Archive for Yoga Mat
Do Bikram Asanas Require a Bikram Yoga Mat?
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While not absolutely necessary (and many yogis get started without a mat at all) it's an excellent idea to use a Bikram yoga mat when you exercise with yoga if you want to attain maximum comfort, traction and safety during your workout.
Bikram Yoga Mats Are Safer
As can be inferred from the name, yogis that perform Bikram yoga will per force (in most cases) be required to use a Bikram yoga mat. Bikram yoga, or "hot yoga" as it is also known, is a form of yoga in which the yogi moves very smoothly through a number of different poses in a room that has been heated to around 100 degrees Farenheit. The aim of performing Bikram yoga is to allow the heat from the room to increase the yogi’s ability to stretch and sweat out toxins. As a result, Bikram yoga practioners get HOT! Their sweat, literally pouring off of them at the end of a good workout, can create slippery and dangerous conditions on a hardwood workout floor, that's why most yoga studios (and even home users practicing with a Bikram yoga DVD) will benefit from the use of a Bikram yoga mat.
Can you get away without using a Bikram Yoga Mat?
Of course, it is not absolutely necessary to use a Bikram yoga mat to do your Bikram yoga routine. I have worked out on carpet in my house, a bathroom towel (over the carpet to catch the sweat) and outside in a warm climate - the beach! However, I found that with less stable footing, I was not as confident in my postures. There are certain benefits to using a yoga mat that just can't be duplicated without one. Characteristics specific to bikram yoga mats in particular include their ability to absorb sweat (either through the use of cotton or another absorbent material, or an "open cell" rubberized mat that lets sweat fall into tiny openings in the mat, rather than pooling on its surface.
A Bikram yoga mat can ensure that you do not slip on sweat since this is a kind of yoga mat that has been especially constructed to absorb all the sweat produced. This in turn means that the surface of the Bikram yoga mat will not be slippery from puddles of sweat and that of course ensures that you will be able to perform your exercises without fear of slipping on a wet surface.
A Bikram yoga mat also provides sufficient traction and friction to ensure that you can perform your Bikram yoga poses in a stable manner as such mats do not become slippery and the additional friction ensures surefootedness. This means that there are fewer chances of slipping and injuring you and so you can perform your Bikram yoga without any fear.
You can choose an especially thick Bikram yoga mat or one that is oversized (such as an extra long yoga mat, helpful for taller people). It is all a matter of personal preference. You need to, of course ensure that you get sufficient support as well as cushioning from the mat and it should also have an especially firm connection with the floor or ground.
So, as you can see, using a Bikram yoga mat is not just a matter of looking trendy on the street or at the gym. It's an important piece of equipment to enhance your safety and personal comfort while doing Bikram yoga. If you are serious about advancing in your yoga practice, or working out for life, not just a few weeks, there is really no excuse to be without a Bikram yoga mat that you like.
The Simple Cotton Yoga Mat
Posted by: | CommentsWhen trying to decide what kind of yoga mat to get, many advanced yoga practitioners seek out a cotton yoga mat as an alternative to the traditional rubber style tapas yoga mat that has become so common lately.
Cotton is a natural and renewable plant fiber that has many benefits not available in a rubber yoga mat.
Cotton Yoga Mats Can Take The Heat
If you are practicing "hot yoga" you may want to consider a cotton yoga mat which is a superior sweat and moisture absorber.
A cotton yoga mat can prove to be very useful for those yogis that are performing yoga in which a lot of body heat is produced and which also leads to having to sweat a good deal as is the case when performing Bikram yoga and Astanga yoga. The beauty of the cotton yoga mat is that it is able to absorb all the sweat that falls on it and this means that there is less likelihood that you would slip on any puddles of sweat that would have formed if you were using yoga mats made from some other kind of material that cannot absorb the sweat or handle excessive heat.
Natural Weave Pattern In Cotton Mats - Your Secret Weapon To Superior Positioning
Another benefit to using a cotton yoga mat is that these kinds of yoga mats have lines in their patterns that help you to align your body more effectively and a cotton yoga mat also provides proper cushioning to the body and can even act as a good substitute for a blanket.
There is no doubt that a good cotton yoga mat will go a long way in helping a yogi get optimum results from their yoga exercises. This in turn means that if you are more than a casual or occasional exerciser who is serious about achieving better health and fitness through yoga, it is an excellent idea to invest in a yoga mat - be it a cotton mat - or of another material - if you want to have comfort and traction that will help you achieve more advanced positions.
The only things that you need to look for when purchasing a cotton yoga mat are the quality and thickness of the material. A good quality cotton yoga mat should be evenly thick throughout, without knots or clumps in the weave. If you are shopping at a market for a cotton yoga mat and find that the mat in question has lumps in it or is not consistent in its spread of cotton, then you would do well to look for a better piece. Most commercially available cotton yoga mats have good quality control. Handmade yoga mats are more likely to have undesirable (read uncomfortable!) variations in thickness.
