I bought a yoga mat!

Even though I’m sick and sound like Darth Vador when I talk because I’m losing my voice…

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…I got really happy because my NEW yoga mat came in today!

I have been going to yoga more often because of my hips. And I decided that I have been going enough that I can invest in a nicer yoga mat. I had been thinking about just using my yoga towel because my hands slip every time I tried to do a downward dog, but that means I have to wash it often or have some extra things to carry. What if I want to have something really light and not to bulky?! Dave bought me my Garmin Forerunner and that is really what helped me get really serious about running, so why not get a nice yoga mat to help me really get into my yoga practice? This is what finally pushed me to think that it is ok for me to buy a yoga mat.

I had talked to a few friends and the big debate was a Jade or a Manduka. It seemed like the Manduka is the queen of all yoga mats, but also more expensive because of that. The Jade is a good happy medium between quality and affordability.

After my research, I ordered the 68″ (standard length) Jade 1/8″ travel mat and CANNOT WAIT TO USE IT!

Special thanks to the following for your advice:

• Kristina
• Rosemary
• Chrissy
• Erin
• Colleen

Some articles that helped me in my research:

• Jade vs. Manduka: Yoga Mat Throwdown
• Manduka vs. Jade One Year Later
• Mat Buying Guide
• Best Yoga Mats and Rugs

Do you use material rewards as motivation for fitness activities?

Unfortunately it is a bad habit of mine. I will reward myself with clothing or cool tech to help motivate me to keep going! I am often self motivated anyways, but sometimes when you are in a slump, the material motivation helps me.