

    • wensell on 02/03/2017 - 15:52

      I've had a Jade Harmony since I started yoga 3.5 years ago and it consistently gets 4 practices a week. It's holding up great but I do also put a yoga towel down on top of it which might help. Having the towel is a nicer feel, is easier to clean plus I'm always super sweaty. The mat cost me around $90 from EMP Industries on High St in Malvern - they have everything. I've been using Yoga Rat towels which are super thick and hard to get here. I'm about to try a Jade towel as I'm thinking it should suit my mat perfectly. I wasn't much for the Manduka eQua towels at all.

      With any activity that puts your body on the line, it does not pay to do so on the cheap. One trip to the physio caused by substandard equipment negates any savings. Invest in your gear and protect your body. You'll get so much more out of your activities if you do.

  • Brassman on 16/02/2017 - 15:18

    I have a Mukti Flow from Mukti Mats too… love it, it's the best mat I've ever had. Good grip and it's made from all natural rubber. The smell on my mat went away in a few days. My friend uses their thinner one (float?) on top of a studio mat, the thinner one is a bit cheaper.

  • lknight on 21/04/2017 - 19:59

    I was going to check out what Rebel Sports (http://www.rebelsport.com.au/Product/PowerTube-Pro-Ecomat-Pi…) they seem to have some decent looking ones for around $40-$50 - any feedback for these or just buy the Maduka?

  • carva848 on 12/05/2017 - 13:55

    I am a pro yogi.

    You need to get the following
    1. Jade Mat
    2. Yogi Toes towel

    You're welcome.

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