My Honest Review of the Liforme Yoga Mat – After 2 Years
I have been using the Liforme yoga mat for about 2 years now, usually three to four times a week, and it has held up really well.
When I first started yoga, I spent time looking for a mat that has good quality and eco-friendly. Liforme kept appearing in my research and it was also recommended by a family member who practices yoga and cares about sustainability, so I had to give it a try.
The grip has been the biggest pros. Even after two years, it still feels steady, which makes harder sessions much easier. It is comfortable to move on, supportive for balance work, and hasn’t shown any major wear apart from normal signs of use.
If you are thinking about getting one, the rest of this review goes through my full experience so you can decide if it works for your own practice. I have also bought my husband his own Liforme yoga mat recently.
Close Up
The Liforme yoga mat comes with a carrier bag for easy transport of your yoga mat
The natural rubber provides a sturdy, slip-resistant foundation.
The eco-polyurethane top layer offers excellent grip and durability.
The 2nd Yoga Mat from Liforme
Things to Consider When Choosing Yoga Mat
When selecting a yoga mat, consider several key factors to ensure it meets your practice needs and personal preferences. Here are the main aspects to keep in mind.
Material
The material of a yoga mat significantly affects its grip, durability, and eco-friendliness.
Natural rubber and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) are excellent choices due to their non-toxic properties and superior traction. Natural rubber provides a firm grip and is highly durable, while TPE is known for being lightweight and recyclable.
Both materials are better for the environment compared to traditional PVC mats, offering a more sustainable option for eco-conscious practitioners.
Thickness
The thickness of a yoga mat impacts both comfort and stability.
Thicker mats, typically around 4-6mm, provide extra cushioning, making them ideal for those with sensitive joints or who prefer a softer surface during practice. These mats are particularly beneficial for restorative and yin yoga practices where poses are held for longer periods.
On the other hand, thinner mats, around 1-3mm, offer greater stability and a stronger connection to the floor, which is essential for balance poses and dynamic practices like Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga. Consider your specific needs and the type of yoga you practice most frequently when deciding on thickness.
Portability
Portability is an important factor, especially if you plan to carry your mat to classes, outdoor sessions, or while travelling.
Lightweight mats are easier to transport and store, making them convenient for yogis on the go. However, it’s important to balance portability with other factors such as durability and comfort.
Some mats come with carrying straps or bags, adding to their convenience. Consider how often you’ll be moving your mat and choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Why I Choose the Liforme Yoga Mat
1. Superior Grip
With other cheaper mats, I always found myself slipping during my poses, especially the downward-facing dog, which disrupted my flow and made it difficult to maintain stability.
However, with the Liforme yoga mat, this is no longer an issue. Liforme mats are renowned for their GripForMe technology, which provides a good level of grip.
This superior traction ensures stability during my practice, allowing me to focus more on my poses and less on the fear of slipping.
2. Unique Alignment Guide
One of the standout features of the Liforme yoga mat is its unique AlignForMe system. This etched design helps practitioners maintain proper alignment in various poses, making it an good tool for both beginners and experienced yogis.
The alignment markers guide you to position your hands and feet correctly, enhancing the effectiveness of your practice.
However, it’s important not to rely solely on these markers. Instead, adjust your alignment according to your body’s needs to ensure you are practicing safely and comfortably.
3. Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is at the heart of Liforme’s mission. The mats are made from biodegradable, non-toxic materials, including natural rubber and eco-polyurethane. Liforme is particularly proud of its eco-polyurethane, which is designed to biodegrade within 1-5 years when disposed of in landfill conditions. This rapid biodegradability is a significant advancement compared to conventional yoga mats made from PVC, which can take hundreds of years to break down and release harmful chemicals during decomposition.
The base of the Liforme yoga mat is also made of natural rubber, which is responsibly sourced. This natural rubber provides a firm, stable foundation for the mat while being more environmentally friendly than synthetic alternatives. By using natural rubber and eco-polyurethane, Liforme significantly reduces the ecological footprint of their mats.
This commitment to using environmentally friendly components ensures that you are practising on a mat free from harmful chemicals, contributing to a healthier planet and a safer practice environment. With Liforme, you can enjoy a high-performance yoga mat that aligns with your values of sustainability and eco-consciousness.
4. Durability
Liforme mats are designed to last. The high-quality materials and construction methods used ensure that the mat can withstand regular, intense use without deteriorating.
Users often report that the mat maintains its grip, cushioning, and appearance even after months of heavy practice.
5. Comfort and Support
With a thickness of 4.2mm, the Liforme yoga mat offers a perfect balance of comfort and support. It provides adequate cushioning to protect your joints during long sessions, while still being firm enough to provide the stability needed for balance poses.
For me personally, I would prefer it to be a bit thicker. Despite this, the mat still provides a good level of comfort and support.
6. Stylish and Functional Designs
The mats come in a variety of attractive colors and designs, allowing you to choose one that reflects your personal style.
The aesthetic appeal of the Liforme mat, combined with its functional benefits, makes it a pleasure to use.
7. Endorsed by Practitioners
Many yoga instructors and practitioners highly recommend the Liforme mat for its performance and quality.
Positive testimonials from the yoga community can give you confidence in the mat’s ability to meet your needs and enhance your practice.
How to Care for Your Liforme Yoga Mat
Cleaning Your Yoga Mat
Caring for your Liforme yoga mat is essential to maintain its durability and hygiene.
Basic Clean
For my needs, a basic cleaning routine has been enough for the Liforme yoga mat, as I haven’t used it intensively in a hot environment.
I typically use warm water and a cloth to gently wipe it down and dry it, keeping it fresh and ready for each session.
