FitSugar

Fittingly Green: Design Your Own Yoga Mat at Yogamatic

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:19 -0700

When you go to a yoga class, the sea of mats laid out on the floor is usually pretty boring. Plain blue, black, and purple aren't exactly an expression of your unique personalty, so why not design your own? At yogamatic.com, you can upload any photo or drawing and it will be made into a 100 percent biodegradable foam mat. You'll also receive a mat bag and a good feeling knowing that a percentage of the price ($85) goes to Global Green, a non-profit focused on preventing climate change. It's a great way to inspire your yoga practice while doing something that supports the Earth.

Fittingly Green: Manduka eKO Mat

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:00:00 -0700

When it comes to yoga mats, Manduka is hands down my absolute favorite brand, and I never practice without my Black Mat PRO. It's durable, thick, and firm, and still looks exactly the same as the day I bought it. It's heavy, though, weighing in at seven pounds, and doesn't come cheap at the steep price of $85 (although it's worth every penny).

If you're looking for a thinner, lighter, and less-expensive mat, then you'll love its new eKO Lite Mat ($42). It weighs 3.5 pounds, so it travels easily, but the best part is that it's environmentally friendly. This Manduka mat is made from non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber. It contains no PVC or toxic plasticizers, and will leave no footprint in landfills. This mat has a wonderfully grippy surface and doesn't lose its stickiness even when I sweat. Plus, the material won't flake or disintegrate with use, so you'll have this mat for years to come. I think the mat's endurance makes it environmentally friendly as well.

There's something even more special about this green eKO Lite Mat. To find out the details read more.

When you purchase this green eKO Lite mat ($42), part of the proceeds will be donated to Off the Mat, Into the World. It's an organization cosponsored by Seane Corn, dedicated to inspiring yogis to take the insight, self-knowledge, inspiration, and activation that they get in practice out into their community. It helps people understand their connection with the world, and shows them how to initiate service projects in their neighborhood that can help make a difference. Check out the video below to learn more about this organization. You can order a green eKO Lite mat from Manduka, and not only will you be helping this great cause, but the planet will benefit as well.

Here's more information on Off the Mat, Into the World.

Fittingly Green: RecycleYourMat.com

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

If you practice yoga regularly, chances are you've been through more than one mat. Since many of them are thin and begin to disintegrate with repeated use, you end up having to replace it at least once a year. Instead of mindlessly throwing out your mat, you can be green and recycle it. Visit the Recycle Your Mat website - the first mat recycling program. Just wash and dry it, roll it, package it in brown paper, and mail it to:

Recycle Your Mat
4777 Larkwood Street
Eugene, OR 97405

Once they receive your mat, you'll receive a confirmation email with a coupon for 20 percent off an eco-friendly Manduka mat or other Manduka product. In 2008, 50 percent of the mats were "upcycled" into yoga products, and 30 percent were donated to local community programs. The remaining mats will be upcycled in 2009. It's a great way to do your part and keep mats out of landfills.

Fit Tip: Keep Wipes in Your Mat Bag

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0700

When I envision practicing yoga, I think of deep breathing, calmness, melting tension, and an open body and mind. All those good things can quickly turn bad if you lower your face to your mat in Child's Pose and get a whiff of funkiness. Then when you realize the horrid aroma is emanating from your own mat, you may want to roll it up and head out the door. This is the whole reason you bought your own mat in the first place - to avoid contact with germs, bacteria, dirt, and overall stinkiness. If you have a hard time remembering to air out your mat at home, here's an easy solution. Get in the habit of keeping a package of all natural wipes in your mat bag. I like these lavender scented surface wipes from Mrs. Meyers ($4 for 24). They don't take up much room in your mat bag, and it only takes one minute to wipe down your mat to get rid of the sweat, dust, dead skins cells, and germs that can make your mat smell or make you sick. Let it air dry while you change into your clothes. Then roll your mat up, slip it into your mat bag, and your it will be fresh and clean for your next yoga or Pilates class.

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Gear Review: Devi Mats

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0800

For some of you, one of your New Year's resolutions may be to try yoga. Aside from the motivation to go to class, you'll also need your very own yoga mat. While looking for a mat, you may realize that they have one thing in common - they're all one solid boring color. So if you want a mat with a little more pizzazz, check out Devi mats. They have eight nature-inspired designs that feel like you're practicing on a life-size photograph or painting. I have the Earth Mat and I love the tacky surface that prevents my hands and feet from slipping. It's 1/4-inch thick, so it's lightweight and can be used for yoga and strength-training exercises.

As soon as I stepped on my mat for the first time, I felt a renewed sense of happiness and energy that I never felt with my plain-Jane Black Mat. They're on sale for $100, marked down from $120, which I know still seems pricey. But if this mat inspires you to practice yoga, then it's totally worth it.

