five things to know about the mat



This blog post was written by Brittany and posted on March 10, 2010 at 1:57 pm

Here is Brittany, lululemon’s product trainer, with the five things you need to know about The Mat:

Yoga Mats from lululemon
Brittany is loving her new mat!

1. It was created using the same technology as the grips on tennis racket handles. This super grippy mat means angst free downward facing dogs and warriors.

2. It’s ultra absorbent and sucks in sweat and moisture, which allows the practice surface to maintain its grip.  The Mat will get dark where it gets wet until it dries completely, so get ready to show the world that you sweat once a day.

3. The top layer of The Mat is made with Polyurethane mixed with Ultra Fresh brand antibacterial treatment, which means that it prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi. The bottom layer is a mixture of natural rubber and 10% recycled luon®. This means that The Mat has latex, and will have a natural rubber scent that will diminish over time. Clean your mat regularly and leave unrolled to speed this process up

4. To care for your mat, clean it after every practice with a natural cleanser like water mixed with lemon juice. For more thorough cleaning, completely saturate The Mat in water and allow to air dry.

5. The Mat is wider than most, to give a larger practice surface, and is 5mm thick, to provide great cushioning.

I love this mat because I have never used a mat where I didn’t slip slightly, and on this one, I don’t budge.

Are you ready for a yoga class?
The Mat: http://shop.lululemon.com/The_Mat
The Mat 7 feet: http://shop.lululemon.com/The_Mat_7ft

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47 Comments »


Awesome post Britt! I love my travel version of the Mat – it really is the most grip I’ve ever had in a yoga mat!

Comment by Desirae — March 10, 2010 @ 5:00 pm


any comparisons to a Jada Yoga mat? I actually decided today (while nearly falling straight down onto my head trying to get into wheel thanks to a slippy Manduka) to buy a Jade (on my teachers recommendation). But this looks really good. Just want to make sure it’s worth the $68!

Comment by callah — March 10, 2010 @ 5:37 pm


I recently bought this mat and I have a question about point number 5: does it have to be tea tree oil? or can it be whatever run of the mill spray that my gym provides?

Comment by Kelly — March 10, 2010 @ 11:29 pm


YAY BGEL! I just wanted to post something because you’re awesome!

Comment by Genevieve — March 11, 2010 @ 6:23 pm


any comparison between this mat and maduka mat? pls advise especially on the slipery during workout.

Karen

Comment by Karen Tan — March 11, 2010 @ 6:24 pm


I have use Jade mat’s for years…..how does this compare in terms of size (especially the width?). How about durability? Wondering if I’ll need to replace this one more often?

Comment by Ravi — March 11, 2010 @ 7:54 pm


Cool mat! But WOW!! $68?? I visit Vancouver often, and have visited your stores, but only when given gift certificates. The prices are quite prohibitive, and for the prices you charge, I really can’t justify the quality of your merchandise. It’s alright, but not all that worth it. Sorry, that’s the truth.

I’m getting along just fine with a newly purchased Danskin brand mat, at my local Ross store (similar to Winners/TJ Maxx). It’s nice and thick, very grippy on the top, and the bottom. Absolutely no problems with slippage, and this one only cost me $14.99 USD.

Comment by Faye@GreenOrganicMama.com — March 13, 2010 @ 10:45 am


Britt!! Its wonderful to see your face and you using The Mat. No one is more deserving of such a product that you, o wise one of all things lululemon :) We miss you dearly in Ottawa!!

Comment by Jenna — March 13, 2010 @ 5:58 pm


I am allergic to the polyurethine that used to be used for the iron on labels for products–it used to give me awesome itchy rashes. Would this be the same?

Comment by Tara — March 13, 2010 @ 6:00 pm


I refused to give up my Manduka before the Mat and now I haven’t practiced on it since I bought the Mat! The Mat is a little “springier” than the Manduka, and the surface is so much stickier/nicer to practice on! I love it!!!!

Comment by Karly — March 13, 2010 @ 6:07 pm


Brittany! Great pic and video with THE MAT! I’ve been using this weekend in my practice and LOVE IT! Didn’t realize it was reversable! *Just like my groove pants I wear while flowing on it! LOVE IT!

Comment by Pamela — March 13, 2010 @ 6:28 pm


Hi Lulu!
Used my new THE MAT for the first time this morning in my hot yoga class and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I had been so frustrated because no matter what I did with my Ultra Align Mat I keep slipping in Triangle pose. No more slipping, this mat is great that I don’t even mind that it way more than the Align was. I am one happy camper!

