Do you know the Manduka yoga mat eKO 5 mm? I took a close look at it and put it to the test. This is my experience with the non-slip mat from Manduka.
I love yoga. By now my friends know that very well. I get riddled with questions :) The most common is: Which yoga mat do you use?
I started with a very simple mat, but was quickly annoyed. It was not slip-proof, thin and somehow the two of us were not happy with each other. Especially after more strenuous exercises, I always started to slip.
Supposedly, however, there are absolutely non-slip mats. I have taken one of these mats very closely under the magnifying glass. This is my experience with the Manduka eKO 5 mm.
The Manduka eKO 5 mm in the test
You are looking for a nice, non-slip mat with a lot of comfort for yoga exercises at home? Then I recommend the Manduka eKO 5 mm.
From the first lifting you notice that this is a mat of high quality. Because the yoga mat is much heavier than other models. Proud 3 kilograms weighs the Manduka eKO 5 mm. Very surprising, because until now I was only used to light mats.
Composition and care
So, but now quickly unpack. The Manduka eKO 5 mm is made of natural rubber and cotton. The manufacturer promises that no trees are cut down in the Amazon for the mat. Big plus! :)
Immediately after unpacking, the rubber is almost impossible to "over-smell". It leaves a strange rubber scent in the room. But you can easily get rid of it: unroll the mat and leave it for a day. If you have survived the first training session with rubber smell, you get a really great yoga mat.
Wrapped around the mat, you will find instructions and tips from the manufacturer. For example, about care. Before each yoga session, you should wipe the eKO Mat with a damp cloth. In addition, you get the tip to store the mat dark and cool.
Optics and Hard Facts
Oh yeah, before I forget: The mat gets a very big plus point for something that all other mats have, but it doesn't. When I first unroll it, it lies perfectly smooth in front of me.
What is special about it? Other mats roll in, you need until the ends are where they should be. If this bothers you as it does me, this is the solution to our problem :)
The most important facts about the Manduka eKO 5 mm:
- Length: 180 cm
- Width: 66 cm
- Thickness: 5 mm
With 5 millimeters thickness, the eKO Mat is very comfortable for all exercises. Even when kneeling or on tiptoe you can not feel any pain.
And: She also looks really pretty. It is namely two-colored. The pattern reminds a little of zebras. :)
The Manduka yoga mat in the endurance test: So slip-resistant is the mat really
Many manufacturers promise that their mats are non-slip. Unpacked at home, the promise turns out to be a great sales argument. But it has little to do with reality. Unfortunately, I have already had many experiences with this.
Therefore, I have subjected the yoga mat to an endurance test. How slip-resistant is the Manduka yoga mat really?
The manufacturers write "even in the sweatist of conditions". Well, let's see :)
I start with simple yoga warm-up exercises, where especially the feet are challenged. Because that's what bothers me the most with other mats. The slipping away and the force that you have to use so that it does not happen.
Exercise 1: Straddled forward bend
If you don't want to learn a split quite suddenly and unexpectedly, you need a mat you can rely on. I speak from experience - the mats I had before were unfortunately very slippery, which meant that it always pulled my legs outwards during this exercise - very dangerous!
Here's how:
Stand up straight. Now step to the side with your right and left foot. Both legs should support your weight evenly.
As you exhale, slowly bend forward. Make sure that you bend from the hips, not from the lower back. Pull your belly button toward your spine. Your arms should come as far as possible to the floor. Experienced yogis can manage to rest their head on the floor.
After 5 breaths, slowly straighten up again.
Exercise 2: Dog looking down
With this yoga exercise, not only do I break a sweat, every mat is also properly challenged. Because this is the ultimate test for slip resistance.
Here's how:
Get into the push-up position. Push your butt back and up and stretch your arms through. Your center of gravity is in the middle of your body while your hands are shoulder-width apart. Now try to lower your heels as much as possible. You will feel a slight pull in the back of your thighs.
Let your head hang down in a relaxed manner. With each exhalation, try to bring your heels further down without causing pain. After 5 breaths you can slowly straighten up again.
Exercise 3: The Warrior 2
And again a test for the Manduka yoga mat. This time with the warrior 2 exercise. Since I wanted to see how much the mat really can, I wet my foot a little with water.
Here's how:
Warrior 2 strengthens balance and steadiness and looks very graceful. Stand upright for this exercise. As you exhale, move your right foot backward and turn it outward, as in the picture above.
Bend your left knee and, while inhaling, raise your arms so that they are horizontal to the floor. Turn your palms so that they face the floor. Also try to avoid a hollow back.
Your gaze goes forward. Hold this position for 5 minutes before repeating on the other side.
My conclusion about the Manduka eKO 5 mm
The Manduka eKO keeps what it promises! Absolutely non-slip, you can not get them out of the reserve even with a little water on the soles of the feet.
It is a little heavier than other yoga mats, but the ideal partner for training at home. The mat is perfect to roll out - no need to fret about rolled corners.
Thanks to the 5 mm thickness, you can safely use them outdoors in the summer without any problems. Of course, this is also still tested :)
Short and sweet: A must-have for all yogis and those who want to become one. If you're not a yoga fan, you can of course also use this mat for your abdominal leg butt workout.
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