Gearhead Picks: Manduka Pro

All yoga mats are the same, right? In this episode of Gearhead Picks, yoga enthusiast Nic DeSeelhorst talks about the features of his favorite mat, the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat, and shares some yoga poses to help you warm up before an activity, whether you’re skiing, trail running, or climbing.

Hey, I’m Nic, a Backcountry Gearhead. I ski, trail run, and climb, which are all super fun but can be hard on the body. To stay strong, flexible, and healthy, I practice yoga. I got my yoga teacher training certificate in college to better understand yoga and how it can help you perform better off the mat and on the trail. 

Today, on Gearhead Picks, I’m going to talk to you about my favorite mat, the Manduka Pro, and show you a few poses that are great for warming up.

I love that this mat is made from eco-certified PVC so it’s not damaging to the environment. It’s also slip-resistant, so you won’t start sliding around, even when you’re 45 minutes into your practice. I take it everywhere with me and it gets an ‘A’ for durability.  You won’t need to replace it for a long time!

Now, let’s move into some poses. 

Warming up is crucial because it prepares your body for movement. It wakes up your muscles, joints, and ligaments to prevent strain or injury as you transition through poses.

Each of these poses will activate your muscles and prepare your body for movement,  resulting in increased mobility and the breakdown of your body’s connective tissue, which stiffens up throughout the day 

Technique is key when it comes to yoga. Keeping your body aligned with its natural posture is critical to building strength.

Focus on breathing as you move. Long, deep breaths let your body to enter a relaxed state which promotes physical and mental health.

Thanks for checking out Gearhead Picks! If you have questions about the Manduka Pro or just want some tips for recovering after a big day in the mountains, you can reach out to our Gearheads or contact Nic directly.