Shantihi Yoga Mat - Thick Eco Friendly Premium TPE Yoga Mat. Non Slip, Reversible, Durable Exercise Pilates Mat. (Dark Blue)

Shopping is a process. And when you engage in this process "on line" it can take on a life of its own. But I eventually found my way to the Shantihi yoga mat and it has been good for me. This is my first yoga mat (been using one at class) but I knew that I needed it to be good quality (found it is) that the mat lay flat (this mat fits that ticket), that it had a 'grippy", non slip surface (which it does), and also that it was somewhat compact (thickness) and relatively light (weight). Yes to both of these, at 5 mm thick and weighing in on my kitchen scale at 30.4 ounces, less than my 2 pound target. The mat is nice and should serve me well. I did have a bit of a conundrum though when it came to color selection. I had to struggle a bit when it was only available in black or blue (other colors would be a boost for Shantihi.

I was initially looking for a thicker mat - the main reason was to keep from having to add another thin mat for cushioning, which is available where I practice. A friend had a very soft, thick one she let me try, and I thought I would like it. However, it was so light that it slid on the wood floor at my gym, nearly causing me to fall. I looked at a lot of highly rated mats, and I liked description of the material on this one - the features of durability, and slip resistance on both sides. It is very dense and well-textured on front and back, and heavier than the thin one I had been using. I also like the logo at the end, which I now use as a focal concentration point - it is always there for me. I will still need another mat, but I've decided it's worth it for the stability and long life expectancy of this one. I'll keep my old one at home for use on carpet.

I had my last yoga mat for 6+ years and was surprised how much I had spent trying to find a new one. This brand came up in my search and can I just say I love this yoga mat! It’s perfect for my inversions and daily exercises. Very comfortable with just the right padding. Highly recommend.Jump to 5/2020 (2 years later). Not sure if I’d still recommend this mat. It scratches and tears easily. Will probably need a new one in the next year or so.

It was a gift for my sister in law

The reason for my purchase is because the yoga studio I go to has very hard floors. After a while, it became uncomfortable & my body started to hurt.I really like it...with a few adjustments. When I first used it, I realized the mat’s surface is actually not great for yoga. My feet kept getting stuck as I tried to do the poses. The next time I used it, I put my regular yoga mat on top of it, and it worked just fine.

I spent hours online looking for the perfect mat and I came across this one. I love the fact that it does not smell and does not contain any weird chemicals. This is the main reason I got it. I was really hoping it was not slippery, but as soon as you start sweating your hands will start slipping, which can be a bit scary during yoga. I try to use a towel to place my hands and avoid slipping.

It stretches a bit but overall is nice and comfortable. I use the towel with it to help reduce that stretch. I'm not a small slip of a girl and I'm sure my weight has something to do with it stretching because I'm putting lots of pressure on it.

Originally all I could find is the black version, and enjoyed using it - but the black tends to show EVERYTHING. I loved everything else about this mat though so I ended up ordering the blue mat for classes, and use the black mat at home. I like thicker, more cushioned mats and I don't slide around on this one.