Let me show you how to find the best yoga mat for your style of practice, just in time for the summer of 2012.
I am a dedicated yoga instructor with years of experience and I created this website to share my knowledge of the yoga industry to review the best yoga mats, yoga towels and yoga mat bags on the market to provide consumers with an objective opinion on yoga gear. 
The market is oversaturated with various yoga products, but you can use this site to quickly find the highest rated products in many categories. My reviews were based on personal experience and extensive online research.
Please feel free to leave me any comments, also please read by yoga blog. 
All the best!

Om Shanti Om

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The very best yoga mat according to practitioners and teachers all around the world and the most trusted brand in yoga business – Manduka are the most reliable, longest-lasting, and now environmentally-friendly yoga mats around.

The BlackMat Pro is a perfect mat for all levels of practice and the best non-slip yoga mat along with Jade. Made from natural rubber, and featuring amazing craftsmanship, this mat will beat any other thick or thin yoga mat on the market. This is currently the bestselling professional yoga mat on Amazon, with hundreds of rave reviews.Review:

Review

This is a very high end yoga non-slip yoga mat for serious practitioners. This Manduka Mat has specific top and bottom surfaces. The top’s sticky surface keeps feet firmly rooted during balancing poses, the bottom side remains stable on hard floors or carpet, and won’t shift or bunch up during movement. The mat’s fabric-like surface finish is not sticky, yet slip-resistant, even when wet from perspiration, though some people with extremely sweaty hands may find this mat (or any other mat) slippery. The Black Manduka Mat is exceptional for cushioning your spine, hip bones, knees and elbows from punishing hard floors; its durability is excellent.

The story of Manduka started about 10 years ago, when an architect designed a revolutionary new yoga mat. That person was Peter Sterios, a passionate yogi practitioner who created a mat with a perfect combination of grip and support.

The name Manduka was chosen in honor to Peter’s teacher, S. Remete, whose practice and teaching always included the ancient Mandukasana or frog pose. The word and the pose are simultaneously playful and profound. The joy of Manduka is now felt in more than 35 countries all over the world.

The quality and performance of Manduka mats and yoga accessories are still unmatched in the marketplace. They are still crafted using simple, enduring, natural, and whenever possible, renewable materials and a fine attention to detail. Manduka is a company built by and for yoga teachers and their students. And as Manduka celebrates its 10th year, we are still evolving, still introducing new products, and still celebrating the spirit and wisdom of yoga teachers and their students. From the road less traveled, something great and meaningful has arrived.

Manduka Mats are made from a high-quality blend of emission-free PVC and fabric, which are durable and will stick to most surfaces. Most double-sided mats lack stickiness to prevent them from creating discomfort during contact with your body. While this feature aims at a more pleasing experience it is responsible for the mat’s sliding on the floor. Manduka mats have a distinct back surface especially designed to stick to the floor, it should not be practiced on. The floor side of the mat is very sticky while the other side has a more relaxed grip more suitable for practice. There were almost no occassions where the mat would bunch up or curl during practice.

Weight 4 out of 5 stars

The mat’s heavy weight is an important factor in durability and stability, but a great burden when it comes to carrying this mat in and out of class. This is one of those mats that are best kept in storage close to your place of practice and not for carrying around a lot. There are thinner versions of the same mat available for those who want to travel with their Manduka Mat.

Thickness 5 out of 5 stars

Most practitioners found the 1/4″ thickness of the material to be perfect. The Manduka Mat is slightly thicker than most similar mats. There were some people who wanted even more thickness. Pilates students and absolute beginners may benefit from additional thickness. 1/4″ of material seemed like more than enough cushioning for our team.

Slip protection 4 out of 5 stars

Once a regular yoga mat is wet most of its surface traction is lost, this is a serious issue for some hot yoga students. The practitioners are offered a number of solutions from special wipes, to absorbent yoga towels. Finding a mat with a fabric surface may also be the answer. The fabric surface of the Manduka Mat does an excellent job of keeping the moisture away. We found that the mat’s spongy surface was only able to absorb a limited amount of moisture, especially in a hot yoga class full of overweight excessive sweaters. We don’t know of any mats that are sweat-proof but the Manduka products do a pretty good job, however – they are also not 100% absorbent. We also found a small problem with the mat’ material – it absorbs moisture, and if not cleaned regularly, it will eventually start harboring bacteria in it’s pores. We recommend cleaning this mat at least once a month, following the included instructions.

Appearance and features 5 out of 5 stars

As stated in this mat’s name, it is quite black. The look is classic, but may not attract many customers. On the other hand, we don’t know any other mats in this category that have the same appearance, so your mat is guaranteed to stand out.The Company have recently released a limited edition Cherry version of their popular Manduka Mat at the same price. We really enjoyed the original black color, it was quite awesome. The mat is made of a PVC blend (synthetic rubber), which has a smell that most people find quite unpleasant. Even after washing the mat as the manual suggested the smell remained. In just a few weeks the brand new mat stops smelling, and the problem never returns. We found this to be an issue with every single rubber mat we ever tested. Our reviewers concluded that the smell eventually went away and did not return.

Our conclusion 5 out of 5 stars

The Manduka Mat is a indeed a Rolls-Royce of yoga mats – it’s heavy, long, thick and extremely durable. This mat will last for years, it’s an excellent investment worthy of any serious practitioner. The cushioning, slip resistance and floor grip are all well above average if not perfect. The only downsides of this mat are its weight and size. It’s perfect for home practice or to keep in a studio locker but not for carrying around, especially in public transportation.

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There are several health tips for girls of all ages that have been recommended by fitness and health experts. Given below, are some of the most common health tips for girls:

• Keep the body well hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day. This may be slightly difficult for younger girls and teenagers; however, they should make it a point to drink at least half a glass of water every hour.
• Eat at least 5 small meals a day, without skipping any meal, especially breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. A good breakfast should include at least one fruit, some milk, cereal and eggs too.
• Avoid junk foods as far as possible, as it only contains calories, without any nutrition. Instead pizzas and burgers can be prepared at home, using whole wheat bread, fresh vegetables and lean meat.

Health Beauty Tips For Girls

There are many young girls who believe that make up will help them look more beautiful. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily true as, natural beauty and freshness is always appreciated more than artificial beauty. Hence, given below are some health and beauty tips for girls, which will also help their skin stay healthy.

• Keep the skin supple, soft, hydrated and moisturized naturally, by drinking a lot of water each day. This is an excellent tip of those who suffer from acne too.
• Follow a regular exfoliating routine, to get rid of dead skin cells on the face. This helps the fresh, new skin cells to appear on the surface of the skin, giving it a natural glow.
• Use a mild cleanser to wash the face thoroughly, at least twice a day.

Fitness Tips For Girls

Fitness forms an important part in keeping us health. Some of the fitness tips for girls include:

•  Get at least half an hour of exercise, around five times a week. Activities that are perfect for girls and women of all ages include walking, running, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobics and so on.
•  Avoid crash diets like the plague; instead make some dietary changes to include healthy weight loss tips for girls. This means eating a higher amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in the day. Fried food, oily food, junk food and so on, should be restricted significantly.

