This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. This is of no cost to you and does not change the price or our recommendations. No free products or samples were used in the evaluation of this review. This review is based on first-hand experience with the Oko-Living Yoga Mat.
If you’re ready to take your yoga practice to the next level, I have now found my new favorite yoga mat and I’m so excited to share this full review with you.
Since my first days on the mat back in 2001, or obtaining my yoga teacher training in 2009, I have gone through a ton of yoga mats! The Oko Living Yoga mat stands out as one of the best since it is made with the finest quality cotton, offering the perfect balance between comfort and stability, allowing you to unleash your inner yogi with every pose and challenge you in both strength, flexibility, and peace of mind.
In this honest review, I will delve into the features, benefits, and overall experience of using The Oko Living Yoga Mat. From its non-slip surface that keeps you grounded during even the most challenging asanas, to its eco-friendly and sustainable construction, this mat is designed to enhance your practice while aligning with your values.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, the Oko Living Yoga mat is the perfect companion for your grounding yoga practice. So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into this review to discover how this mat can transform your yoga sessions.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Yoga Mat
When it comes to yoga, the mat you choose can make all the difference in your practice. Choosing a non-toxic mat is the first step in deciding on your new mat. Before switching over to this mat, I noticed that my traditional yoga mats had this chemical smell and would off-gas even years into owning the mats. I realized that that that awful smell is not only unpleasant, but also toxic, potentially contributing to a myriad of health problems.
A high-quality yoga mat is worth the investment and provides the necessary cushioning and grip to support your body as you move through different poses, ensuring that you can focus on your breath and alignment without worrying about slipping or discomfort. The Oko Living Yoga mat is not only designed to meet these needs, but I love how the organic cotton also offers grounding properties as a cotton yoga mat, setting it apart from other mats on the market.
Features and Benefits of the Oko Living Yoga Mat
The Oko Living Yoga Mat boasts a variety of features that make it a standout choice for yogis of all levels. Firstly, I love the ridgest built-into the cotton, helping to provide a non-slip surface, yet still challenging me to hold my downward dog even longer. I found the mat to be super absorbent and grips well even during the sweatiest and most challenging of yoga sessions. This means that you can flow through your practice with confidence, knowing that your hands won’t slip and your mat will stay in place due to the natural rubber on the underside of the mat.
In addition to its superior grip, Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat is also known for its exceptional comfort. The mat is made from high-quality organic cotton, which offers just the right amount of cushioning for a cotton yoga mat to support your joints while also feeling the ground below you. I found that I was even more balanced on this mat as opposed to other natural rubber mat, since I felt even more connected with the ground below me. This balance between comfort and stability I found crucial for maintaining proper alignment and preventing imbalance during your practice.
Another notable feature of Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat is its eco-friendly and sustainable construction. The mat is made from natural materials, with no harmful chemicals or toxins, making it a safe and healthy choice for both you and the environment. The cotton used in the mat is also sourced from sustainable and ethically responsible farms, ensuring that your purchase supports a more conscious and sustainable way of living.
Materials Used in Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat
Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat is made from 100% organic cotton, which is known for its durability and softness. The cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it not only good for your health but also for the planet. The mat’s natural rubber backing provides stability and prevents any slippage, even on smooth surfaces.
The use of natural materials in Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat also means that it is free from harmful chemicals, such as PVC or phthalates, which are commonly found in other yoga mats. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as well as for anyone who wants to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful substances.
The dyes used to color Oko Living Yoga Mat are natural and eco-friendly made from plants, herbs, and commonly found ingredients.
How Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat Enhances Your Yoga Practice
Using the Oko Living Yoga Mat can greatly enhance your yoga practice in several ways. Firstly, the mat’s ridges ensure that you can move through your practice with confidence and stability. I found this particularly helpful during sun salutations and asanas requiring a flow. This is also important for more advanced poses or sequences that require a strong foundation and a steady grip. With the Oko Living Yoga Mat, you can focus on your breath and alignment, knowing that your mat will support you every step of the way.
The mat’s superior grounding properties provide excellent support for your joints, allowing you to hold poses for longer periods without discomfort or strain. This is especially beneficial for hatha or ashtanga based practices, where flow is encouraged to promote flexibility, deep stretching, and increased heart rate. I loved taking this mat outside, it was the perfect mat for the beach or the park.
