The frustrations of yoga enthusiasts come to the fore as a user, PipeOk2199, shares their struggles with a new Manduka ProLite mat. Switching from a lighter lululemon model, they sought a more durable and easier-to-clean option but instead faced unexpected issues with slipperiness. PipeOk2199’s dilemma resonated with many in the community, who weighed in on the grippy challenges posed by closed-cell mats compared to their open-cell counterparts.
Summary
- The Manduka ProLite mat may not be as grippy as users expect due to its closed-cell construction.
- Many users recommend persistent use as a way to enhance the grip of closed-cell mats.
- Some users suggest using a yoga towel to overcome slipperiness, especially during sweaty sessions.
- There’s a general consensus that while mats improve with use, they may never match the grip of open-cell alternatives.
The Slippery Dilemma
The frustrations expressed by PipeOk2199 about their new Manduka ProLite mat highlight a common issue faced by many yogis. The user found their closed-cell mat to be uncomfortably slippery during practices, particularly during challenging poses like downward dog and warrior 1. Despite efforts like a salt treatment and cleaning with soap and a magic eraser, the mat remained slick, leading them to wonder if they had made a poor choice. Other users weighed in with similar problems, pointing out that closed-cell construction inherently lacks the grip found in open-cell mats, which are designed to absorb sweat and help prevent slipping. It’s almost like buying a fancy sports car only to find out it doesn’t have good traction in the snow—quite the bummer when you were expecting to zoom!
Tips for Breaking In
Beyond the initial frustration, many users offered encouraging words, assuring PipeOk2199 that their mat would improve with time. User kkkreg remarked, “They do get better with use, but because it is a closed cell mat, it will never be as grippy as other brands in high-humidity classes.” This sentiment was shared by several others who emphasized the importance of consistent practice to help break in the mat. User Awkward-Kaleidoscope shared their experience of breaking in multiple Manduka models, stating, “I never slip,” suggesting that persistence is key! Yet there’s an important caveat: closed-cell mats absorb liquid differently, leading to pooling on the surface, thus making them much slicker in humid conditions.
Yogis’ Creative Solutions
<pWhile some practitioners have experienced success with the Manduka mats over time, others have found creative ways to work around their doublesided sticky nature. User Bitchniss noted, “I’m surprised no one’s mentioned a towel?? The ones that are designed for yoga mats with the grippy dots on the back.” Such towels can be essential for anyone practicing sweaty flows, providing an extra layer of grip that’s often needed in high-intensity yoga sessions. Mental-Freedom3929 shared that they found success by slightly dampening a yoga towel before use, enhancing grip significantly—and that’s a little trick that might just change the game for slippage woes! Users also recommended lending the mat to another family member to help break it in. Sometimes, sharing the burden (or the mat!) can make it even grippier!
The Great Debate: Closed vs Open-Cell Mats
As discussions continued in the comments, it became evident that the debate between closed-cell and open-cell mats is a hot topic among yogis. Spicyhyena1 succinctly explained that closed-cell mats are not designed to absorb sweat, which compromises grip. “Think of it sort of like performance fabrics—absorbing & dispersing the liquid over a larger surface area will allow it to evaporate faster.” This illustrates the functional differences quite well, highlighting why some yogis swear by open-cell mats when practicing in humid environments. Unlike their aforementioned competitors, open-cell mats are designed to absorb moisture actively, which maintains a non-slip surface. This clear distinction comes down to personal preference, with some practitioners arguing for the durability and easy cleaning properties of closed-cell mats, while others prioritize grip above everything else.
The discussion surrounding PipeOk2199’s Manduka mat is more than just a personal tale of slipping; it encapsulates the experiences shared by many in the yoga community grappling with the nuances of mat choices. Finding the right balance between grip, durability, and ease of maintenance can be exhaustive and, for some, downright slippery! As the collective wisdom of fellow yogis continues to unfold, each person’s journey proves that practice, persistence, and perhaps a touch of creativity could lead to a satisfaction with their slippery companions. Opting for a towel can be game-changing, and as many users note, the road to the ultimate yoga mat experience is often a winding one, filled with tests of technique and grip. With time and some creative solutions, the blissful flow of yoga can hopefully be attained, one movement at a time.