Comment by Kelly Fultineer — March 14, 2010 @ 1:59 pm


Can anyone tell me if this mat can be carried arround. I can’t find it’s weight. I am looking for great quality travel mat. Any suggestions? How heavy is THE MAT?

Comment by Yozo — March 15, 2010 @ 1:04 am


First, a response to Faye@OrganicGreenMama who wrote:
“The prices are quite prohibitive, and for the prices you charge, I really can’t justify the quality of your merchandise.” – so true, and considering that full time lulu employees get 70% off any purchase – makes you really wonder how much of a markup they include in their prices. Whatever happened to exercising true Yogi mentality where yoga is for everyone, and not just upper-class MILFs?

Second, regarding Yozo’s question about mat weight – I’ve been in the store and held this thing, it is HEAVY and not something I’d travel with. I have taken my ProSport mat from Target ($15) to Thailand and all over Central and South America and definitely understand the need for a light weight mat that can also maybe double as extra padding under a sleeping bag… lulu’s The Mat is probably something better suited for local practice in your home town. On the other hand, there is a travel version of The Mat which is super super light and has virtually no padding, good grip and all but not much between you and whatever’s under your mat (you might as well just do yoga in the grass?)

despite my somewhat negative commentary, however, i am glad to read the positive comments above about this mat vs. manduka. The pricing of the Mat, while high, is still more affordable than a Manduka and as much as I have used my mat from Target, I am in the market for a serious upgrade that will help avoid slipping… I may cave in and get this mat afterall…!

Comment by Simba — March 15, 2010 @ 1:11 pm


Thanks Simba. Your email is of great help. I live in Barcelona, Spain, and travel all the time between Barcelona and Madrid for my yoga workshops and need something light, not sleepery but still some good quality. Best….

Comment by Yozo — March 16, 2010 @ 5:06 am


LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this mat!!!! Greatest mat I’ve come across for hot yoga! , it really is sticky, bottom of the mat really grips the floor, I don’t feel like I’m sliding in two directions when in downward dog. Some one above had asked about a comparison between this mat and the JADE mat. I was about to purchase the Jade right before this came out. I have used the JADE mat and have to the MAT is wayyyy better with the JADE I was still feeling like I was sliding in postures. Am extremely happy with this mat. It is a heavier mat, but so is the Manduka and the Jade. Prob not something you would travel with.

If you are considering this mat I would highly recommend it, you won’t be disappointed!

Comment by Moksha_Addict — March 18, 2010 @ 3:31 pm


I just tried this mat in a hot, hot class and I love it! It was as sticky-grippy as promised, even at the very end of class when I was a sweaty beast.

Also, Simba — you’re incorrect about the discount lulu employees receive on product. Just thought I’d let you know! Happy practicing! :)

Comment by Rachel — March 26, 2010 @ 9:34 am


I love it B-GEL!! Can there REALLY be a mat that I love more than my Manduka?? WOW, super exciting. Can’t wait to try’er out!! :)

Comment by Caity — April 3, 2010 @ 4:12 am


I tried it and LOVE it. Unfortunately, I sweat a lot in a Moksha class( even as a girl) and my MAT let me down. I guess I sweat more than it could handle. But for any other practice that isn’t in the toasty room, I still sweat on my MAT and the MAT ROCK my world :) Thnx LULU another one of you amazing products!

Comment by Cxx — April 5, 2010 @ 8:10 pm


I have had 2 Jade mats and got this for its reputed better antislip properties during sweaty classes, as I perspire a lot. Tried it during an intense power yoga class today and once warmed up my hands constantly slipped and did not have a steady grip in down dog or bow pose such that I needed to spin the mat around and later add a towel under my hands. I do not know if it needs to be washed first to be more anti slip, but for me the Jade has more traction when wet with my sweat. I did not notice any of the alleged moisture absorption properties, sweat was pooling on the surface.

Comment by Craig — April 6, 2010 @ 1:49 pm


I just got the Mat as a gift for Mother’s Day, and when I took it out of the box, the smell was overwhelming. I hung the open mat outside on my banister for two days, but it still smells awful (like body odor and curry).
Today, I rubbed it down with Tea Tree oil – still smelled. Then I wiped it down with white vinegar and baking soda. Still smells!! Will I ever be able to use it?