Before purchasing your cotton yoga mat it also makes sense to feel the mat with the palms of your hand to see whether any of the cotton inside the mat has knotted up which normally occurs if the mat has been left in storage over a considerable period of time. Such knots can dig into the yogi’s skin and that makes it uncomfortable to use. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of a cotton yoga mat you purchase online, you may be able to return it free of charge. It's important to check the company's return policy before ordering.
Last but not the least, makes sure to buy a cotton yoga mat that fits your body size. It is also safe to say that you must try and opt for a slightly bigger mat – both in terms of breadth and also in its length, if multiple sizes are available and you're not sure whether you need and extra wide or extra long yoga mat.
A cotton yoga mat is a great piece of equipment for the health- and environmentally-conscious yogi. A high quality cotton yoga mat should more than meet your needs for comfort, durability and traction as well as, if not better than a tapas sticky mat.
The Tapas Yoga Mat – In Thick, Extra Thick and Original Thickness
Posted by: | CommentsThe Tapas Yoga Mat - Still A Classic
When you think of traditional yoga mats, you're probably envisioning a tapas yoga mat. The original tapas yoga mat is a sticky yoga mat that is about 1/8" thick and weighs 2.5 lbs. They are often brightly colored and highly functional when it comes to cushioning you and providing traction while you practice your yoga asanas.
Now the tapas yoga mat also comes in an extra thick version that is twice as thick as the original. These can be especially useful if you've felt that your original tapas yoga mat did not provide you with the comfort you require and you are feeling a lot of pressure from your joints and bones grinding into the floor while you exercise.
Does and Extra Thick Tapas Yoga Mat Really Make a Difference?
If you find you are not able to perform your yoga poses in comfort, then it pays for you to take a closer look at the benefits of using an extra thick yoga mat. In fact, more and more yogis are opting for the thick yoga mat as they ensure that you don't end up mashing your ankles, knees, skull, or tailbone against the hardness of the floor. Instead your weight will be more evenly distributed against the surface area of the thicker tapas yoga mat and you'll notice the feeling of your knees and ankles sinking into a thick yoga mat as you perform various yoga exercises.
Tapas Yoga Mats: For Those Obsessed With Comfort
Of course, in recent years, yoga has gone mainstream and many new yogis are more obsessed with comfort than at any time in the past. That's why they're buying yoga mats in the first place, and extra thick tapas yoga mats in particular. Buying a thick yoga mat will ensure that you get to enjoy your yoga routine in comfort, and therefore make it much more likely that you will adhere to the practice for the long term.
Even if you are a yogi that feels some pain or discomfort while performing your yoga and you need something to help you get relief; then choosing a thick yoga mat makes sense for you. Today, such mats are available in varying degrees of thickness including three by sixteen of an inch of thickness and also a very comfortable quarter inch thickness. The extra thick tapas yoga mat is 1/4" thick.
A travel yoga mat, on the other hand, is usually only one sixteenth of an inch in thickness.
What Thickness of Yoga Mat Is Right For You?
Though there are several benefits to using thinner yoga mats in a majority of cases when you have to perform your yoga you will be doing so on a very hard floor and this can make life very uncomfortable as well as painful for you if you're not cushioned by a nice tapas yoga mat. The best solution in such cases is to use a standard or extra thick yoga mat.
In the beginning your thick yoga mat might feel a bit stiff as well as be slick and in addition it can also be quite curly. With use you will be able to get the mat to soften up and then they will provide you with proper traction and comfort to ensure that you get the most out of your yoga exercises.
Tapas yoga mats have been around for a long time. They are durable, sticky and perfect for the beginning or advanced yogi. If you feel you would enjoy more comfort during your yoga routine (most of us!), consider an extra thick tapas yoga mat as an alternative to the standard tapas yoga mat.
What’s In Your Yoga Mat Bag?
Posted by: | CommentsMake a Splash With A Trendy Yoga Mat Bag!
Every yoga fan knows that you end up taking your yoga mat with you to more places than you ever think you will. A yoga mat bag can help your yoga mat stay clean and sticky, protected from the sun and other elements and - hey let's face it - add to or detract from your own personal style statement. The yoga cool factor goes out the window if you are seen toting around your yoga mat in an old plastic grocery bag, for example.
Using a yoga mat bag of some kind is a good way to protect your yoga mat... the special properties of the mat can break down if the mat becomes dirty or is over-exposed to the elements outdoors. I've seen some yoga mats that will never be the same after getting beat up by soccer shoes, strollers, boxes, etc. in the back seat of someone's car. If you are using a yoga mat (which you should be doing) then you need to also consider purchasing a yoga mat bag in which you can conveniently and safely store your yoga mat when it is not being used. A sack or tote for your yoga mat makes it very easy to carry your mat with you wherever you travel.
