Yoga mats

Natural Health, May, 2008 by Daniel Mazori

Because we believe yogis should practice in harmony with nature, we tested dozens of yoga mats for support, stability, portability, and eco-stewardship. These four perform well on the floor and are free of the carcinogenic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and phthalates found in many conventional mats.

PORTABLE Weighing 3.5 lbs, Manduka's eKO Life Mat ($39.50, manduka.com) is as light on your shoulders and back as it is on the earth--it's biodegradable and free of toxic materials.

SUPPORTIVE Extra plush and padded with natural rubber, the Natural Yoga Mat by Prana ($48, prana.com) protects your most sensitive joints and bones--perfect if you're working with an injury.

VERSATILE Barefoot Yoga's 4-mm Original Eco Yoga Mat ($65, barefootyoga.com) has visible jute fibers woven into the mat. The jute is soft to the touch and helps the mat last longer, while the natural rubber underside grips every floor type.

NONSLIP Your sweaty palms and toes will stay put on the Supernatural Yoga Mat by Lululemon Athletica ($48, lululemon.com) thanks to a mesh pattern design on all-natural rubber.

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