Tanja Alexandra Kern 
It’s so important to own the right mat for your yoga practice.
After many years of trying out different brands of yoga mats, it is time for me to find my soul mat.
And I want to support you in finding the right mat for you!
If you missed my previous review of the Manduka PRO mat, make sure to check it out on my blog.
Today’s review features the Manduka eKO mat
The mat arrived sealed and in good condition. I noticed some marks on the mat, however, when wiping them down with my yoga spray they came off immediately.
The eKO mat is made with biodegradable natural tree rubber, free of toxins and chemical dyes. It initially has a subtle rubber scent (which I don’t mind at all) that fades over time. Before my yoga practice I make it a habit anyway to wipe down the mat with my homemade aromatherapy yoga mat cleaning spray. It smells great, awakens my senses and keeps my mat clean. Back to the eKO mat…
It offers an additional three inches length and two inches width, like the PRO mat, yet is only 5 mm thick (instead of 6 mm thick for the PRO mat). This makes the mat lighter and in my opinion a perfect mat to take to teach in different locations, carry to your yoga studio, and bring on a road trip.
It stills weighs 7 lbs, which is not super light, yet I chose the 5 mm version for the extra length, width and cushioning. These qualities make it worth it to carry a 7 lbs mat, which, in my opinion is light enough to easily carry to your next location (as long as you don’t have to walk a long ways to get there).
The eKO mat also comes in lighter versions 4.5 lbs (4.5 lbs; 68” x 24”; 4 mm thick) and 4.0 lbs (68″ x 24”; 3 mm thick). I prefer the extra length and width that ensures having neither my head nor feet on the floor when lying down. You may however find that a lighter version is more convenient for you, so if you don’t mind the different size, it may be a great option.
I love the stunning rich purple color and beautiful pattern on the mat and am pleased by the soft yet strong and cushiony texture. Right from the beginning it offers amazing grip and keeps me safe and aligned even during a sweaty vinyasa practice. It sticks well to the floor and does not bunch up during practice. The only thing I noticed is that it leaves marks from my practice which come off easily when wiped down with a microfiber cloth and some yoga mat spray.
It appears Manduka knows what they are doing by creating mats that meet the needs of conscious yoga teacher and students.
I am grateful and delighted to have found my soul mat that allows me to take my yoga practice to new locations!
Dearest yogi, I definitely recommend the eKo mat to you! It is a versatile, beautiful, comfortable and practical mat that you can roll out at home as well as easily carry to your yoga studio or wherever yoga may take you.
Stay tuned for the upcoming review of the Manduka travel mat.
If I haven’t already I am still considering to become an affiliate of Manduka, so if you are interested in purchasing a Manduka mat for yourself or a friend, I would appreciate if you could contact me.
Let me know if you have any questions and I am always happy to receive your feedback!
Many blessings and Namasté,
Tanja
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Tanja Alexandra Kern
