The Original ecoYoga Mat Debuts at Toronto Yoga Conference

By
Lori Bosworth
-
164
The Original ecoYoga Mat in five shades
The Original ecoYoga Mat in five shades

The Toronto Yoga Conference and Show returns March 31 to April 3, 2016 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and ecoYoga Canada will be introducing The Original ecoYoga Mat at the show. (We’re giving away an ecoYoga Mat…see giveaway details below.)

Most people practice yoga for improved health benefits so it’s important that the yoga accessories they use support this goal. Many yoga mats contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that can be harmful to the respiratory system, liver and central nervous system. In addition, most yoga mats contain phthalates to prevent them from slipping. These chemicals, which can cause cancer, can leach out of the yoga mat during use.

The Original ecoYoga Mat in Natural
The Original ecoYoga Mat in Natural

The Original ecoYoga Mat is made in the U.K. and is PVC free, TPR free and PER free. Features of this eco-friendly yoga mat include:

  • 100% natural, made from sustainably grown and harvested plant-based materials including specifically-formulated rubber and 100% natural jute
  • Durability (should last 2-10 years depending on use and care of mat)
  • Machine washable
  • Biodegradable (can be composted)
  • Recyclable

If you’re wondering what jute is, it is also known as burlap or hessian, a sustainable plant grown in India. Jute has antimicrobial properties for particularly sweaty yoga classes.

I was very interested to learn why The Original ecoYoga Mat, which retails for $89.50/$96.50 in Canada, is produced in the U.K. as opposed to China or Taiwan, which would result in a more affordable mat. The company advises that there are no Fair Trade standards in the jute industries in China and Taiwan. The jute supplied for The Original ecoYoga Mat is supplied by a Scottish company with long-time ties with the jute producers in India.

The Original ecoYoga Mat in five shades
The Original ecoYoga Mat in five shades

The Original ecoYoga Mat comes in five colours including Natural, Deep Lavender, Lichen Green, Coral Red and Ash Grey and is available in two sizes: 72″ ($89.50) and 84″ ($96.50). I received a complimentary ecoYoga Mat in Coral Red to complete this review.

The first thing I noticed when I removed The Original ecoYoga Mat from the wrapping was that there was no rubber smell. The next thing I noticed was the gorgeous colour of the Coral Red yoga mat and the beautiful weave. I also liked that the 72″ mat was longer than comparable yoga mats, which is great for the Warrior poses or Downward Facing Dog where you are stretched out along the mat.

I placed The Original ecoYoga Mat on my hardwood floor and practiced several yoga poses including standing and sitting poses using the yoga mat. The ecoYoga Mat had great traction and did not slip on my floor. [ECOYOGA Canada does advise that if your ecoYoga Mat gets dusty, it will lose its grip so it’s important to either machine wash the mat and hang to dry or clean the mat in a shower and roll the mat within a towel to remove excess water.] The thickness of The Original ecoYoga Mat is 4 mm, which gives you enough cushioning without losing connection with the ground.

I’m impressed with The Original ecoYoga Mat for several reasons: it contains no PVC; it comes in gorgeous colours; the length of the mat ensures you will have enough space for your yoga practice; and ecoYoga mat is not made in countries that have no Fair Trade standards for their jute industries.

You can purchase The Original ecoYoga Mat at the Toronto Yoga Conference and Show (visit ecoYoga Canada at Booth #1210) or at ecoYoga Canada.

The Original ecoYoga Mat in Deep Lavender
The Original ecoYoga Mat in Deep Lavender

Enter Our Giveaway to Win The Original ecoYoga Mat, $89.50. Open to Canadian residents, 19+.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary The Original ecoYoga Mat in order to complete my review.

This contest appears on ContestCanada.net

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164 COMMENTS

  5. I have just signed up for a yoga class. My doctor thinks it would be great for my ongoing back problems to increase my flexibility.

  6. I do both yoga and pilates at our community center. Love it. Although I’m not very flexible, I think I am improving. And I love the feeling after completing each and every class.

  8. Yes I do yoga with my daughter and friends and I enjoy it very much!!
    This mat would be a blessing to have! 🙂

  10. Yes I do yoga with my friends and my daughter.I have so much more energy
    and enjoy it every time we go.I think this mat would be a blessing to have.
    Thanks so much for the opportunity to participate. 🙂

  13. Yes I have been practicing for quite a few years. Love how it releases tension, is great for strengthening and stretching and can be done almost anywhere with a good mat.

  26. trying again

    Yoga is improving my flexability.

    This larger mat would be beneficial because I am tall

  28. I love yoga. I have not been in a few months but I need to get back. I really find it beneficial.

  37. Yoga has always helped me mentally and physically. Nothing is better for you in this stressful world. Love the colours this mat is available in: the lavender mat looks so welcoming and soothing!

  39. This looks like a really high quality yoga mat, with great colour options. Would love to own one of these!

  51. I have not yet practiced yoga, but after my baby is born I am very interested in trying it.

  52. Yes I do 3x a week practicing hot yoga.

    Thank you for the chance – I really love to replace my current mat.

  73. No I don’t do yoga but my daughter learned yoga techniques in phys-ed class last month & has taken a real interest in it! Would love to give this to her.

  76. I would Love to take up yoga !! I was just talking to my daughter about it this morning on Skype. She was telling me about going to yoga on her lunch hour and how great she feels. Thank you for this Wonderful giveaway 🙂

  106. I do practice yoga, I’m slightly out of practice right now and I feel stiff though. I need to get my routine in order.

  117. Yes, I do yoga. My company offers yoga classes during lunch and before/after work to help reduce stress and I wholeheartedly participate in this perk. Thanks!

  125. I have done yoga off and on for a few years, but Ive never had my own mat and would most likely do it more if I did.

  128. I do yoga as a way to stretch and relax, both in the mornings when I find the time, and in the evenings, before I get ready for bed. It’s so beneficial, even if it isn’t always on schedule!

  147. Not as much as I would like. I do practice Pilate weekly though and need a mat for that as well. I participate in Yoga when I have time off work as my favourite class at my gym is only during the day.

  149. Occasionally. I hope to join a class one day with a proper instructor instead of just trying it on my own.

  151. I have tried it a couple of times and really enjoyed it. I would like to try to fit it in to my routine more often.

  164. Yoga is the only way to go… to find an exercise calming, spiritual and strengthen is amazing!

Comments are closed.