There are several health tips for women too, which have been recommended by health experts, for women who are much older.

Most of the health tips for girls and women mentioned above are fairly safe if used correctly. However, it is best to check with a doctor, before using any of them. This is more important for girls or women who are suffering from any preexisting health condition. If any of the health tips for girls trigger off an adverse reaction or side effect, it is best to stop using them and keep a doctor informed about it.

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As a yoga blogger, you just never know where you’ll get inspiration for your next post. This one comes from Christmas music, which seems to be cropping up everywhere these days. Comfort and joy. Yoga’s version of comfort and joy is Sthira and Sukha. The concept here is a balance of opposites — effort and ease, strength and comfort, stability and relaxation. I’ve heard many definitions of Sthira and Sukha, but the idea remains the same.

The first time I heard a yoga teacher say “If you’re shaking in this posture, you’re working to hard and need to come out,” I had a true ego response — “No way — I can handle it.” Yes, I was the good little yoga student, muscling her way through her poses. I had lots of strength but very little comfort, which was obvious by the fact that I held my breath often (I could have used this wonderful and wise yoga towel to remind me to breathe).  

The idea of strength and ease didn’t crystalize until I was in a yoga training years later learning about Ananta. Rather than relate the story here, I’ll include the entry in the Urban Dictionary (of all places):

a Sanskrit word meaning “infinity”, “without end”. It may refer to Vishnu (The preserver God in Hindu’s trinity) or
Ananta Shesha, a serpent on which Vishnu lies.
Ananta generally is referred to the Adishesha – the great serpent on which Vishnu rests after creating a new Universe. “Lord Vishnu’s Couch” Ananta is strong enough to support the creator of the Universe and soft enough to be God’s couch. So one of the main principals of Yoga – Sthira and Sukha (ease and effort) is represented by Ananta (Adishesha)Patanjali is a reincarnation of Ananta Shesha.

Sthira and Sukha are also how Patanjali defined asana. Funny how I had missed that for entire years of yoga pratice.

Interestingly enough, not only was I lacking Sthira and Sukha on the mat but in my life as well. As I started to change this, both my yoga practice and my life changed quite dramatically. Now there’s a beautiful ease to my life that didn’t previously exist. 

Yes folks, comfort and joy isn’t just for the holidays…

One of my favorite mini practices that honors both Sthira and Sukha is simple but fun (not to mention excellent for developing strength and flexibility at the same time):

Plank to Dolphin — Yes, it’s that simple. I just alternate between the two in a mindful and gentle fashion. I hold each for as long as is comfortable (meaning my breathing remains stable).

Being that the holiday season is upon us and that’s it’s a difficult time for many, I think it’s appropriate to wish you both Sthira and Sukha beyond your yoga mat. 

Namaste!

The Everything Yoga Blog

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Back pain is one of the most common complaint of any working or aging individual. It is often experienced when stress levels are on the rise from your work or day to day activities. Back pain is the consequence of a bio-mechanical disproportion in spinal structures. According to specialists, yoga is a remedy that can effectively reduce and even eliminate back pain forever.

Often times all the back requires is a touch of regular exercise. Ten minutes a day is all you would need to start. With only a little effort and a few trials, you will discover the best ways to exercise your back and minimize the pain sensations. More importantly, with the proper execution of some specific yoga exercises, the lower and upper back pains are dealt with rather easily.

Performing yoga postures cultivates an equilibrium concerning the flexibility and strength of the muscles of the body, usually the real reason of back pain. Many people are tight in key areas affecting the spine including the hips and shoulders. The practice of yoga, lets out the stress inside the muscles, which lessens the back pain.

Even though the emphasis is on stretching and flexibility, yoga also builds up muscle strength. Yoga includes respiration techniques which reduce stress and help one overcome the difficult stretching tasks. Frequently yoga classes employ a spiritual basis, and relate it to the environment to perform more intense degrees of therapy and reduction of pain.

There are a number of methods and yoga styles to choose from which range from delicate to strenuous. Furthermore, some styles lay more emphasis on spirituality and emotions, although some, particularly hatha yoga, concentrate more on the physical stances. For individuals with back pain, a hatha yoga style would be an effective starting point, especially the relaxation and restoration classes.

Another effective style is the pelvic tilt. The pelvic tilt is a classic healing workout employed to stabilize the posture by establishing and reinvigorating the primary muscles. The pelvic tilt is found in pilates, yoga, physiotherapy and other exercise systems. While you can find modifications for the pelvic tilt, the execution for many is almost the same.

There are many other styles that are recommended especially for back pain. These are just some of the basics. However, styles which include Kundalini, Ashtanga and Bikram are specific and difficult – a bad option for back pain affected individuals. The general guideline is to pace yourself, take it slow and listen to your body.

You may be wondering – will I be able to practice yoga without creating more pain? Most yoga classes utilize props. Props help bring the pose to you, when tight or weak muscles cannot fully bring you into the pose. But Individuals with back pain need to be extra cautious when attempting to exercise. Yes, practicing yoga to aid your back could give you pain alleviation, but establishing an exercise which is healthy and significant to your ailment makes it necessary that you know more details on the reason why and the approaches on how to do specific poses. In addition, it signifies that you should consider when not to execute a pose.

Talking to your yoga instructor will allow you to decide which class fits your needs. Determining how skilled your teacher is with neck and back pain is important to avoid any possible future injuries. A number of yoga instructors are inclined on manual modifications, which includes deepening you stretch with a little push, or correcting your posture with a few touches. Generally, adjustments are of great help, however, you might give up in the middle of your yoga session if you are not prepared with the prolonged pain. Speak about all your concerns with your trainer beforehand, to prevent an undesirable shock.

LexiYoga

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(A pic of me signing books at the Fresh Fruit Cleanse book release party on 10/22/11.)

Namaste friends…

Thank you for staying connected to the True Yoga Blog even though I haven’t been able to write as much recently.  Things have been so busy.  I’m sure for us all.  Not only is it the holidays but I also ran a special offer with a local Yoga studio in town so I’ve been busy ordering Fresh Fruit Cleanse books and True Yoga DVDS for several hundred people.  I’m so glad more people will get to read the book and experience the awesome benefits of Yoga.  As so many of us know, Yoga is one of the most powerful practices for healing body, mind and heart.  It’s amazing how good a little breath and movement can have us feel.  There is a great Zen philosopher who says ‘To have a human body is a joyous thing.’  You can definitely feel the joy of having a body when you give it the gift and wonderful sensation of movement and breath through all of the poses.  Yes, some of the poses are a little challenging, but, when you are connected to the breath in your poses, first, you will realize how good you can feel…

I will be doing some reformatting of the True Yoga DVD so you will now be able to purchase the classes separately according to what level of Yoga you feel most comfortable practicing.  The DVD currently has 3 classes:  Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced and is available for $ 20.  With the reformatted True Yoga DVD, you will be able to purchase the classes separately for much less.  I’ll keep you posted as this project gets completed. 