Additionally, the Oko Living Yoga Mat’s eco-friendly and sustainable construction aligns with the principles of yoga, which emphasize the importance of living in harmony with the environment. By choosing a mat that is made from natural, organic, and sustainable materials, you are not only taking care of yourself but also contributing to a healthier planet.
Honest Review of Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat
Now that we’ve explored the features and benefits of Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat, let’s dive into an honest review of this product. As an avid yogi since 2001, I’ve had the opportunity to test out many different yoga mats, and I must say that Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat stands out as one of the best.
One of the first things I noticed about this mat is its exceptional portability. The travel mat is under 2lbs and comes with a carrying bag, allowing you to take it anywhere easily and lightly.
Also, no matter how sweaty my hands or feet got during my practice, the mat remained firmly in place, allowing me to flow through my sequences without any slips or slides. This was a game-changer for me, as I’ve struggled with slippery mats in the past, which often disrupted my focus and affected my confidence in certain poses.
The comfort provided by Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat is also worth mentioning. The cushioning is just right – not too soft, yet supportive enough to protect my joints during challenging flows. I found that I could hold poses for longer periods in balancing poses without any discomfort or strain, which allowed me to deepen my practice and explore new boundaries.
Another aspect of this mat that I appreciate is its eco-friendly construction. As someone who strives to live a more sustainable lifestyle, it’s important for me to choose products that align with my values. Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat is made from natural and sustainable materials, including over 20 ayurvedic Medicinal Plant Dyes (Iike Turmeric, Neem and Holy Basil).
The packaging is also 100% biodegradable and plastic-free, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Washing the Oko Living Yoga Mat is easy, as all I have to do is throw it in the machine and hang it to dry. They also send you wildcrafted soap nut laundry detergent along with your mat, but I found that washing it with any natural laundry detergent, such as laundry detergent sheets, was good enough.
Comparing Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat with Other Popular Yoga Mats
While Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat is undoubtedly a standout choice, it’s always helpful to compare it with other popular mats on the market. In my experience, I’ve found that Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat offers a unique combination of grip, comfort, and sustainability that is hard to find in other mats.
For example, compared to traditional PVC mats, Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat is far superior in terms of grounding, comfort, and toxicity. PVC mats tend to become slippery when wet, making it difficult to maintain stability in challenging poses. Additionally, PVC is a synthetic material that is not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals when heated, posing potential health risks.
Similarly, compared to rubber mats, Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat offers a more grounding and balanced surface. Rubber mats can sometimes feel too firm or rigid, which can be uncomfortable for those with sensitive knees or wrists. Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat strikes the perfect balance between support and softness, allowing for a more enjoyable and connected practice.
Pros and Cons of Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat
To summarize the pros and cons of Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat:
Pros:
– Excellent grip, even during the sweatiest sessions
– Comfortable, supportive, and grounding
– Made from organic cotton and natural rubber
– Eco-friendly and sustainable construction
– Suitable for yogis of all levels
Cons:
– Slightly more expensive than some other mats on the market
– Requires regular cleaning and care to maintain its grip and freshness
Where to Buy Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat
If you’re ready to unleash your inner yogi with Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat, you can purchase it directly from the Oko Living website or from select retailers. Buying directly from the Oko Living website ensures that you’re getting an authentic product, backed by their quality guarantee. Additionally, purchasing from the website often comes with the added benefit of free shipping and special offers.
For our readers only, Oko Living has offered Simple n’ Delight reader $10 off using the code: Simplendelight10
Conclusion
In conclusion, I found the Oko Living Yoga Mat to be a game-changer for yogis of all levels. With its exceptional grip and ridges, organic cotton and dyes, and eco-friendly construction, this mat offers everything you need to enhance your practice and align with your values.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi looking to deepen your practice or a beginner just starting your journey, Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat is the perfect companion for your yoga sessions. So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and get ready to unleash your inner yogi with Oko Living’s Cotton Yoga Mat. Namaste!
3 Responses
Thank you for this extensive post about Oko Yoga mat! I am impressed it is made out of cotton, this is so much better for the environment. I really want to try it out.
This is very informative…thanks for sharing!
Searching for a new mat now!