2 comments about 5/16" Harmony Fusion Natural Rubber Yoga & Fitness Mat Extra Thick in 74" Length.

1. From Michele Knudsen:
   
   The grip and comfort this mat provides has helped me achieve more with each practice. Poses are easier and more enjoyable. It is a wonderful expierence.
   
   Because of the thickness there is absolutely no discomfort on my knees or elbows. I love it! It is worth every penny. You will not be sorry.



2. This mat is amazing!! I needed a really thick mat because I've had knee surgeries (ACL tear) and this mat is perfect. The grip is also perfect and I no longer slide when doing down dog. It is pretty heavy (for a yoga mat) and because its so thick it can kinda unroll- I bought a sling so that it doesn't unroll and is easier to carry.
   I highly recommend this mat!

5 comments about Bodytrends Thick Yoga/Pilates Mat - 3/8 Inch Thick.

1. The mat is thicker than the usual mat & soft. There is no slipping during use & it rolls up easily. I enjoy using it.



2. I thought this mat was great. it has a great thickness that is easy on my ankles. It is plenty long enough for my 5'10" frame.
   i like the blue color.
   It's not too sticky or too slippery so I have no problems moving around on it.
   A great mat.



3. I found this mat to be very thick and easy to roll up & store. When you stand on the mat, you cannot feel the hardness of the floor through the material. I can do a full 45 minute pilates or yoga session with no discomfort in my lower back, neck, or spine. The mat stays in place and does not slide during a difficult position. This is a great mat for beginners or intermediates.



4. This is a great mat both for pilates and yoga but especially for pilates.
   I tried many different ones and this one is the best. Definately worth the money! Buy it, you'll love it!



5. This mat is very soft and comfortable to stand or lay on.
   
   It does not have an odor.

1 comments about New Daytona 24 Pack 1 x1 ft Exercise Floor Mats/Gym Mat.

1. Great cushioning for exercise, but very smelly!
   
   Pros:
   The pieces are very easy to lock together, like a puzzle, and I definitely could feel the benefit of using them on a bottom (cement covered by carpet) floor. Much better on the joints than exercising on a hard cement floor alone.
   
   Shipping was lightening fast!
   
   Versatility of making a custom size "floor" with 1 foot square pieces.
   
   Cons:
   The box came with no packing slip and no instructions. Instructions wouldn't be necessary to put them together, but it would be nice to know what these things are made of, and how to clean them.
   
   The BIG problem is the smell. These pieces are made out of some foam vinyl man made material, and they have a very strong chemical odor right out of the box. Even after taking them apart, putting them back in the box and putting the box in another room, I could still smell that awful odor in that room for hours afterwards.
   
   I'll wait a few days to see if the smell will subside, but if not, I'll have to send them back. If the smell goes away, I'll keep them.
   
   Note: Each piece is a 12 inch square, so if you're looking to cover an area just from workout to workout, you'll have to put your "floor" together and take it apart each time. That will get old fast.
   
   Also, it moved a little as I worked out (aerobics), but it didn't take up the whole floor, and it was over a short Berber carpet.
   
   If I could find a floor mat made of this material (sans the bad chemical smell) that folded or rolled up and was made specifically for stepping/walking on carpet or bare floor and was bigger than typical yoga mats, I'd be good to go!

1 comments about Manduka Large eQua Towel.

1. I really love this towel. After two years of dealing with the yogitoes skidless I decided that I'd try the manduka towel since I have the manduka black mat. This towel is great! It's a lot thinner than the yogitoes and no annoying plastic beads on the bottom side. Superior grip too! Highly recommended!

No comments about 75cm Exercise Ball with Pump (SPECIAL PRICE!!!).

2 comments about ProActive Sports Pro-Circuit Putt Return System.

1. the product works as mentioned in the ad. excellent return mechanism and works perfectly.
   
   the cons that i see is that 1) the return system material (plastic) is too flimsy, wish this was harder and heavier. 2) the mat is crumpled due to the folding in the box.



2. I wasn't sure about this thing when I ordered it. When viewed online, it appeared to be something that would arrive and have a large margin of error with regard to actual usability and quality. As I purchased this as a present, I was happily surprised to see that it surpassed my expectations in both the functionality and construction departments. And while the return track doesn't remain snapped together completely and the ball rolling on the track is a bit noisy, the ball-returning-to-the-same-spot action depicted in the picture shown online actually does happen with a good degree consistency (even when the track junctions pop up a bit) so I am giving the product a 4 out of 5 stars. I will buy this item again if I ever need to purchase another golf-related gift.