What else has been going on.  The Fresh Fruit Cleanse book release party at Remedy Spa was a huge success.  We had a great turnout and I was so grateful to be able to share that special moment with so many loved ones and friends.  Thank you to all of you who attended.  You can read more about the book release party here.  Also, if you aren’t a fan yet of the Fresh Fruit Cleanse on facebook, please friend it by going to www.facebook.com/freshfruitcleanse  Have you read the book yet?  If you haven’t, I believe you will find lots of beneficial information for your health and well-being.  In the book I also write about the benefits of Yoga and meditation as part of a balanced and healthy life.  The book is available for purchase on amazon.com and via the Fresh Fruit Cleanse website:  www.freshfruitcleanse.com  Oh, I can’t believe I haven’t shared the latest clip of me on Fox 4 Good Day.  I appeared on Fox 4 Good Day about a month ago to talk about the Fresh Fruit Cleanse book and book release party.  It’s always so much fun getting to go on there…I have been on Fox 4 several times over the last 5 years.  But, I hadn’t ever made a recipe on live TV.  I think it went pretty well.  You can view the clip of me making the oh so delicious raw chocolate pudding from the Fresh Fruit Cleanse book on Fox 4 Good Day here. 

Let’s see…what else.  I have felt so grateful recently…more than I can ever remember feeling.  I’m so aware of all the blessings that are in my life and it’s incredible how hardships and difficult times can awaken us to a deeper experience of gratitude for the preciousness of life.  Next week will be the third year since my father’s passing.  But I am aware and grateful, more than ever, of all the love and positive energy that surrounds me through my family, loved ones and friends.  I even feel such positive support and love from this awesome community of True Yoga Blog readers, as well, and it feels so good to feel that, too.  Thank you for tuning in, commenting and sharing your positive energy and support with me.  It means a lot to me and I can feel it.  I will spend next week with my family and friends and I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone.  

What a gift to be awake in the moment and grateful to the blessing of life…even on a difficult day.  There are still days where are I don’t always feel ‘perfect’…but I know that when I’m feeling that way…this too, shall pass.  They say that mantra…this too, shall pass…is one of the most enlightening and powerful mantras we can recite at any moment in our life…even on the days when everything feels perfect and positive.  It’s important to remember that there just may be a day when we don’t feel perfect, again, but when that days comes that, too, will only be temporary.  One of the most important qualities we realize through Yoga practice and meditation is equanimity of mind.  Life becomes supremely balanced and we no longer fluctuate between extreme highs and lows.  We are able to rest in the bliss of the moment rather than dwell in the past or future where all of our mind made troubles lie.  So, just let go of all that and be here now.  There was a quote someone posted on Facebook the other day and I loved it.  I was able to remind myself of the quote in a moment where I was feeling a little anxious and I immediately felt peaceful, again, just by inhaling and exhaling and settling into the peacefulness of the present moment.

“When I am anxious it is because I am living in the future, when I am depressed it is because I am living in the past, when I am peaceful I am in the present.” – Author Unknown

Speaking of Facebook, though, I am really spending less personal time on there these days and that feels so good.  I love updating the Fresh Fruit Cleanse page and I do think Facebook can be a really good way to stay in touch with people, but, it can also be a major imbalance in life if we let it.  I am noticing when I get an urge to log on and if it doesn’t serve a productive purpose I am refraining and finding something else more productive to do.  Jimmy Kimmel did a joke about a National Unfriend Day on Facebook in his monologue the other night.  It was hilarious.  You can watch it here.  It’s 2:17 minutes into his monologue at the beginning of the show.  NUD.  I totally get what he’s saying though.  I think he has a point. 

Finally, I would like to share an awesome article that was written and submitted for the True Yoga Blog by Lexi from Lexi Yoga:  www.lexiyoga.com  Thank you, Lexi, for sharing this informative and beneficial article with us.  I completely agree…Yoga is incredible for alleviating back discomfort and pain.  Blessings to you and all of us on our Yoga journey.  Also, please stay up-to-date with me on the Fresh Fruit Cleanse Blog here, as well.  I will be back soon to write more on the True Yoga Blog…  If I don’t get a chance to write before next week…Happy Thanksigiving to all.  Namaste!

Yoga and Back Pain

Why Back Pain Happens 

If a person has been suffering from back pain, then one way to alleviate the pain and discomfort that person feels is through the practice of Yoga. Back pains which one of the most common pain and discomforts today originated from stressed and tensed muscles groups that support the spinal column found at the back. The triggering factors that are associated causing back pains are stress, overuse, under use and misuse, wear and tear and sedentary lifestyle. A person may not be conscious about these triggering factors. If not corrected then there can be other possible health threats that it can impose to people. Other than a regular exercise and healthy lifestyle, back pains can be corrected with Yoga. 

Another cause of back aches is improper posturing and positioning when standing and sitting. Sometimes, it can be due to under fatigued muscle groups that are found at the lumbar region and the neck. These areas are susceptible to turning, bending, and twisting which causes such pain. Other sources of back pains are stress, scoliosis and back injuries that have happened earlier. Of course many people will resort to medical treatments and regimens when in fact, for practicalities sake, people suffering from such pains can be relieved through gentle and conscious Yoga practices. It is already been proven to be an effective, efficient and safe way to address the underlying cause of the problem. It can also prevent recurrence of bouts of back pains. Yoga does not suggest that people should be ignoring medical advice. However in most cases, one still should seek medical attention and be evaluated by medical experts to ensure the well-being of a person through proper diagnosis and medical treatment. 

What Yoga Does To Relieve Back Pains 

Yoga potentially strengthens different muscle groups. Through the varying postures in Yoga, these help to strengthen abdominal and back muscle groups. It enables the body to assume a proper and upright posture and movement when standing and sitting. When the body follows the postures in Yoga, these stretches and relax tensed and affected muscles therefore these can relieve the muscles from stress and tension. So when the muscles have already been properly condition, the back pain will be offset. 

Yoga also stretches and strengthens the lower muscle groups hence releasing the tension in the lower back. When muscles are relaxed, blood circulation will be improved which brings the needed oxygen and nutrients to injured muscle tissues. It also helps the spinal column to maintain the normal and natural curvature to essentially prevent lower back pains. 

Overall, Yoga is beneficial and is an effective alternative therapy to heal back pains. It hastens the recovery process of injured muscle tissues and can excellently prevent further damage and possible complications. If back pain will not be addressed well, then permanent disability can be imposed on the affected individual. Yoga does not only keep the body healthy and in equilibrium but also develops an increasing aware to one’s body, mind and spirit. 

Find out fow yoga can make you look taller can make you look slimmer. http://www.lexiyoga.com/can-yoga-make-you-taller

Omg…I was doing a little searching around on ABCs website and I didn’t realize there were other shows available to watch online, too.  This is what I wanted to share, as well.  Watching this the other night reminded me that, when we have perspective in life, it helps us to realize how blessed we are and to be grateful for all that we have, including, health and well-being.  Here is the clip about Congresswoman Gabby Giffords inspiring story if you didn’t get to see this special story and interview with her on Sunday night.

