What is a Shakti Mat...? The ZM girls find out

Chances are you've probably either heard of a Shakti Mat, or at least seen it pop up in your Facebook newsfeed, by now. 

So wtf are these weird looking mats? They are mats with acupressure points which when in contact with your skin is said to resolve tension and administer deep relaxation.

The Shakti mats are said to support deep restful sleep, relaxation of tense muscles, circulation, recovery from headaches, and recovery from muscular injury.

But do they do that? Three of the ZM team members, Jordyn, Bel and Trinette, own a Shatki Mat and have given us the down low on this new craze. 

Jordyn:

What were your first thoughts when you first used it?

It took me ages before I finally got the courage to lie on it. Standing on it was easy for me but lying took a long time!

How often do you use it?

At least twice a week

Have you seen any benefits?

It definitely helps me when I’m feeling stressed, I don’t think it really helps me fall asleep though.

Bel:

What were your first thoughts when you first used it?

I was hooked when I first got my Shakti mat. I thought it would be more painful to lie on but it wasn’t and was lying on it whenever I had time.

How often do you use it?

I use my Shakti every day. I generally lie on it for however long I can before bed each night. I do need to stand on it more but I find it too sensitive at this point.

Have you seen any benefits?

I definitely feel really relaxed when I lie on it. It relieved some pain I was experiencing in my shoulders as well.

Trin:

What were your first thoughts when you first used it?

Ummm ouch! And then the pain dulled and this weird warm fuzzy feeling came over me... Hard to explain really!

How often do you use it?

I use it a few times a week but I feel as though I need to start using it every day to really reap the benefits.

Have you seen any benefits?

Mainly just a feeling of relaxation after lying on it. I was also getting leg aches in the middle of the night but after a couple of sessions with my legs on it these aches haven't come back. 

Our overall consensus? Not a "must-have" but definitely beneficial if you do choose to purchase one!