Features of the POSA NonSlip Ultima mat series
The POSA NonSlip Ultima line of professional, super-grippy rubber yoga and fitness mats are great for any time of practice, from serene stretching to intense dynamic workouts, including ashtanga and vinyasa flow. Dialing in the polyurethane coating's physical and mechanical parameters allowed us to create a mat with high durability, a surface that's pleasant to the touch, and a superior grip. This outstanding grip is available at the beginning of practice, reaches its peak when your palms have warmed up a little bit, and holds strong even when you start sweating heavily. The solid connection with the surface is made possible by the special polyurethane layer. The mat's rubber base makes it very rugged for working with props, and it also fixes it reliably to the floor; during intense sessions the mat will not "jump up" from the floor. The 3.5mm thickness allows you to feel the surface of the floor with confidence, even in the most difficult balance poses. For experienced practitioners this mat provides comfort and will help you reach the next level of mastery.
Surface features
The tactile polyurethane surface resembles a dolphin's skin; it's often called "polyurethane leather" (PU-leather). It features a high level of adhesion to all types of materials under a wide spectrum of temperatures and moisture levels. The mat's polyurethane coating holds millions of microscopic pores that instantly absorb moisture when you touch the surface. Even if you sweat heavily, a film of water will not appear on the surface and your palms and soles will stay solidly planted.
What type of yoga is it made for?
POSA NonSlip Pro mats are appropriate for any type of yoga. They are highly recommended for the most active types of practice: Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, power variations of Hatha yoga. You can use them for fitness and gymnastics of any intensity where a stable surface is required. We recommend practicing without wearing shoes. Use of shoes with a clean, soft sole are permitted.
When are these mats not recommended?
For those with sensitive joints, this 3.5 mm rubber mat may feel a bit harsh. If this is the case, please have a look at our thicker NonSlip Pro 6mm version. Excessive grip from the surface can hinder certain dances and gymnastic routines. In some cases Ashtanga practitioners prefer Asana Travel mats with a fabric surface for easier vinyasa execution. For everything else, this is the most universal mat in the POSA lineup.
Mat thickness for the POSA NonSlip Ultima series is 3.5 mm
This mat has medium firmness, medium shock absorption, and medium heat transfer. Experienced practitioners will see the value in being able to feel the floor beneath them. Beginning practitioners may need some time to get used to the level of shock absorption. During meditations, pranayama practices, and lengthy executions of static asanas on your back on a cold floor, we recommend using a rug or additional mat to protect your body from getting too cold.
Mat size for POSA NonSlip Ultima is 183x61 cm
This size was chosen based on the average size of an adult of European descent (177 cm for men and 169 cm for women). It provides the ideal amount of comfort during workouts while allowing us to keep the mat's weight to a minimum.
Mat weight is 2250 grams
The NonSlip Ultima mat combines optimal thickness with moderate weight. This rubber mat is easy to take with you to the yoga studio as well as for home use.
Reinforcing layer
The reinforcing layer inside the mat makes it safe to execute asanas that require you to spread your feet wide. It also extends the useful life of the mat by preventing rips. Mats without reinforcing webbing are not appropriate for yoga.
POSA NonSlip Ultima mats are antimicrobial
The surface is made of synthetic materials, which make it very difficult for mold, fungus, and other microorganisms to survive and spread. Between the surface and the rubber base lies a special layer that prevents sweat from penetrating the mat's base. With that in mind, the surface has strong adhesive properties, which means it may collect dust, while the rubber base may absorb dirt and moisture from the floor (for example, during outdoor sessions or hot yoga practice). We recommend you wipe down the mat with a moist towel after every session, and regularly rinse it off with water.
POSA NonSlip Pro mats are non-toxic and hypoallergenic
They don't give off any pungent substances or gases while you practice in the heat, and also don't trigger allergies or irritate the skin.
How does the POSA NonSlip Ultima 3.5mm differ from the NonSlip Pro 6mm?
Besides thickness, the most important tangible differences are the weight and shock absorption. Depending on your type of practice, physiology, and individual preferences, you might need a more or less thick mat. Some people feel wobbly on a thick 6 mm mat or they just prefer to feel the surface of the ground beneath them, and so they choose the NonSlip Ultima 3.5mm version. Others start to feel uncomfortable while pressing their elbows and knees into a 3.5 mm mat and so they choose the NonSlip Pro 6mm. Many practitioners have also noted that the NonSlip Ultima 3.5 mat is noticeably heavier than the more lightweight NonSlip Pro 6mm.
Advantages of NonSlip Ultima 3.5mm compared to NonSlip Pro 6mm
When using various hard props such as balls, blocks, massage rollers, chairs, etc., as well as when practicing outdoors on uneven surfaces, the NonSlip Ultima mats are longer-lasting since the rubber base is tougher and harder to dent or damage.
You may notice a difference during more dynamic practice if you land hard on the mat with your feet. Due to its heavier weight the NonSlip Ultima mat adheres to floor more securely and won't bounce around.
Drawbacks of NonSlip Ultima 3.5mm compared to NonSlip Pro 6mm
Caring for a mat with a rubber base is a little more complicated, especially after practicing frequently outdoors, and in particular on grass, dirt, or sand, or during hot yoga sessions. The rubber base may absorb dust due to its porosity, and it also might dry out and produce rubber dust. Without necessary and timely care, a natural rubber base may develop mold and fungus. After a wash, the NonSlip Ultima mat with rubber base may take 12 or more hours to fully dry out. If you practice in similar conditions, it would be in your best interest to carefully look after your mat.
Gorgeous POSA design
Yoga practice is not just physical work, but energetic work as well. We place a lot of emphasis on our design. The lineup of bold, modern prints allows you to pay attention to yourself. The calming prints will highlight your own elegance. Your sessions will bring you aesthetic pleasure, while your mat will become a new source of strength, where energy is expanded and health is fortified.
Safety measures
Follow these simple guidelines to extend the useful life of your mat and make your practice more comfortable:
- Wash your hands and feet before practice to remove the oil from your skin.
- Don't use hand creams or lotions before practice. Creams with silicon-based additives can make your skin slippery for up to 72 hours.
- Always roll your mat with the top layer facing out, otherwise the corners will begin to curl up and the surface will deteriorate.
- Don't bend or kink your mat inward, especially the printed layer. This may damage the exterior surface.
- Don't wear shoes during practice. Clean, soft-soled shoes are permitted.
- Choose a level space for your practice. Uneven spots may damage the mat's base and cause injury during a failed attempt to exit an asana.
- Don't use soap or other agents meant for cleaning your body. They will establish an oily film. Use only a highly diluted dish detergent or laundry powder.
- Don't soak your mat and don't wash it with hot water. The ideal temperature is 30°C.
- Keep your mat away from the claws of animals.
- Keep your mat away from heating elements.
You can find a detailed description of the other POSA mat series on the "Series features" pages within the catalogue of each corresponding series: POSA Align, NonSlip Pro, NonSlip Travel, and Asana Travel. If you are finding it difficult to pick the right mat, please look over our series selection guide.