True Yoga Blog

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My girlfriend is a very dedicated yoga practitioner. Her birthday was coming up, and one day I started looking for a present. I could not quite figured out what to get her so I went online and just started wandering aimlessly around Amazon and similar sites. Ideas came and went, but nothing seemed just right. I ended up getting her a brand new yoga mat, and I must say she couldn’t be happier. This was an awesome mat that I thoroughly researched by visiting numerous reviews sites.

It is tough shopping for a yogi, in fact, it’s almost impossible. The thing is, true yogis kind of renounce the whole gifting thing. They usually neither accept nor give gifts and try to reduce the number of things they own instead of increasing it. My girlfriend is one of those people in the extreme sense. She is really tough to shop for Anyway, her 30th birthday was coming up and I knew I just couldn’t go without a present so I started shopping around.

Obviously, being the fat and lazy I do all my shopping online. I even buy my groceries online, never mind presents for other people. I am well equipped too, I have a triple monitor setup for work and ultra-fast internet connection, so I dove into the cyberspace. Amazon, Consumersearch, Yahoo, Google… Google…nothing, no good ideas. Then I started going through her hobbies and interests. Biking – well, I’m not giving her a bike for Christmas, I can’t afford that. What else – music? CDs are pretty much dead, and giving an MP3 album as a gift… well, you can’t wrap that. What else?

Yoga! That’s it! But what can you give a yogi for x-mas? A yoga mat? Duh, that’s kind of obvious. Off we go to search for yoga mat. I typed best yoga mat and found a few sites, but they were heavily pushing the same Manduka mat, that was well beyond my budget. I just could not afford a $100 present. I had lots of people in my family and they were all expecting something. I decided to search for yoga mat reviews. The first site that popped up was actually pretty good but it also said the Manduka mat was the best yoga mat of all times. Damn, looks like these guys have me cornered. So what’s the next best thing? I asked myself. Most review sites quoted Jade and Gaiam. Amazon also listed quite a few very positive reviews for these yoga mats. 

After much deliberation and calculations I purchased the Gaiam Printed Yoga Mat with nice little flower arrangement pictured on the top surface. There were quite a few positive reviews and the price was just perfect.

When the mat arrived I was very happy. It was very well packaged, came in Amazon’s gift wrapping and even featured a Yoga DVD inside. My next challenge was to get my girl to accept this present even though it was her birthday. The day before she came home and I started to talk about yoga and how it would be nice for me to start practicing. That got here really excited and I slowly shifted the topic to yoga mats and she confessed that she would really enjoy her own mat because the ones in her studio are old, worn-out and dirty and sometimes she slips on them. Jackpot, I thought.

The day of her birthday I presented her with the mat, and she loved it I was glad I went through all this trouble finding this mat for her.

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Health Food Tips For Men

Studies indicate that men are a lot more prone to health problems, as compared to women. One of the main reasons for this could be that men are not as careful about their diets as women are. However, there are several men’s health tips, suggested by doctors and other experts, which can help men lead a better life. These mainly include fitness suggestions and effective health eating tips.

Given below are some of the most common health food tips recommended for men:

• Cut down or preferably eliminate 2 types of “white food” from the diet, which includes white flour and sugar. Foods that are made out of refined flour or sugar are not only high in calories, but are usually devoid of vitamins, minerals and nutrients too. Hence, they lead to rapid weight gain and other similar health related problems.
• Avoid eating foods that are high in Trans-fats. This means that fried foods or any food that is cooked in hydrogenated oils should be eliminated from a diet. Instead fats that are present in olive oil, nuts and cold water fish are much healthier.
• Add weight training to an exercise routine, since it is the most effective, when it comes to cutting down the flab.
• Alcohol should be consumed only in moderation and that too, beverages like wine should be chosen over the others.

Health Food Tips For Women

Although studies indicate that women are more careful about what they eat, there are several women who tend to follow an unhealthy diet, because they juggle a demanding career, family and household chores. Fortunately, there are several healthy food tips that can be followed quite easily by women.

Given below are some of the most common health food tips for women:

• Begin each meal with a bowl of salad, preferably fresh green salad that has been made from raw vegetables and contains no or minimal dressing. This is not just excellent for weight loss purposes, but also increases the nutrient intake.
• Include at least two snacks in addition to 3 meals. Snacks do not need to contain heavy food, but can include some yogurt, fruit, nuts, seeds and so on. Skipping meals is a strict no-no and at least 5 small meals should be consumed in a day.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should contain at least one fruit, some cereal, dairy and eggs.

While most of the health food tips mentioned above are fairly safe for all people, it may be best to consult a doctor before using any of them. In fact, people who are suffering from any preexisting medical condition should consult a doctor, before making any dietary changes or incorporating any diet food tips, regardless of how healthy they are.

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Hi Neesha,

During your class we practiced the royal one-legged pigeon pose and I found that my most restricted area was my upper shoulders. Do you have any guidance how to encourage tight shoulders to reach back when the elbows are up? Thank you! Mel, NM

Hi Mel!

Tight shoulders become very apparent when the arms are asked to stretch overhead and catch a foot.  I know that you are not alone. The best advice I can give you is to go through the principles of shoulder alignment in every pose.  When your arm bones are lined up in your shoulder sockets, and shoulders are evenly on the back, there is the highest degree of integrated opening. I will talk you through it.

In Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana if your right arm is up, expand fully inside and massively melt your heart because there is no way you can do this pose through effort alone.  When you melt your heart, your arm bone will deepen into your shoulder socket, creating integration of the arm bone (humerous) in the shoulder socket (glenoid fossa).

Once you have that integration, with the arm still straight, move it back.  As you move the arm bone back, 3 things will need to happen simultaneously:  your inner shoulder, outer shoulder and outer elbow will all move back.  This makes your armpit nice and hollow (read:  healthy shoulder).  Melt your heart again and repeat 2 more times.  At this point, your right arm is still straight, but your right shoulder blade will be on your back with the inferior angle(bottom tip) moving up and into the heart.  Then, keeping those actions, bend your elbow and catch your foot.  TADA!

Actually, it is not so easy, and much easier with a friend.  The bottom line is to get clear with the actions and the shoulder will open.  If you go quickly for the foot the arm bone will tend to pop out creating more dis-integration.  If you feel your armpit resembling a Barbie arm-pit (sticking out), you know you need to breathe and melt your heart again.

Namaste,

Neesha

blog.yogatoday.com

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No matter what happens in life, there’s always savasana. It may sound funny, but it’s true. And it applies to life on and off the yoga mat.