Comment by Pam — May 17, 2010 @ 12:42 pm


Hi Pam! It’s common for new mats to have a distinct odour. Airing it outside and wiping it down with tea tree oil/water or lemon/water mixtures, or even scrubbing it with mild soap and water, will help the smell. The smell does take time to fade, but you will be able to use it smell-free eventually :)

Comment by Laura M — May 17, 2010 @ 1:10 pm


Try the Tapas Performance Mat, formerly the Mandara, made by Hugger Mugger. AWESOME. Everybody in my studio has gotten rid of their Jade, Mandukas, and everything in between in favor of this mat. Cheaper, and you can get it in an 84″ length for tall guys. ;)

Comment by anonymous — May 18, 2010 @ 10:15 am


The lululemon travel mat is THE BEST!!! It’s terrifically light, terrifically thin and terrifically no-slip. I use it at home on top of my regular manduka mat… There’s definitely no padding between you and the floor but hey, that’s what you get with an ultra-thin mat. I’m not a yoga-accessories kind of practitioner but this is a mat that everyone should have. Seriously!!

Comment by stace — June 9, 2010 @ 5:45 am


Hi – response to 20 (Craig). I found the same. I bought the travel mat as I’m about to head out for a month and am spending the week airing it out and breaking it in at my regular hot yoga class. This morning (after giving it a soak & 2 days to dry) I tried it and couldn’t even get into wheel as it slipped both on my grip AND on the floor…if I pushed off my toes too hard into up-dog the entire mat & me slid forward a couple inches. Unbelievably frustrating. And since I’ve spent a fair bit of time cleaning, etc. non-returnable.

I’ll give it the week and if it improves come back and repost, but I’m curious if any bigger guys have had similar problems; I’m 6’1″ and 200 lbs. And I really wish there was a way to buy these things pre-unstunk…I’d happily pay an extra $10 not to have to work through that rubber BO for it to eventually go away (how long is eventually anyway? 1 week, 1 month, 1 year?)

Conclusion – if you’re a bit bigger than average be hesitant on this one

Comment by Jeff — June 14, 2010 @ 10:28 am


I love the feel and function of this mat. I hate the rubber smell and two weeks in, I’m still loathe to put my face down on it and breathe that rubbery scent. I am also concerned about the antimicrobial Ultra Fresh treatment the mat has been through. I understand that some antimicrobials can be neurotoxins. I’m having a hard time finding information on this, but I will continue my research. I wonder if someone at Lululemon can tell me if it is hazardous to my health?

I searched for UltraFresh on the PAN database and found that it is given a 1-danger rating, meaning it has high toxicity. They don’t know yet if it will disrupt reproductive health or if it is a carcinogen, but toxicity means it killed rats when given to them in different ways; ie: subdural, rectal, ocular, etc…

I would really appreciate more information from Lululemon about this product and would like to know if they have done this research, if they have tested the safety of this mat and if it is safe for me and my unborn child.

Comment by Mary — July 4, 2010 @ 5:05 pm


I love the new mat. I wake up every day and cant wait to use it. The smell of b.o. and urine the yoga studio I go to doesn’t affect me at all when I’m face down on this mat!! I’m not kidding.

Comment by mary jones — July 5, 2010 @ 6:31 pm


Hi Mary! We definitely appreciate your concerns, and I wanted to thank you for bringing up this issue as I’m sure other people may be wondering the same thing.

The PAN database refers to Ultra-Fresh DW-56 biostat; our mat uses Ultra-Fresh DM 50. The Ultra-Fresh DM-50 used on our mat, which has been in use for over 30 years in multiple industries, is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States (Registration # 10466-28) and Health Canada ( Registration # 14498).

Please note that a registration is granted by the EPA after considerable amounts of chemical and toxicological information and environmental data have been submitted and reviewed. The EPA requires this information as it has a mandate to protect the U.S. public and the environment.

The percentage used on our mat is quite small as compared to the percentage referenced in the PAN database, which is larger. The percentage used on our mat is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4% of the weight of the PU layer on the mat, which is sufficient to stop the growth of bacteria, mildew and fungi. It should be noted that the PAN database is an unofficial membership sponsored tool that pulls from other databases (EPA, FIFRA, EU, etc).

I hope this helps with your concerns regarding the mat, and thank you again for posting this comment so others who may have the same concerns can see it as well!

Comment by Laura M — July 12, 2010 @ 12:35 pm


About earlier posts….my friend who worked at Lululemon in the last year received a 70% employee discount, so it is true. Also, I was wondering, is this mat new? Two years ago, I spent $55 + tax on a lululemon yoga mat and it was HORRIBLE. I never had problems with slipping on a yoga mat until I used the lululemon mat. It had NO traction and seemed to MAKE me sweat, which I had never noticed sweating during yoga before (at least not my feet) as I practice Iyengar yoga. I was EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED!