5 comments about Hugger Mugger Mandara Yoga Mat (72-Inch, Black).

1. This is a big improvement over previous mats I've used. It's a little slick when wet, but is improving and is not an issue for me.



2. My first mat was a Wai Lana mat - and after 3 months of my "power yoga" classes it showed it wasn't quite up for the challenge. I don't regret investing my 12.99 in my first mat - it was a good way to "test" out yoga to see if I liked it and could actually do it. Once it started leaving confetti on the floor and my body during yoga I knew I needed something tougher.
   
   I love my Hugger Mugger Mandara mat - my only complaint is the chemical smell it comes with. I know it is hard to get a mat without some sort of funky smell so I expected it and gave it a quick scrubbing the day it arrived.
   So far the mat has stood up against my yoga classes and hasn't caused me to slip yet! I haven't had the mat that long - and if problems arise, I will try to post an update but so far it's done what it promised
   
   I would recommend this mat to anyone who wants to invest the money in a heavy duty yoga mat. I like that it is 1/4 inch thick - helps when you are doing a 10-minute frog pose!



3. The mat worked well enough, it was fairly comfortable but it smelled like industrial rubber.
   I aired it out, washed it as per instructions and after two weeks the odor was still very annoying.
   When you are doing Yoga there is a lot of time spent with your face close to the mat and, for me at least, the smell or rubber / chemicals takes away from the experience.
   I sent it back.



4. This is the best mat for your money. I have used my mat for over two years as an instructor and in my personal practice and absolutely love it. Still has many more asanas left in it. Thick for comfort on the joints, but not mushy. My 5'8" frame appreciates the extra length. The chemical smell does go away and the initial slipperiness will go away with a few uses and wipe downs. Hang in there. You'll be so glad you did.



5. ive been doing yoga for quite some time now and ive tried SEVERAL different mats. the problem with most mats is that when you get one that is squishy enough to be comfy for doing floor work they inevitably stretch in down dog and get all bent out of shape. the mandara is an awesome feet of yoga engineering! there is very little to no movement at all in the shape of the mat so theres no stretching if your in a narrow downward facing dog. another problem ive found is that if you do ashtanga or bikram yoga theres an issue with sweat, most sticky mats if they even think about getting wet, you simply slide right off your mat. not only is the mandera not slippery when wet, as you grip the surface with your hands or feet or both at the same time, the mandara grips you back instead of just being sticky. the spongy texture is comfy and supportive enough for floor work as well as being firm and stable enough for even the hardest balance poses. i cant say enough about my new favorite mat! thanks guys!
   
   p.s. the only minor snafu is that it kinda smells like a pool floaty when ya get it but the smell does go away ;o)
   
   peace and light
   Karson

4 comments about Hugger Mugger Mexican Yoga Blanket (Colors Vary).

1. I just started practicing yoga, so I wasn't sure what kind of blanket to get. My instructor said this was a perfect blanket and I have found it to be helpful during class.



2. FYI, this blanket is 100% acrylic, not wool. The fabric content was not provided anywhere. This blanket works great in yoga class. As advertised, it provides the right support for poses.



3. I'm experienced with yoga props, and have bought blankets from a variety of sources. I bought these blankets for gifts and was very impressed with the high cotton content, quality and look of the blankets - I wanted to keep them!
   
   Re cotton content- you can't go by the label. Many Mexican blanket producers low-ball the cotton percentage because its easier to clear customs - I wouldn't have known/believed this - but after several purchases, and several calls to vendors - I believe it now. Some of my nicest blankets have low/no cotton labels - but they're cotton.
   
   Anyway - these were super.



4. I am very satisfied with this blanket. Seems to have good support for the poses, and the quality of the blanket seems to be good. I'm very happy with my purchase!

2 comments about 2008 Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Fluid Trainer and King Riser Package.