Years ago, I attended a vigorous flow yoga class in a heated room. I wasn’t used to practicing in a heated room and felt a bit overwhelmed (re: uncomfortable with and frustrated by) by the amount of sweat pouring off my body, the stuffiness of the room, and the dangerous slipperiness of my yoga mat (which caused my hands to slip right out from under me in Wheel pose — not fun). About 90 minutes in (the class ran for two hours), I was done. I craved fresh cool air, a drink of water, and some dry clothes. Instead, I focused on how warm and supple my body felt and the sometimes-pleasant feeling of the sweat running off my body. Then came the best part — resting quietly in savasana. To this day, that particular savasana felt especially well-earned. After all of that effort, rest felt indescribably good. 

I don’t attend yoga classes given in heated rooms anymore. What I still do is find the good in whatever situation I’m in. And I still take in the good — and not so good — of life by sitting still. Sometimes it can be hard to find the good and often times everyone seems to be discussing/reporting/dwelling on the bad. Yet the good is there. Sometimes we just have to take a little savasana to see it.

Thanksgiving is fast-approaching, so there’s lots of talk about gratitude. I couldn’t be more on board with a holiday than with one with such a powerful message. But the idea of keeping it limited to one day makes me just plain sad. Soooooo…in honor of a holiday that should last all year round, here is some inspiration for finding the good every day, in every situation, in every moment:

1,000 Awesome Things — Ingenious to start a blog emphasizing those small things that make you smile. Hmmm…maybe I should start a 1,000 Awesome Things About Yoga blog…

How about helping me out here — what’s awesome about yoga? I’ll start it… 1. Savasana 2. Coming up into the first Warrior One of my practice 3. Feeling the coordination of breath and movement (this never fails to lift my spirit).

The list goes on and on. Feel free to submit one in the comments section below.

And since we’re on the topic of awesome, here’s a video from the man behind the blog:

I love the story and I know you will too, so take the 18 minutes to watch.

This past year, I’ve gotten a heaping dose of I-can’t-believe-life-can-be-so-beautiful-and-amazing good. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, I’ve taken to my yoga mat more times than I can count to simply lie in savasana and absorb it all (what a nice problem to have, eh?). These days my good meter is finely honed — I can find the good in any situation (the good, the bad, the ugly). That’s what happens when you start looking for it — you notice it and then you notice more. 

So this Thanksgiving and every day, let’s notice and acknowledge the good. And when that seems a hurculean task — remember that there’s always savasana.

Namaste!

The Everything Yoga Blog

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Hugger Mugger Yoga Mat

Eco-friendly and affordable

Yoga Mat Review

4.5 out of 5 stars
Another definite winner in many categories. This mat is great looking and earth friendly, and it features the company’s famous quality and very fresh design. We were overall impressed with traction and cushioning and really liked the look of this natural mat. The closed-cell design is definitely an asset, while sacrificing a little bit of traction the mat’s surface is well-protected against moisture and bacteria, making this mat easy to maintain.

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The recent “eco-friendly” craze is sweeping the nation. This article will discuss how yoga mat manufacturers deal with the environment, and how this affects the quality of their products.

Eco-friendly materials

The truth is most yoga mats are made from toxic, non-biodegradable material. If you are about to purchase a yoga mat and the product description does not mention anything about the material composition, chances are it’s not very earth-friendly. Yoga is a science, and making conscious choices is one of its fundamentals. Consider the impact of your mat on the environment before you begin your practice. Will your mat sit on a landfill somewhere for a 100 or so years, polluting the eco-system by slowly releasing harmful chemicals to the water system, or will it degrade quickly? Eco-friendly yoga mats are not created for marketing purposes, they do make a difference. 
Natural rubber, jute, cotton, eco-PVC, eco-Foam are among the few green materials used by modern manufactures on a mission to reduce their footprint on the environment. Yoga mats made from these materials are long lasting, attractive, pleasing to the touch and provide great traction and support.

There is, however, another side to this.

Eco-friendly manufacturing

Before you purchase that super-green Earth-loving mat, do some research about the manufacturer. Sure, your mat is biodegradable and looks great, but at what cost? If the manufacturer does not tell you about their policies and environmental codes, they are most likely using conventional methods to create your mat. The amount of energy wasted on manufacturing a yoga mat using conventional methods easily offsets any ecological benefits your new mat may have. If trees were chopped, fuel was burnt, emissions were made in the process, what good comes from your biodegradable mat? 
The good news is that that most yoga mat manufacturers are listening and want to succeed in this business, they adapt to the demands of yogis and plant trees for every mat created, reduce emissions, feature fair practices and are generally involved in protecting the environment.

Before you make a purchase, read about the material and the manufacturer, do some research. Don’t participate in destroying our planet for the sake of your own comfort. Yoga starts here, wake up and make a conscious decision.

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Your perfect solution

• Fashionable gym bag made of 100% recycled polyester
• Large main compartment for clothes and gear
• Window pocket holds shoes or wet clothes
• Bottom elastic band for toting yoga mat
• Room for everything you need for the gym

Description

Tote your yoga mat and other gear in style with this fashionable gym bag. The bag, which is made of 100% recycled polyester, holds a number of items – such as a change of clothes, sports gear, and personal items – thanks to its large main compartment and internal pockets. The unique window compartment accommodates shoes or wet clothes, a must when changing after a sweaty workout. And users will love the elastic band on the bottom, which holds your yoga mat without taking up space in the body of the bag.

Review

4 out of 5 stars
This Gaiam yoga bag is roomy enough for your yoga mat, your gym clothes, maybe some yoga bricks and even a pair of shoes. The design is also very fresh, green and inspiring – you’d feel great carrying this bag around. The quality of this product is great, the colors are bright and there is enough room for anyone’s fitness needs. The only problem is that if you want a bag just to carry your yoga mat, this yoga bag would be too large for your needs.

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A yoga studio staple

• Thicker and wider than your average cheap yoga mat
• Manufactured from environmentally-friendly materials
• Does not contain any latex, phthalate or heavy metals
• Durable and long lasting
• Used by most yoga studios worldwide
• Guaranteed to suit most people due to it’s size and thickness
• Can be used for pilates or fitness practice
• Great for home use
• Weight 3.8 lbs
• Limited Lifetime warranty

Description

3.5 out of 5 stars

At 6.2mm, this Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat is a full 1/4” thick, an extra long 74” and weighs almost 4 lbs. The mats come in a variety of colors. This mat is definitely thick and has nice quality. It is somewhat slippery, though it provides sufficient grip is most situations. There is the usual smell issue, but it goes away fast. This mat is as generic as it gets, except for the color options. May people buy these by the dozen. Lots of studios stock them for daily usage.

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We all know the secret to good health – a balanced diet, proper stress management and physical activities to stretch out those muscles, seat out the toxins and burn extra calories.  Yoga is one great way to do it and now, with the rising popularity of bikram yoga or heated yoga, this form of exercise is once again on top of the charts and more and more people are experiencing the revitalizing effects of yoga.  Of course, if there is one thing that you just cannot do without when you do yoga is a mat.  But don’t just settle for any form of mat.  To maximize and optimize your workout, invest on the best yoga mat in the market.  It is called Manduka Mat and your very first yoga session using it will confirm that it is worth every penny.

