I started doing yoga and decided that with hardwood floors and at my age, I would benefit from a thicker mat than the one I had picked up at a big box store years ago (for other types of workouts back when I lived in a house with carpet). I really like the thickness of this mat. No complaints there at all.
Another positive is the smell (or lack of it). I am extremely sensitive to odors and tend to get headaches with some of things companies are producing nowadays, so I try to be careful about what I bring into my home. When I saw something on the packaging saying made in China, I was actually afraid to open it. I know I sound like a wimp, but the headaches can be excruciating. Anyways, I got up the courage to open it and am very happy to report that I did not get a headache. In fact I noticed no smell at all. So, I put my nose right up to it and bravely inhaled. It had a very faint smell of something similar to an unscented lotion. Those of you that don't have problems with odors will think I'm crazy, but those that are sensitive know what I'm talking about - unscented items still have a scent. I've been using this mat since I received it in February and have not had any problems with smell or off-gassing of any kind.
So, why 3 stars? This mat 'dents' really easily. For instance, if I put a strap on it (loosely, since I keep it at home & don't carry it anywhere), it will leave a dent mark where the strap crosses the end of the mat. Also, it has ripples in it when I roll it that gentle down, but just won't go away - even by the end of a 50 minute yoga session. Their not horrible, but my cheap mat doesn't dent or have semi-permanent ripples and curled edges. I would like to note that we have pets, so our house is not immaculate. So, in an effort to keep my mats clean, I fold them in half before rolling, so that the part that touched the floor does not touch the part that my body goes on. I don't know if this makes sense, but even though I'm not just rolling it like a tube, I am doing my 'fold' loosely as well as the rolling (just like I do with the cheap mat), so I don't think it should cause these rippling issues.
I do not do hot yoga. I am a beginner that is attempting to learn from DVDs. One of my videos is more of a stretch and relaxing yoga and the other is a bit more of a workout and causes my hands to become slightly damp. I have noticed slipping - not enough to feel like I would do a face plant, but it's definitely distracting and I wouldn't feel safe using this if I were doing a more advanced type of yoga. In addition, the 'ripples' want to slide out flat (on my hardwood floors) and then turn back into a ripple when I change positions.
I thought the price was fair (just under thirty dollars) when I purchased, but this mat is not going to have the lifespan that my cheap thin mat that has taken much abuse over the years (push ups while wearing shoes is an example) has given me. My cheap mat is well over 15 years old. This yoga mat has been babied and used for what I would consider 'gentle' yoga and barefoot or with socks for only a few months, and it's showing wear. So, I kind of feel that I overpaid.
The markings would be great, but they tend to blend in a bit and not show as prominently as I'd like. Keep in mind that I'm 'reading glasses age', so this might not be an issue for everybody.
All in all, the thickness of the mat has improved the comfort level of yoga, but due to hands slipping, durability issues, and failure of the mat to lie flat, I do not plan on purchasing this particular mat again when it needs replaced. It's good enough for me at the level of yoga I'm doing at this time, but even being as inexperienced as I am, I can tell that this is not a great mat.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 25.2 x 5.63 x 5.51 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 1.26 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 72 x 24 x 0.25 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.8 Pounds |
| Brand Name | FrenzyBird |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Color | Rose Red |
| Material | Thermoplastic Elastomers |
| Manufacturer | FrenzyBird |
| Sport Type | Yoga |