To see the other exciting Devi designs read more.

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Gear Review: J&P Yoga Bags (Good For Smiles)

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you're looking for a new bag for your Yoga mat, but you don't want it to look like your average mat or gym bag. Then you're going to love these adorable J&PYoga bags. The initials stand for "joy" and "peace" (aww). The woman who started this business wanted her company to be socially responsible, so part of the proceeds of each bag is donated to The Smile Train, a charity that provides cleft surgery for children who otherwise can't afford it. Her hope is that her bags will bring smiles to the people who use them, and they'll smile even more knowing they helped a child smile, too.

The bags come in four styles, and the Abigail ($89.95) is pictured above. I love the pink and mint green modern fabric inside the bag, and the fact that it has a key clip sewn in (I can never find my keys when they're loose in the bottom of my bag). There's a big zippered compartment inside too so you can stash a snack, wallet, or cell phone. Each bag comes with an eye pillow (perfect for Savasana), and a strap to modify poses. This bag is super roomy and lightweight; it can even handle a heavy Manduka Black Mat inside with room to spare for a water bottle and change of clothes. I like how the straps are long, so it feels more like a purse than a mat bag.To see the other styles, click the images below.

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Get in Gear: Anti-Microbial Mat

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:45:00 -0800

If you're a little wary of germs at the gym then you may want to consider getting one of these new Anti-Microbial Mats ($45) from Harbinger.

These smart mats are made from 5/8-inch thick closed-cell Anti-Microbial Durafoam that prevents bacterial growth and odor, and does not wear off over time and use. Moisture resistant skin is easy to wipe clean and the nonskid ridges prevent slipping, by gripping the floor. Buy it here.

Get in Gear: Manduka PROLite Travel Mat

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0800

Since many of you will be traveling this Thanksgiving, and eating tons of yummy food, I'm sure you don't want to abandon your exercise routine completely on that long weekend. If I go on a trip, I always bring a mat along so I can do some yoga stretches or some of my favorite Pilates moves.

I'd bring along my Manduka Black Mat if I could since it's the best mat ever, but it's way too heavy to stuff in my suitcase (it weighs 7 lbs.). So that's why I also own a PurpleLite Travel Mat. This mat weighs only 4 lbs., so it's much easier to travel with. It's made by Manduka so you know it's constructed out of the same dense material as the Black Mat. The PROLite Mat is slightly thinner, but it's still extremely cushiony and durable. I'm such a fan of Manduka Mats because I've had mine for six years and they haven't torn, pilled, or worn whatsoever. I plan on keeping these mats for life, which is good news for the environment.

Fit's Tips: Manduka mats come in the standard 71-inch length ($57), but if you are a little taller or just like practicing on a longer mat, they also make 85-in mats ($79).

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Get in Gear: Manduka Black Mat

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Are you looking for the world's best yoga mat? One that isn't too slippery, is thick and dense enough to cushion your bones, and will last a lifetime? Well, I have found it. The Manduka Black Mat is my absolute favorite mat ever. I've had mine for over six years and it looks exactly the same as the day I bought it.

This 7-pound mat is made of extremely durable material that won't tear, wear, or pill unlike thinner yoga mats. That means the Manduka mat will be the only mat you'll ever have to buy. In speak that would fall under the category of "reduce."

The surface it slightly textured on the bottom so it won't slip on the floor, and the upper surface provides traction. If you are an extreme sweater, you may want to purchase a cotton rug or a Yogitoes skidless towel to place on the mat to absorb your perspiration.

Order one from Manduka for $79.50. It comes in the standard 71-inch size, or if you are taller (6 ft or more), you can get the 85" mat for $90.50.

Fit's Tips: This is seriously one of the best purchases I've ever made, but I didn't fall in love with my Black Mat right away. This mat, like all mats, takes some breaking in. The surface may be a bit slippery at first, so if that's the case, rinse it with warm water and a sponge. Also, practicing on it is the bet way to break it in. It may take 10 or more classes, but it'll lose its slickness and be well worth your money and effort. Plus, talk about motivation. You can talk yourself into doing some yoga just to break in your mat!

Techno Yoga Mat

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

You know something is cutting edge when it comes to your attention twice in less than 12 hours. Both geeksugar and sugar user tdamji are into this blending of uber contemporary technology and the ancient practice of yoga.

Designer Hui-Zong Chen has conceived of a yoga mat, made of an electronic paper screen that unfurls from a metal tube that is a stereo with cute little speakers housed at each end. The yoga mat can play streaming videos at the top of the mat, so you can follow a virtual yoga instructor through a series of poses. Better yet, you could “conference” in your friends and create a group class situation with participants in different parts of the globe.

Alas, this hi tech mat is still in the conceptual stage, but cool nonetheless. I love the idea of my Warrior I riding the technology wave, how about you?

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