So maybe you are asking yourself why you need the best yoga mat you can get your hands on and not just settle for the cheap ones that you find in shopping malls.  To begin with, yoga requires a lot of stretching.  The movement requires that you be stable, otherwise, you might fall and hurt yourself.  Unfortunately, most of the cheap yoga mats out there are not slip proof.  Now an accident during yoga session is something that you just cannot afford.

What makes Manduka Mat so special to the point that it has been regarded as the best yoga mat for the past 12 years is the fact that it is thicker and denser than your regular mat.  That is why you can lie down and stretch without feeling sore because you are feeling the hardness of the floor.  The cushioning will give you the comfort that your back deserves.  The fabric is guaranteed never to slip so you can stretch and move without worrying of having an accident.  And of course, the simple and elegant black design allows you to carry it around with confidence.

You see, using Manduka Mat does not just give you the satisfaction of using the best yoga mat available in the market.  It empowers you to do better in your yoga sessions.  Why?  Because as you lie down and stretch, your back is feeling comfortable that you would not mind extending your muscles a little bit more and holding your position a little bit longer.  As you stand on it and do the poses, you can move without care and concern about falling down.

So invest on only the best yoga mat in the market.  Get yourself a Manduka Mat.  After all, it is designed to last for life given that it has a lifetime warranty.  It may as well be your last yoga mat as you continue along the path of health and wellness.  Besides, investing on it is investing on your health.  Aren’t you worth it?

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Yoga is the union of the mind, body and spirit expressed in motion, sound, meditation and community. This ancient practice of asanas (poses), meditation and gentle ritual will enrich your life and deepen your knowledge of your Self, while opening your spirit toward the world around you.

We recommend that you attend several live classes before you begin developing a home practice. Yoga studios will have all the equipment you require so you can try it out before investing in a yoga mat, blocks, bolsters and straps. Live classes offer the opportunity to learn proper breathing technique, which is crucial in the practice of yoga; live classes also give you the opportunity to develop proper posture and alignment, as the instructor will move about the class adjusting yogis/yoginis. Many studios offer a one-week/one month trial at a discounted rate, taking advantage of these is a great way to introduce yourself to yoga. We also recommend attending at least two live classes per month in addition to your home practice . Again, live instruction is ideal for learning proper alignment and also provides an opportunity to meet people in your local yoga community.

Once you decide to develop your home practice you will need the following:

Yoga Mat - sticky yoga mats are best, you can also use a pilates mat if you prefer a thicker surface to stand on; some prefer to do yoga on a cotton blanket, it is entirely up to you. The important thing is that your feet do not slip all over your yoga surface.

Yoga Blocks – these foam blocks are used to modify poses, essentially bringing the floor closer to your hands to enable you to maintain proper alignment, which is much more important than how far you stretch. You may also sit on the edge of a block to properly align your pelvis during seated poses. Blocks are recommended for beginners, but intermediate and advanced practitioners also find them useful for very challenging poses and days when you aren’t quite as flexible. We recommend that you start with two blocks. You can also use a stack of books about 3 inches high in lieu of blocks.

Yoga Strap – this is a thick cotton strap, similar to a Judo belt and is used to assist the yogi in challenging postures; most often used for hip opening poses and seated forward bends. Straps are also used for bound poses. The strap is held in the hands and usually wrapped around the foot, essentially acting as an arm extension. You can purchase straps at many yoga studios, online; or you can use a belt or a scarf.

Yoga Bolster – bolsters are cylindrical cushions about two feet long, usually filled with cotton. Bolsters are used for forward bending poses, for many restorative yoga poses, and as modification for certain relaxation poses (e.g., tucked under the knees during savasana). You can purchase yoga bolsters online, many yoga studios will have bolsters available, and may be able to order them for you if there are no yoga supply retailers in your area. If you do not have a bolster, you may also use a stack of blankets.

Meditation Cushion – a zafu or meditation cushion is not necessary but it is a nice item to have, sitting on the edge of the zafu is ideal for proper pelvic alignment and ease of posture when meditating. If you do not have a zafu, a firm cushion or pillow will work as well.

It is always best to purchase good quality yoga props and supplies, but you can improvise with household items while you are developing your home practice.

Unlike other forms of exercise, yoga is an entire system of self-care that addresses the mind, body and spirit.

There is no competition in yoga, especially with yourself; it is important to be aware that this is YOUR practice and YOUR time, you need only be present in the moment and the motion, surrender to the passage of time in this sacred space; accept yourself, breathe in love and joy. Be aware of the breath, if you cannot breathe deeply and smoothly, ease your position in the pose – remember that there is no competition in this space, surrender to your body and breath.

When you are preparing to move into a pose, be aware of your body, take the shape of the pose, delight in the forms your body takes, and luxuriate in the feeling of natural movement. Modify the poses as you need to in order to maintain proper alignment and easy breath. Resist the urge to push further than the body wants to go, your body will move you deeper into the practice when it is ready. If you feel tired during your practice, sit back into childs pose and rest – do not rush, there is time. There is no pain in yoga. Breathe.

Namaste “the Divine in me honours the Divine in you”

Thanks to author Jennifer Courtney. Jenn is a traveling yogi and entrepreneur who is concerned with health and wellness. She has been studying yoga for over 15 years.

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Description

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Best yoga mats?

Really, why not get a brand new yoga mat just in time for spring?
How about the Manduka Mat or Jade Yoga Mat? These are absolutely awesome – they will definitely enhance your practice. In case you’re wondering what’s so special about these yoga mats:

• Super cushioning and resistance due to all-natural construction
• Extreme durability
• Special design, tested by yoga experts
• Amazing stability and grip
• Moisture absorption, perfect for hot yoga and bikram classes
• High quality material and craftsmanship

And if you don’t trust me, check out the  rave reviews left by countless users of these amazing yoga mats. Best yoga mats are always natural.

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Most yoga experts agree – manduka mats are simply the best yoga mats on the planet. While we generally agree with this claim, we still feel some explanation is need as to why Manduka mats are so great.

The holidays are approaching, and now is a good time to start thinking about them x-mas gifts. If you have money to spend and/or really want to make a special gift for a yoga enthusiasts – we at Yoga Mat Reviews strongly suggest you consider the Manduka products.

About Manduka Mats

Manduka is one of the most reputable and innovative yoga companies on the market. Started by an architecture student, this company is currently the leader in the yoga mat industry. Manduka mats are made from high-quality natural rubber and feature unique design. These mats are constructed from the ground up following a unique blueprint that has evolved through many years of extensive research.

The great qualities of Manduka yoga mats:

Material

Manduka Mats are manufactured with a thick high-density cushion for unparalleled support for your knees and joints.
This cushion is made of a natural rubber mixed with other materials and is very durable and long lasting, designed to withstand hours of constant pressure.
The top surface features slip-resistant fabric texture that will keep your stability even with light perspiration. The material’s unique texture actually improves its traction with age. A proprietary dot pattern on the back side attaches your mat firmly to any surface – floor, grass or cement.