A Good Yoga Mat Bag Looks Great While Being Highly Functional
A majority of yoga mats tend to be easy to roll up without much problem and so it makes sense to also ensure that once the mat has been folded up or rolled up it can then be put away in a yoga mat bag so that there is less risk of the mat being damaged.
Most yoga mat bags are available in a number of different styles and materials and can meet your needs whether they are to look good, save the planet, or just save money with a cheap yoga mat bag. In fact, most typical yoga mat bags are generally made from silk, cotton or jute and perhaps even from velvet. Or you can just get a simple nylon bag, like a sleeping bag stuff sack.
Cotton yoga mat bags are very popular and since they are also extremely durable they make excellent buys and in addition they are also waterproof which is another good reason why you should buy such bags.
Besides selecting the material it is also a good idea to choose a pattern that makes you look smart. Now that you have cool yoga pants and shirts, you don't want to miss out on completing the look by skimping on your yoga mat bag or other accessories. Of course, the most important feature of a yoga mat bag is its functionality and not just its looks.
A typical yoga mat bag can cost from between twenty to fifty dollars though the actual price depends on the manufacturer/designer, the material from which it is made, its size and also the types of patterns being used. The bottom line is that the yoga mat bag provides added convenience and it aids in easier portability and is a necessary accessory that every practitioner of yoga must make it a point to buy.
Where To Find Great Yoga Mat Bags
You can shop for yoga mat bags at your yoga studio, at yoga and fitness shops, and even at big warehouse stores like Big 5 Sports or Walmart. However, the greatest variety and selection will be found online.
What To Look For In Travel Yoga Mat
Posted by: | CommentsA simple travel yoga mat can help you make priceless memories around the world.
The wonderful thing about yoga, is that it is a simple practice that can be enjoyed anywhere. One of my best yoga memories is practicing yoga on the beach in El Salvador when I was in college. The warm Pacific breezes and soft sand were delightful.
If you love to travel and love to practice yoga, you may want to consider investing in a travel yoga mat. Even if you just like to go workout at the gym, if they don't provide you with equipment, you'll need a new yoga mat for yourself, anyway.
A travel yoga mat definitely suits a yogi that is forever on the go. In fact, such a yoga mat is ideally suited for throwing into your suitcase (or even into your carry-on luggage!) and away you go! An essential feature of a travel yoga mat is that they are very thin. However, because of this thinness, travel yoga mats tend to be slightly less durable. Take good care of your mat and only use them on a floor that is covered by a carpet or hardwood. Using your yoga mat outside if it is especially thin is a recipe for tears, discomfort and frustration.
Have You Heard Of the Manduka Travel Yoga Mat?
A good option, as far as the ideal travel yoga mat goes, is the Manduka travel yoga mat. This a great choice because it is very easy to carry with you and is also very durable. This ensures you can use the Manduka mat as often as you like, even as your primary yoga mat when you're not travelling. Some people who have used the Manduka travel yoga mat say that it is the best of its kind, especially if you are looking for a yoga mat that is easy to take with you on all your travels. The only downside to the Manduka is its premium price.
However, there are other options as well that you can think about including the Savasa travel yoga mat and the Jade Harmony travel yoga mat and some others that also fairly cheap. You need to at the very least look for features such as the durability of the product, the type of material that the mat is made from and also the thinness of the product. And, of course it should also be very light in weight if you plan to carry it in a bag or strap over your shoulder.
Where To Find Great Deals For Yoga Travel Mats
The Internet is a great place to search for good deals on the travel yoga mat and one site in particular that is worth checking out is YogaInsight.com. Here you can find ultra-thin products that are also small enough to fit in any standard suitcase and even into an overnight bag.
Today, when performing yoga, the emphasis is more on comfort and perfomance than on anything else. Therefore, when you invest in a yoga mat, try to clarify your goals - stickiness, thickness, light weight, environmentally friendly? Different yoga mats emphasize different features. The good news is that if you are willing to pay the price, you really can have it all!
Wai Lana Yoga Mats Look Great and Work Great
Posted by: | CommentsIf you've been practicing yoga with the teachings of Wai Lana, you probably know how she loves to combine form and function. Her Wai Lana Yoga Mats are no exception. There are several styles to choose from including the traditional rubber mat and an eco friendly Wai Lana yoga mat made out of recycled materials that can degrade naturally in the environment.
Although the ecomat and enviromat that Wai Lana recommends are more expensive than the standard Wai Lana yoga mats, many yogis are very concerned about the environment and will find the extra investment worthwhile. Unlike many "old school" cotton yoga mats, the Wai Lana yoga mats offer excellent cushioning and traction for stability during your yoga poses.