Comment by Naomi — August 9, 2010 @ 3:19 am


Hi Naomi,

The Mat is our newest style of yoga mat, and it was released for the first time this past spring. The one you purchased a couple of years ago would have been an older style of yoga mat. The Mat is extremely absorbent and slip-resistant, so if you have problems slipping on other mats this would be a great choice!

- Morgan, GEC Online Community

Comment by Morgan — August 10, 2010 @ 3:55 pm


A wonderful surface to be on and truly non slip but harder than the Manduka – not springier .I wanted extra padding for headstand

because of the rubber smell I left it out to air. So one of my little cats comes along and first sits on the mat and then claws it . First I screamed but then I realized this is a true lesson in non-attachment.

the question is now – what if anything should I do for the small but definite gouges?

Comment by Elka — August 20, 2010 @ 10:13 pm


Just to clarify, as a former Lulu educator I can assure you that employees do NOT receive a 70% discount, although there are plenty of other fantastic reasons to work there.

Comment by Sara — September 4, 2010 @ 11:09 am


and as a current lulu educator, the lovely former educator sara is right. we do not receive 70% discounts.
anyways, just bought THE MAT, and I loveee the thickness! smell was strong, but I left it on my balcony for 4 days and it is fine enough to use now.

Comment by jocey — September 7, 2010 @ 5:07 pm


As I had been practicing yoga on a biodegradable mat for almost two years. It had begun flaking and peeling, thus I knew it was time for a few one. I went to Lululemon and was allowed to unroll one of each of the yoga mats they sell to try each one out for myself right there in the store. Although I was extremely hesitant to buy it (becase of the price) I purchased The Mat just yesterday and have had two yoga practices on The Mat since. Although the price is quite hefty and I am by no means well-off enough to afford things pricey things, I was quite surprised to find that yesdarday’s $68 was the smartest $68 I have spent in a long while. I already know that I will have this mat forever and I recommend it to anyone who is a dedicated yogi. I must say, though, The Mat really does need to be cleaned after each practice; although sweat will eventually spead out and dry, the oil blotches on the mat from where my face (which isn’t “oily” to begin with) touched the mat will not go away without a good scrubbing with a natural solvent. ***I have it hanging over my shower curtain rod, and already the smell is already dissipating.

Comment by Charli — November 15, 2010 @ 9:27 am


I bought the Mat a couple of weeks ago – used it 3-4 times in one week in a hot yoga class and the mat started to seperate. They replaced it and I have had the replacement mat for less than 2 weeks and this mat is doing the same thing. It is slipping all over the floor and is seperating in between the layers. Anyone else have this problem. My friend bought the same mat in purple (mine was black) and has had NO problems.

Comment by Jennifer — March 21, 2011 @ 6:44 pm


Hi Jennifer,
I’m sorry to hear about the issues you’re seeing with your Mat. It’s strange to hear that both Mats you’ve purchased have done the same thing. This is not something we hear of very often, so head into your store and talk to an educator about working out a resolution.

As to the slipping, The Mat does need to be cleaned, as residue can clog the pores and reduce the grip. A little detergent in a spray bottle with some water should help remove any residue. Spray down your mat, wipe it clean,and let it air dry.
~ Laura

Comment by lululemon athletica GEC — March 23, 2011 @ 9:11 am


Just bought the Mat after being frustrated by slipping on the Manduka ( I mostly practice Ashtanga)and feeling like I couldn’t work harder and progress because I didn’t feel safe. I cleaned the mat with white vinegar before the first use and I slipped a lot. So I cleaned it with detergent and made sure I had NO body lotion on any part of me and it still was slippery.
So now I will try scrubbing it with a brush. I was told by the Lululemon customer service person that I was slipping because this mat is designed for Hot Yoga, not Ashtanga which I found strange since I sweat a lot in Ashtanga also! I will keep trying but was pretty disappointed in the response from the “educator”. I’m an educator also (teacher) and the explanation made no sense to me. This has been a frustrating experience considering the price of the Mat!

Comment by Jude — May 15, 2011 @ 12:47 pm


Hi Jude,
The Mat is designed to take you through your sweatiest yoga class, whether it’s in hot yoga, a vigorous Ashtanga class, or any other class where you sweat.

You mentioned that you cleaned your mat with vinegar before your first use. I’m not sure the of the impact vinegar can have on The Mat as we normally recommend a simple solution of water and detergent (I use mild dish soap). A drop or two in a spray bottle should do the trick for day to day cleaning.