Wear and longevity

Manduka yoga mats are the only yoga mats on the market that feature a lifetime warranty on wear and tear of your mat. Manduka mats will never peel, flake or fade and will last you many years.

A video review of the Manduka Mat

It’s safe to say no other yoga mat company is so confident about their products and talks about them in such detail.

We are very confident in these yoga mats and feel that every practitioner who is serious about yoga try one of these awesome products.

To see the detailed specs of the Manduka Mat and check user reviews – click here.

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This article will briefly dive into the history of yoga, touch on the foundations of yoga philosophy and tell you the ultimate purpose of your journey.

Yoga history

Long before you went shopping for your yoga mat people began practicing yoga. In fact, there were no yoga mats at all back then. Around 5000 years ago, people practiced the same asanas you were trying to do in your last class. For mats they used tiger skins. The poor used bare dirt. But that didn’t matter, you see. Yoga is not about the physical activity.

Yoga first saw systematic development in early Northern Indian civilization of Indus-Sarasvati. The oldest and most sacred text the Vedas mentions yoga. The Bhagavad Gita further signifies the importance of yogic techniques, and yoga become a science developed by Vedic priests and exemplified by the Sutras of Patanjali.

Some hundreds years later a system of practices oriented towards the physical body was popularized by various yoga teachers. The Vedic teachings no longer seemed relevant and a new physical-spiritual system of Hatha Yoga was born. First yoga masters came to the west in the 17th century, but the first full-scale yoga studio was opened in the USA in late 1950′s.

The philosophy of yoga

What’s the purpose of yoga? Here you sit on your yoga mat, pondering – is this fitness or is this philosophy? Was is my yoga teacher saying so much about life before each class?

Yoga is a science that explores the connections between your mind, body and the Universe. The goal of Yoga is to calm the mind and direct your energy into appropriate channels. The purpose of yoga is to bring balance and peace into your life.

When you purify your body your purify your soul. This connection works both ways. The more asanas you do, the more your detoxify and strengthen your physical body, the better your mind functions and the more problems fade away. This is the magic of yoga. By exercising the body you exercise the mind.When you are stretching on your mat, you are not just stretching muscles, you are stimulating energy flows inside your body, detoxifying your brain.

The philosophy of yoga consists of eight limbs. They are kind of like commandments, seemingly easy to follow rules of life, the fundamental principles upon which a human being progresses into further development.

These limbs are as follows:

1. Yama. Self-control, refraining from violent and fraudulent acts, awareness of excess, non-stealing and non-cheating.

2. Niyama. Purity, content, austerity, awareness of the divine, studying of sacred texts.

3. Asana. Physical postures.

4. Pranayama. Breathing exercies.

5. Pratyahara. Directing within.

6. Dharana. Concentration.

7. Dyana. Meditation.

8. Samadhi. Realization.

As you can, the journey start at self-control. Before you even attempt to do asanas you are required to refrain from activities that are certain to pull you back down. If you are serious about becoming a yogi, you should follow the Yamas.

Once you get things under control, it is suggested to clear your mind and study the philosophical texts (such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali). Only then should you proceed to asanas. This does not mean, that if you just do the asanas there will be no benefit from yoga and you should not call it yoga. That’s not true. Everyone’s path is unique, and for everything comes its time. Some people start  yoga by purchasing a yoga mat and heading to class. Others study the Sutras and read BKS Iyengar before they feel ready to practice. Yoga as whole includes all 8 limbs, and the deeper you progress the more you will realize that.

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Many mats on the market today are labeled as Oeko-Tex Certified. The manufacturers usually boast about this certification as a guarantee of being completely green and eco-friendly. What is this certification about?

About Oeko-Tex Certification

Oeko-Tex (or Öko-Tex) Standard 100 is an international testing and certification system for textiles, limiting the use of certain chemicals. The Oeko-Tex label is not only a recognized benchmark for the consumer, it also serves as an additional quality assurance tool for the manufacturer. The concept has become established as a safety standard throughout the textile manufacturing chain and enables checks to be made for any harmful substances at each stage in the production process. There are four levels to the test. Level 2 are the standards set for articles which come into contact with large areas of the skin, or to which the skin is exposed for long periods. (Level 1 is the standard for baby articles.)

Green Yoga Mats and Green manufacturing practices

As you can see this standard applies to the safety of the actual material but not the manufacturing process itself. It’s quite easy to be mislead by a manufacturer who claims their mat be green and organic and what not. This may be true, but at what cost? If nothing is said about the actual manufacturing process than the reasons for paying a higher price for eco-friendly products become very dubious. If more energy is wasted on producing a biodegradable product, then what is this product if its creation has harmed the Earth?

Before you buy your mat, inquire about the practices adopted by the manufacturer to protect the environment and ensure fair worker compensation and safety. If these are not followed, then you are doing a big favor to the bad guys by buying a trendy yoga mat, and become a fashion victim. Start your yoga practice by respecting yourself and the environment, stay away from products designed to make money quickly no matter how “green” they are claimed to be.

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A short primer on hot how to keep your yoga mat in the best working condition at all times.
A good yoga mat can be a significant investment for many practitioners. Your mat provides you with comfort and support and you need to take care of it. Simple instructions on how to wash and store your mat along with some practice advice is what this article is about.

Many people purchase yoga mats because they want to try out yoga. Usually, about 75% of these people end up being non-regular practitioners, giving up on the practice eventually. This category of yoga students usually don’t care about their mats and they will probably not find this article very interesting.

There are many different materials used in manufacturing of yoga mats. Some material is more expensive to produce which results in higher prices. Most expensive material usually contains a lot of natural rubber or can be a mixture of natural fibers such as jute or cotton. In any case, yoga mats need maintenance. Your mat is a piece of fitness equipment, designed to withstand stress, sweat and heat, and if you don’t take care of your mat it will not last very long.

Synthetic yoga mats

These are made from non-natural material such as PVC or Foam which are usually not friendly to bacteria. However, once enough skin particles and sweat mix together on the surface of your mat, a good bacterial environment is created. Most inexpensive yoga mats are made from PVC or other variation of this material and feature so-called closed cell design. Closed-cell yoga mats do not allow moisture to penetrate deep beyond the surface, preventing germs from growing inside your mat. However, the surface is still affected.

To clean a synthetic yoga mat:

• Mix 1 cup of dish soap and 1 quart of bleach or vinegar in a bucket of water
• Soak your mat in this solution for a few hours
• Wash your mat with water
• Hang dry

Alternatively (at your own risk, depending on manufacturer’s instructions):

• Put your mat in a washing machine and run the gentle cycle with cold water
• Hang dry

After practice:

• Mix two table spoons of vinegar in 1 quart of water
• Wipe your mat with this solution, or purchase yoga mat wipes or spray.

Try to store your mat in a ventilated place, or keep in unrolled. Avoid yoga mat bags without ventilation.