1. I've been using my Kurt Kinetic Road Machine for about a week now and have found it very helpful in maintaining and increasing my fitness during the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest. Setup was very easy and straightforward (once I was able to free up the axle nut on the left side, which seemed to be jammed at first. I just had to be persistent in twisting hard until it loosened up). I was up and pedaling within 10 minutes of opening the box. I don't have any experience with other trainers so I was expecting a greater degree of "progressive resistance" in the fluid trainer than I am experiencing, but I have no basis for comparison since I have never used any other kind of trainer. The unit is realtively quiet and very smooth. I also appreciated the "Spinervals" DVD that came with it. Very helpful. I would definitely recommend this product.



2. I picked up the KK fluid atrainer after doing the requisite web research and after several weeks of use I am very pleased with my purchase. The trainer is compact, stable, easy to setup, well made, reasonably quiet, doesn't get too hot when riding at 19+mph for 60+ minutes and allows the bike to attach/detach quickly. The riser for the front wheel is useful for added stability, comfort, and reduced floor wear.
   
   The experience is very similar to riding on the road (the trainer is way less fun of course) and gives a very good workout. I also have the Garmin Forerunner 305 with quick release mount which is works well with the optional wireless cadence/speed meter and wireless heart rate monitor. The Forerunner 305 is great on the road as well and is also useful for other activities such as running and cross country skiing.
   
   Make sure to release the pressure on the rear wheel after each training interval to minimize taking the rear wheel out of true. Also apply only as much pressure as needed to the rear wheel to provide traction without slipping (no more than the manufacturer's recommended two complete turns on the tightening wheel).Garmin Forerunner 305 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer with Heart Rate MonitorGarmin GSC 10 Speed Cadence Sensor for Edge and Forerunner Series (010-10644-00)

5 comments about Manduka eKO Lite 3mm Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat.

1. I really liked the mat when it arrived - but on opening I saw a 2 inch long deep gash on the smooth side of it - the rubber had not filled properly on that spot. I'm inclined to think it was a quality issue on that particular mat. There are some spots where the rubber seems to have not filled smoothly which I think is how you can make things with natural rubber? - Really dont know. But the deep one made me return the mat, since I thought it might tear at that point given it is only 3mm thick. But I really liked the mat's look and feel. I'm going to buy the 5mm version since it might not be affected by the irregular filling scenario.



2. I have the Manduka thick black mat. It is the greatest but it is hard to transport and it's not eco-friendly. All of the other thin mats I've used buckle. I've used a lot of mats and have done yoga for a long time. This is an amazing transportable mat and it's eco-friendly. After 3 days leaving it unrolled, the smell on my blue mat is FINE. The quality and sustainability of this product should make it a no-brainer. I love it. If I didn't already own a non-eko black mat (that will survive me- and my kids), I would get the 5 mm eKO mat.
   
   GREAT job, Manduka! Yogis- buy this mat. You'll love it.



3. i like the idea of being eco friendly but for me this mat is too thin. also it's texture is too slippery for hot yoga in my opinion.
   mike



4. I was so glad to get this new mat--it's light and easy to transport (because it's thin you can roll OR fold it into a suitcase). The smell is strong but goes away-- you can lay it outside for an hour or 2 to reduce it significantly. Best not to leave it rolled up at first, but let it breathe and the smell goes away. I got the sand color and it's a nice gold... It does wrinkle a little bit in practice, but it's worth it for the lightness and the low enviro-impact.



5. I've practised on the Black & Purple Lite mats and this mat is right up there with the rest of them. The Black mat's too heavy for me as I travel frequently, and I find even the Purple Lite too heavy for shorter trips like hauling to & from the yoga studio. This Eko Lite's great for transporting/ travelling but still retains its heavy feel.
   
   After a week of practice I can safely say it doesn't buckle like the other thin 3mm mats do. It sometimes looks as if the mat is uneven and doesn't sit flat on the floor smoothly, but when you're practicing you don't even feel it - it feels like a flat and solid mat. I practice in a heated room and after warming up, you do need a towel or yogitoes coz it gets slippery when wet (like most other rubber/ PVC mats too). But it grips well when doing a regular not-too-sweaty practice.
   
   While researching this mat I couldn't find more close-up shots of what it looks like up-close, so I've taken some pictures here: http://skippettystreet.blogspot.com/2008/08/eko-lite-where-have-you-been-all-my.html
   
   Overall, a highly recommended product, especially if weight is a consideration.