It sounds like you might want to try a deeper clean. Submerging your mat in a tub of the solution mentioned above will help remove residue that may be clogging the pores of your mat, making it slippery. After submerging, squeeze out the excess water from your mat and give it plenty of time to air dry.

~ Laura, GEC Online Community

Comment by lululemon athletica GEC — May 17, 2011 @ 1:06 pm


I have to chime in how much I love my The Mat. It saved me from quitting yoga altogether because I couldn’t stay in downward facing dog on other mats. I do mainly Iyengar yoga, not a super sweaty yoga, and my Mat is great, no slipping or movement. I too gulped when I saw the price, but it’s been one of my best purchases ever. Thank goodness I found out about The Mat!

Comment by Deborah — June 22, 2011 @ 1:04 pm


I just purchased the Mat and have practiced with it several times and believe it to be much better than my Jade mat for hot vinyasa classes. With that being said, at the sweatiest times of class I do slip a little. I tried yogi-toes on top of the mat and also seemed to slide (the Mat is very dense), anyone else have the same experience?

Comment by Mike — June 28, 2011 @ 3:19 pm


hello. I would like to purchase one of these mats and possibly sell them along with your clothing line in my yoga studio.. unfortunately we do not have a Lululemon ANYWHERE nearby! boo!! I see that this “the mat” is sold out.. when will you be getting more in? please advise and also let me know who I should be in contact with regarding selling the inventory.. thank you so very much… Namaste

stephanie penhollow
studio owner/teacher
destin hot yoga
888.778.9642

Comment by stephanie penhollow — July 5, 2011 @ 8:25 am


Hi Stephanie,

The Mat is something that we frequently see restocks of. If you don’t see it online here http://bit.ly/pRKrxk, keep an eye on the website and more will come up soon.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our strategic sales partners, check out our website to read more on the program: http://www.lululemon.com/wholesale/

Cheers!
Laura

Comment by lululemon athletica GEC — July 6, 2011 @ 10:35 am


I smashed the edge of my new mat in the car trunk and it ripped about an inch lengthwise. Can you think of a tape that would adhere to it, or a glue, that I can use to stop it from ripping further? Should I just cut that end off – if so how could I do it neatly?

Comment by Anne — August 6, 2011 @ 5:30 am


Hey Anne,

Sorry to hear about your mat! This is the first we’ve heard of a mat ripping like that. I would recommend taking it into your local store so they can have a look and see if it’s something that could be repaired.

~ Jordan
GEC Online Community

Comment by GEC Online Community — August 12, 2011 @ 3:07 pm


I just bought THE MAT yesterday and agree that it is the best mat i’ve ever had. I am a particularly sweaty girl and this mat held me solid through what felt like a bazillion downward facing dogs. I wonder if some of you slippers out there had the mat upside down. I made that mistake at first. As soon as i flipped the smoother side up (spongy down) i was in business.

I didnt look at the price before buying (thank goodness, cause i wouldnt have bought it) but there’s no way im returning it. Another bummer is how heavy it is (i walk a mile to the yoga studio) but it’s worth the extra effort for a map that doesn’t slip at all. I was dripping sweat from my nose onto the mat and made some pretty interesting body priints during my sessinon but my hands and feet gripped strong. Amazing!!!!!

Comment by Carrie — August 22, 2011 @ 4:29 pm


Slipping in yoga has cursed me from my beginning years ago.. and then I started using THE MAT. Absolutely amazing. I was unsure how to clean the mat and had heard from different people they used different mat oils, tea tree, etc. and others were strongly against it saying only water.

End of a long story – I bought the Yoga Mat Spray from Saje assured by the salesperson it would not make the mat slippy or ruin it. Well – let me tell you. Totally slippy. My boyfriend rocks the same mat and I compared them (his had not been cleaned with the Mat Spray)… mine was super slippy compared to his. He tried my mat without me telling him I’d cleaned it with oil and asked why it was slippier?

So… my question is: Can oil based natural cleaning products be used on the mat? and is there any way to get rid of the oil and slipperiness?

Comment by Megs — October 28, 2011 @ 3:30 pm


Hi! I am accustomed to the rubbery smell having been exposed to many mats. However ‘The Mat’ emits an unmistakable of menstrual fluid. This is foul and very distracting to me when others around me in class use it. Many students where I practice have given the same feedback and our studio owner wonders about banning it. Please alter the product to make the scent more studio friendly.

Comment by Elizabeth — January 15, 2012 @ 12:19 am


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