When I left New York to quarantine with family in Chicago, I packed Doc Martens, pj’s, and sports bras. Overwhelmed (and packing as though I was going to a two-week-long summer camp), I left my beloved best yoga mat in the corner of my bedroom. Now I would gladly trade those other items to have it with me. Yoga has been an essential part of my anxiety-prevention toolbox since I was in high school, and in these unpredictable times, it’s become my go-to tactic for stress relief. I do it before or after work, switching between the backyard and the basement. I’m grateful for the experience of connecting to myself, now more than ever: just me, my breath, some deep stretches, and a mat.
…Or no mat, which I’ve had to get used to, switching off between grass, a towel, or my parents’ gym mat for my practice. But as the days continue to get warmer thanks to the much-awaited summertime Chi heat, and my outdoor yoga is starting to feel like an intense Bikram class, I’m seriously wishing I brought my Manduka eKO yoga mat, in all its acai-hued glory, with me. I’ve been posting videos of my practice on Instagram, and when friends ask for my recommendation on the best yoga mat, I crack a joke about whatever beach towel I’m currently using, then immediately point them to the Manduka eKO.
First off, it’s made of nontoxic, zero-waste, and biodegradable natural tree rubber, making it eco-friendly, and the perfect mat that’s kept me from sliding when in hot yoga class or, like now, outside under the sun. The ridges within the mat, along with the cushiony, sticky texture, help me balance in any position, from downward dog to flying pigeon. And the rubber finish is super easy to clean with a gentle mat wash after an intense sweat session.
If you’re looking to revamp your yoga or home-workout routine, consider this the perfect mat. It’s ideal not only for your quarantined summer workout, but also as a sustainable and reliable mat to keep by your side once you’re able to attend future classes again too.