Additionally, Liforme offers a special foam cleaner designed to maintain the cleanliness and longevity of the mat.
Deep Clean
If you find yourself practising yoga intensely, especially in a heated environment, or if you’ve been using your Liforme Mat for a long time, you might need to consider a deeper cleaning routine.
Liforme suggests cleaning your mat with a very diluted solution of water mixed with bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) or white vinegar.
Just gently wipe the mat with this solution using a soft sponge or cloth, and let it dry flat. It is recommended doing this more intense cleaning no more than once every 3-6 months, depending on how frequently and rigorously you use your mat.
Storing Your Yoga Mat
After each practice, I always let my mat dry flat before rolling it up.
If I need to, I roll it up right after class to take it home, but then I unroll it again to dry properly.
It’s recommended to roll the mat with the colourful, designed side on the outside. This helps keep the mat flat and ready for my next session.
Close Up
Best to roll mat with the colourful designed side on the outside.
4.2mm thickness provide comfort and support.
The plastic hook rests over your shoulder which makes it uncomfortable even with the shoulder pad.
Considerations: The Few Downsides of the Liforme Yoga Mat
Prone to Staining from Oil
I learned the hard way that the Liforme yoga mat can easily stain from body oils. In my first practice with the mat, I had used body oil, which left noticeable stains for weeks.
Now, I make sure not to apply any creams or oils before using the mat. While the mat’s material is great for its grip and eco-friendliness, it does tend to hold onto oils, which can be tough to clean off and affect its overall look.
Fortunately, I’ve found that these stains do eventually fade on their own after a few weeks, restoring the mat’s appearance without requiring intensive cleaning.
Heavy
While I love the quality of the Liforme yoga mat, it is quite heavy and not the easiest to carry around, especially if you’re travelling or walking a long distance.
However, Liforme does offer a lighter, thinner travel mat, which might be a better option for those on the go. I haven’t tried this travel version yet, but it could be a good alternative for more portability.
Costly
The Liforme yoga mat is quite expensive, but I see it as an investment.
By buying a high-quality mat now, I might not need another one for the next 10 years.
This approach saves money over time and is better for the environment, as it reduces waste from frequently replacing cheaper mats and avoiding planned obsolescence.
Uncomfortable Bag
Liforme includes a bag with their yoga mat for easy storage and transport, but I’ve found it quite uncomfortable to carry.
The plastic hook of the bag rests over your shoulder, and even though there’s a shoulder pad to cushion it, the bag still isn’t comfortable during extended carrying periods.
The pad helps somewhat, but doesn’t completely remove the discomfort, especially when carrying the mat for a long time.
Conclusion
The Liforme yoga mat is a premium investment that offers unmatched grip, innovative alignment aids, eco-friendly materials, and exceptional durability.
Whether you are a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, this mat provides the support, comfort, and confidence you need to deepen your practice. Its combination of functionality, sustainability, and design makes it a standout choice for anyone serious about their yoga practice.
Wrapping Up
If you’re in the market for a new yoga mat, consider choosing Liforme, not only for its outstanding features but also for its eco-friendly approach.
FAQ
What makes the Liforme yoga mat different from other mats on the market?
The Liforme yoga mat stands out due to its GripForMe technology, which offers exceptional grip even in sweaty conditions, and its AlignForMe system that helps ensure proper alignment with helpful markings. Additionally, it’s crafted from eco-friendly materials, making it a sustainable choice.
How thick is the Liforme yoga mat and what does this mean for comfort?
The Liforme yoga mat is 4.2mm thick, providing a balance of cushioning for comfort and firmness for stability. This thickness helps protect your joints during practice while still allowing you to feel connected to the ground.
Is the Liforme yoga mat suitable for travel?
While the standard Liforme mat is a bit heavier, making it less ideal for frequent travel, Liforme also offers a travel version of their mat. This travel mat is thinner and lighter, designed specifically for yogis on the go.
Can the Liforme yoga mat be used in hot yoga classes?
Yes, the Liforme yoga mat is excellent for hot yoga thanks to its superior grip and moisture-wicking properties. It performs well in sweaty conditions, preventing slipping and ensuring safety and comfort. However, it’s worth noting that the mat might stain from sweat and body oils during intense sessions. While these stains will eventually fade, it can take about 2-3 weeks for them to completely disappear.
How do I clean my Liforme yoga mat?
For regular cleaning, wiping your mat with a damp cloth will do. If you frequently practice in intense or heated conditions, or if your mat has been heavily used, a deeper clean may be necessary. For this, use a solution of water mixed with a little bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) or white vinegar. Apply the solution with a soft sponge or cloth, and let the mat dry flat. Be careful with these deeper cleaning methods and only do them every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use your mat.
Is the Liforme yoga mat eco-friendly?
Absolutely. The mat is made from biodegradable, non-toxic materials like natural rubber and eco-polyurethane, making it one of the most sustainable options available. Plus, it is free from PVC, which is harmful to the environment.
What should I do if my Liforme yoga mat starts to show signs of wear?
Liforme yoga mats are built to last, but if you notice signs of wear, continue using the mat as long as it maintains its integrity and grip. If the mat’s condition begins to affect your practice, consider recycling it and investing in a new one.
Is the Liforme yoga mat biodegradable?
Yes, the Liforme yoga mat is biodegradable. It is made from eco-friendly materials including natural rubber and a specially formulated eco-polyurethane. These components are designed to break down in landfill conditions within 1-5 years, significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional non-biodegradable mats. This makes the Liforme mat an excellent choice for environmentally conscious yogis.