Natural Rubber Yoga mats

Natural products tend to biodegrade even while you’re using them. Any type of maintenance work on your natural rubber or fiber yoga mat may easily destroy it, so be careful and study the instructions and read all the warnings that came with your mat.

Natural rubber mats are usually very spongy and porous and will absorb and evaporate all your sweat. Naturally, this will create a very nurturing environment for bacteria and germs, making your expensive yoga mat a health hazard. If you want to avoid that you need to clean your mat regularly. Since your mat is made of natural material, it will not withstand harsh chemicals, or any chemicals at all. You need to use the alternative home-made approaches:

Approach 1 (most efficient):

• Purchase natural dish soap
• Create a solution of 1/4 cup of dish soap in 1 gallon of water
• Soak your mat in this solution for 1 hr
• Squeeze all the liquid out of the mat
• Rinse your mat with clear water
• Air dry your mat (but do not hang out in the sun)

Approach 2 (quickest):

• Purchase natural laundry detergent
• Put your mat in washing machine on gentle cycle in cold water
• Do not tumble dry
• Squeeze liquid out of your mat
• Air dry (do not hang out in the sun)

Approach 3 (antibacterial, but less effective against fats) :

• Create a solution of 1 cup vinegar per 1 gallon of cold water
• Soak your mat in this solution for 1 hour
• Air dry your mat (again, no direct sunlight)

Never store your mat in a bag that has no ventilation. Always wipe excess moisture of your mat at the end of practice. Try to keep your mat unrolled for most of the time. Do not use any chemical detergents on your yoga mat, ever.

Natural fiber yoga mats

Natural fiber mats should be treated the same as any fabric – read the washing instructions, and following either hand-wash your mat or use a washing machine with gentle mode. Never use harsh detergents and never expose your eco-conscious mat to direct sunlight, as it will destroy it.

We hope you enjoyed these simple tips, and will now extend the life of your yoga mat and protect the environment.

OM

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Have yoga fanatics as friends? Think someone needs a hint to get started? Our holiday yoga gift guide will help you select from highest rated and bestselling yoga accessories. The editors of YogaMatReviews plowed through countless yoga mats, yoga towels, yoga bags and dvds to find the most amazing products. Then we compared reviews from various reputable sources and selected only the ones guaranteed to be awesome.

This guide is divided into several sections to make finding stuff easier.

Best Yoga Mats

This selection of top selling yoga mats is sorted by price category.

Cheap Yoga Mats

With yoga mats quality increases with price. However, our selection features only the highest quality and most durable inexpensive yoga mats we could find. Don’t expect to find anything extra fancy in this section, nevertheless these yoga mats will make guaranteed excellent gifts. These mats are suitable for all levels of practice but don’t expect anything fancy. For our selection Click here

Intermediate Yoga Mats

We selected the highest quality mats that cost up to $50 for this category. Most of these are constructed of natural, eco-friendly materials by companies like Manduka, Jade and Gaiam. Intermediate yoga mats have better quality and usually last longer than cheaper ones. To see the winners – click here.

Premium Yoga Mats

The mats are not for the budget-conscious gift-seekers, but we tried to keep everything below $100. These are top rated products, the superior yoga mats that will last many years and bring total satisfaction to their owners. If you are looking for absolute best yoga yoga, we trust our suggestions may be what you’re looking for. Click here.

Best Yoga Accessories

If are serious about making progress and enhancing your practice or know someone who will appreciate a high-quality yoga accessory, please read below for our recommendations.

Best Yoga Towels

A good yoga towel would cling to your mat with special nibs on one side and absorb all the extra moisture on the other. Yoga towels can be used on top of your studios mats to greatly enhance any yoga mat’s qualities, providing better grip, wetness protection, cushioning and creating a hygienic layer between the practitioner and their yoga mat. Click here for our suggestions.

Best Yoga Bags

Regular yoga practice usually requires frequent travelling to a studio. Carrying your mat, your towel and props could get a little difficult if you don’t use a proper yoga bag. We’ve selected only  yoga bags that are ventilated, made of high-quality material and roomy enough to fit any yoga mat.

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A new standard in beginner yoga mats

• Thicker and longer than regular mats
• Great comfort
• High performance
• Tons of attractive colors
• Very easy to take care of
• Absolutely not toxic
• Made of eco-conscious materials
• Does not contain phthalate, dioxin, phenal, furan
• No heavy metals
• Suitable for all types of practice
• Machine washable

Description

This yoga is manufactured from the so-called Clean PVC, which is a new material with PVC-like properties but made from eco-conscious ingredients. As a result, this cheap, versatile and highly durable yoga mat is an excellent choice for any kind of practice, and if durability is an issue, you could always recycle it, since it’s so neutral to the environment. These yoga mats have been certified by an authoritative agency.

A quick note on regular PVC:
Conventional methods of manufacturing PVC involve using toxic chemicals, such as phthalates that have been linked to many health problems. These phthalates can be found in most PVC yoga mats in in abundant quantities (up to 60%).
PVC is also not biodegradable,  meaning it would take hundreds of years to decompose, slowly releasing the toxic chemicals into the environment.

Yoga Mat Review

3.5 out of 5 stars

For those who want a more eco-friendly mat, this one is made from PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) or clean PVC, which is claimed to be more sensitive to the environment and your health than yoga mats made of standard PVC foam. This mat does not contain phthalates, dioxins and furans, phenal, or heavy metals and has an ecologically safer method of production. This mat is not very thick – 1/4″, 72″ in length and comes in over 10 different colors. It does have a latex smell when first purchased, but it should wear off after a few weeks of use. You could wash the mat to reduce the smell or have it air out for a significant amount of time. Cheap, eco-friendly and almost disposable. Very nice.

Bean Products Yoga Mat – One of the best cheap yoga mats featured at yoga mat reviews: Best Yoga Mat

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Awesome beginner’s kit

• Yoga Mat with a Safe, non-slip surface for balances and poses
• Easy-to-grasp foam brick supports posture and stability
• Cotton stretching strap improves flexibility

Description

The Firm Yoga Kit features everything you need to begin practicing at home: a yoga mat, a stretching strap, a foam yoga brick and a 30-minute instructional DVD. The firm, cushioned mat provides you with a safe, non-slip surface for balances and poses. An easy-to-grasp foam brick supports your posture and stability as you learn different positions and the cotton stretching strap helps you to improve your flexibility simply, safely, and effectively. Included with the mat is a beginner-friendly yoga DVD that takes you through the basic steps. Lightweight and compact, the kit stores easily and is perfect for travel.

Yoga Mat Review

5 out of 5 stars
As many reviewers have said – This is a great bang for your buck. If you are just getting started, this kit and the included DVD are a perfect combination to get guided into yoga gently. For those who are not keen on spending a fortune on yoga accessories, this kit will provide everything needed to start practicing immediately. The accessories are of good quality and the DVD is also surprisingly professional. No complaints!

The Firm Yoga Beginner Kit featured at yoga mat reviews: Best Yoga Mat

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YogaDirect Nylon Yoga Bag featured at yoga mat reviews: Best Yoga Mat

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