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Price on Aug 12, 2010 14:03:17 : $42.00
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Manduka eKO Lite 68-Inch 3mm Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat Features
- Eco-friendly 3mm yoga mat made from non-Amazon-harvested tree rubber
- Most durable, eco-friendly mat available today
- Free of oil-based products, toxic materials, foaming agents, PVC, and toxic plasticizers
- Developed over 3 years by yoga teachers
- Measures 68 inches long and 24 inches wide; scent-free after break-in period
Manduka eKO Lite 68-Inch 3mm Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat Overviews
The Manduka eKO Lite yoga mat offers something new for eco-conscious yoga practitioners who are on the go - a natural rubber, closed-cell mat that is designed for durability and comfort, and will decompose completely at the end of its useful life without leaving a footprint in landfills. Intended for traveling ease, the eKO Lite is standard size and lightweight. Free of toxic foaming agents and plasticizers commonly found in TPE, POE and other rubber mats, the eKO mat is designed to be kind to the earth and your practice. Note: Like any natural rubber mat there is an initial scent which will fade after an initial break in period. A new mat should be left unrolled when possible to accelerate the break-in period.
Manduka eKO Lite 68-Inch 3mm Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat Specifications
The Manduka eKO yoga mat offers something new for eco-conscious yoga practitioners--a natural-rubber, closed-cell mat that's designed for durability and comfort, yet decomposes completely at the end of its useful life without leaving a footprint in landfills. The 3mm thick eKO mat is made from non-Amazon-harvested tree rubber, and boasts a patented manufacturing process that's completely free of oil-based products, toxic materials, foaming agents, and the type of plasticizers commonly found in other eco mats, such as TPE and POE. At the same time, the natural rubber in the eKO mats is latex-free and non-allergenic, so you needn't worry about allergies hampering your yoga routine. This particular yoga mat is 71 inches long and 26 inches wide--4 inches longer and 2 inches wider than most yoga mats. Designed and manufactured with the same level of quality, attention to detail, and respect for the environment that sets apart all Manduka products, the eKO mat comes in four brilliant colors: moss, lava, aqua, and sand.
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Customer Review
Prior to obtaining the Manduka eKO Lite, I practiced for years on a thin, inexpensive yoga mat that I had received as part of a kit. I always thought that I had no need of a pricey yoga mat; my old mat was a familiar friend, and it suited me fine. But from the moment I rolled out my new eKO Lite, I knew I had been wrong.
First of all, the eKO Lite, although about the same thickness as my old mat (1/8") had a much weightier feel; despite having been rolled up in a box for shipment, it immediately lay completely flat, virtually hugging the floor, with absolutely no lumps or buckling of any kind. Several other reviewers have mentioned that this mat has an odor; this is something that Manduka discusses on their web site, as it is related to the natural products which are used to create the mat. And yes, my mat did have a fairly strong, natural rubber scent when I first received it. However, I didn't find this scent to be particularly unpleasant, and it didn't stop me from using the mat the day after I received it. Furthermore, as instructed by Manduka, I left my mat unrolled for a few weeks, and now, after owning it for about a month, I can barely discern any smell at all.
Now, on to the most important issue: practicing with the eKO Lite! I am so impressed by the degree to which the surface of this mat grips my hands and feet during asanas--although I had thought my old mat was fine, the difference is astounding. Furthermore, my former mat tended to shift around under my feet a bit while performing certain standing postures, such as the warrior poses, but the eKO Lite does not--as mentioned above, it gripes my feet AND the floor, so I stay in place and the mat does too. I am not sure why others mentioned problems with sliding on this mat, as I have not had this issue at all, although I admit, I am not much of a sweater (perhaps those who sweat profusely would be happier with Manduka's original Black mat, which is much thicker and supposedly good for this purpose; I haven't tried it myself).
Finally, in terms of aesthetics: my eKO Lite is green (my favorite color!), and the Moss truly is a pretty shade, yet another thing to like about my new mat. The only (minor) downside about this mat is the size. I realize that because it is the eKO "Lite," it is designed to be the smaller, thinner, lighter, more travel-friendly version of Manduka's original eKO mat, which comes in at 71" x 26" and 7 lbs. (the eKO Lite weighs only 3.5 lbs.). Still, for this price, I still would've liked to have have seen a slightly larger than standard-sized mat, even if it was only to add a single extra inch all around. I should also note that at 1/8" thick, this is not a particularly cushy mat--that is fine with me, but if you like a thicker mat, you may want to go with the original eKO, which is 3/16".
Overall, however, I am extremely happy with my Manduka eKO Lite mat--it has definitely made practicing yoga even more pleasurable! I wouldn't hesitate to recommended trying the eKO Lite (or the eKO if you need more cushioning) to anyone wanting a high quality, high performance, and attractive mat that's environmentally friendly too.
yoga mat - laura -
This yoga mat is excellent. I like it a lot better than standard yoga mats. It's green, has good traction, is comfortable and nice-looking, and it's not a thick mat. It's really nice, and is worth the money. I am very happy with this purchase.
Slippery Surface - Robert Arnold - Eugene, OR United States
I had a cheap mat for yoga that started to fall apart. In particular the wear points of successive downward dogs, etc. I decided to spend a bit more and get this mat. The smell of rubber is quite strong but not too bad. The biggest problem is that the surface is too slippery. Even at the start of my workout before I begin to sweat I cannot maintain a downward dog because my hands slowly slide. Frustrating that I wasted my money. I may have to go back to a cheaper mat. I have tried washing it but no difference.