Wai Lana also recommends extra thick yoga mats for added comfort and stability. If you find yourself doing yoga outdoors, the extra thickness can also cushion your feet from sticks, rocks and other debris you may find on the ground.
Wai Lana Knows You Need Padding, Traction And Stability In Your Yoga Mat
A good Wai Lana yoga mat should provide you with enough padding to be comfortable when you rest your weight on the mat, especially your head in inverted poses, even if you are practicing on the hard ground.
If you use an eco mat made from natural jute and rubber that are renewable resources, you won’t need to be worried about depleting these resources and thereby causing harm to the eco system.
A good eco yoga mat will use what is known as open cell rubber foam which has the unique ability to absorb whatever sweat falls on the surface and this means safer yoga since there is no risk of your slipping on wet puddles on the mat and you can therefore slide and expend all your energies in doing difficult astanga and vinyasa and even power yoga poses without any fear whatsoever.
Whether you choose to go with one of Wai Lana's traditional yoga mats, an extra thick yoga mat, or a Wai Lana yoga mat made of eco friendly materials, the most important thing is not the mat itself, but your continued practice and adherence to the Wai Lana yoga teachings. Yoga is an activity that can be pursued throughout your life. Make it an integral part of your daily routine. Wai Lana would be proud!
Would Your Yoga Practice Benefit From a Thick Yoga Mat?
Posted by: | CommentsYou know what it takes to be a cool yoga practitioner when you go to the gym or walk down the street: It's that brightly colored thick yoga mat rolled up in your gym bag and thrown over your shoulder. While some gyms provide yoga mats you can use, many people prefer to get their own reasonably priced sticky yoga mat for practicing yoga at home as well as at the gym.
Now looks aside, you know a thick yoga mat will really help give you confidence as you attempt more challenging yoga poses as it increases your traction and cushions your weight against the floor. A versatile workout tool, yoga mats are being used for all types of workouts, now.
What To Look For When You Buy A Yoga Mat
Having decided to pursue the practice of yoga, consider how and where you'll do your yoga exercises. This will help you evaluate what type of yoga mat (thick or thin, cotton or plastic, etc.) will be right for you.
Here are some important things to consider:
The first thing to look for in your yoga mat is that it must provide adequate traction which of course translates to allowing all your body parts to get a good grip and which also prevents your body from slipping. Most rubbery, thick yoga mats do this job very well.
Secondary factors include the durability of the mat, if you plan to use it outside and the environmental impact of your mat. Some people prefer to use a cotton yoga mat or other eco-friendly yoga mats.
A Nice Thick Yoga Mat Helps You Maintain Your Yoga Pose
The right sticky yoga mat will ensure that you can maintain the desired yoga pose for the required amount of time, especially when you need to hold a particular pose for an extended time period. The right kind of yoga mat is also one that lies flat on the ground or floor after you spread the mat, rather than curling back up or becoming wrinkled. In addition, an extra thick yoga mat will be soft so that your body gets the right amount of cushioning while also being firm enough to provide proper support to the body. It also helps to choose a yoga mat that can be easily cleaned after a sweaty or outdoor workout. My cousin says her yoga mat will never be the same after she used it for some muddy outdoor exercise here in rainy Seattle.
Most yoga mats are rather thin and their main purpose is to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You can buy thick and extra thick yoga mats to provide extra cushioning, and those are great. Most people who have tried doing yoga without a mat quickly come to understand that buying a yoga mat represents a sound investment and it should also be the first item of yoga accessory that you should purchase before beginning your yoga exercises.
You should also expect to come across a variety of yoga exercise mats of which the Classic, Deluxe and Cotton Chemical Free or Organic mats are good examples. You need to also select your yoga mat according to the type of material from which it is made. You can choose synthetic materials or natural ones, such as cotton and jute, or you can use latex and even PVC. materials that are also quite popular. Last but not least, you can choose to buy yoga mats that are a blend of both natural rubber and jute.
After buying your thick yoga mat, it also makes sense that you should buy a yoga mat bag with which you can store your precious mat in a safe and secure manner. You can also place your mat in the bag and then transport it conveniently and easily.
Yoga mats are not complicated, but find one that you can really feel good about using, since you'll be spending a lot of time with it and interacting with it rather intimately - think Child's Pose with your face on the floor. Personally, I like thick plastic (sticky) yoga mats for their comfort, usability, and durability. If you're not familiar with the various types of yoga mats out there, take a look at other people's mats the next time you're at the gym and if you spot one you like, ask the owner for her appraisal of its merits and also where she got it and what the price is.
You may find that it makes the most sense to buy a plain vanilla yoga mat to start out with, and as you get more advanced and experienced, upgrade your yoga mat to better meet your needs.