If you’re searching for the best yoga mat, you’re not alone. As a yoga teacher who’s been practicing for over 12 years, I’ve tested just about everything and recently unboxed the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat to see how it stacks up against my longtime mats from Lululemon and Gaiam. Let’s talk more about the Manduka Pro yoga mat vs Lululemon yoga mat.
Let’s break down the comparison and help you decide which mat is best for your practice.
💡 Affiliate Link: Get the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat on Amazon
Why I Chose the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat vs Lululemon
I’ve only had three yoga mats over the years, so I don’t upgrade lightly. My go-to Lululemon mat had two big issues:
- It’s too slippery unless used with a towel (especially in hot yoga)
- It lacks the padding I now need after a tibia/fibula injury
The Manduka Pro caught my eye because:
- It’s known for durability
- It offers more cushion
- And it’s designed for high-performance grip
✨ I chose the Deep Sea color, a rich teal green that’s both calming and energizing—one of my favorite colors for practice.
First Impressions: Unboxing & Setup
Straight out of the box, the Manduka Pro feels sturdy and substantial. While not the lightest (similar in weight to my Lululemon mat), it lays flat immediately and feels high-quality.
🛒 Affiliate Link: Shop the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat Here
I didn’t order the extra-long version (though it’s available!). At 5’10”, the standard 71-inch version works just fine for me.
Grip Test: Manduka Pro Yoga Mat vs. Lululemon
To test the grip, I rolled out both mats side-by-side:
- Manduka Pro: noticeably stickier. My hands stayed put in Downward Dog, even with my post-injury tightness and sweaty palms. However, I will say since I bought this yoga mat, I’ve found the Lifeform is even better for sweaty hands and feet.
- Lululemon: I was sliding all over, unless I used a towel (better for hot yoga only).
As someone who sweats a lot, hand traction is a real concern. While I might still look into methods to enhance the Manduka grip even more (salt scrubs, break-in tips, etc.), it’s already a huge improvement.
🧼 I also picked up some Manduka mat cleaner to keep things fresh between sessions.
🛒 Affiliate Link: Grab the Manduka Yoga Mat Cleaner
Final Thoughts: Is the Manduka Pro Worth It?
✅ Yes, especially if:
- You practice regularly
- You’re recovering from injury or need more cushion
- You sweat a lot and need better grip
⛔ Maybe not if:
- You’re looking for a lightweight mat for frequent travel (try Gaiam or Manduka eKO Lite instead)
I’m excited to try this in my next yoga class and will keep exploring ways to break it in even more. If you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
Ready to Upgrade Your Yoga Practice?
Here are your quick links:
- 🛒 Manduka Pro Yoga Mat – Shop on Amazon
- 🧼 Manduka Mat Cleaner – Get it here
- 🎥 Watch the full unboxing video on YouTube – Watch now
Have you tried the Manduka Pro? Drop your tips in the comments. I’d love to hear how you broke in your mat or enhanced the grip!
