FitSugar

Gear Review: Lotuspad Eco-Friendly Mat and Strap

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you're an avid yoga or Pilates girl, and you want a quality mat that's good for the earth and light on your purse then check out Lotuspad mats ($40). They're made of 100-percent biodegradable TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), and even though this mat is 5 millimeters thick, when it's all rolled up, it feels really lightweight so it's easy to carry. It resists bacterial and fungal growth and is reversible, so you can use both sides. They come in three colors: earth brown/forest green, fuchsia/lotus pink, and deep ocean blue/soft blue.

If that wasn't enough, they also make these adorable and unique mat straps. The part that wraps around your mat is made with adjustable velcro, so you'll get a snug fit to keep your mat from unraveling. Lotuspad is running a deal right now where you can get a mat and strap for $49. I have the turquoise and brown-dot strap, but click on the pictures below to see the other cheery choices.

To see the other straps read more.

View 12 Photos ›

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!

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).

Source

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.

Get in Gear: Pinda Mat Bag

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 03:00:00 -0800

Whether you're taking the subway to your Pilates class, riding your bike to Yoga, or taking a day hike with some friends, this is the pack for you.

The Pinda Yoga Backpack from Saka can hold a wide range of mats. So even if your mat is pretty heavy, you hardly notice it because of the comfortably padded straps. And it's a back pack, so the weight is distributed evenly through both shoulders.

You strap your mat inside, and then secure it with flaps. There's even a little pouch on the bottom to keep your mat from falling out.

If you want to use it as a day-pack, there's a good size compartment to put a sweatshirt, water bottle and some snacks. Plus there's a specially sized iPod pocket with a headphone exit - so it's easy to listen to your tunes as you walk.

It's made of 100% nylon and costs $68.

Do you want to see what it looks like inside? read more

View 3 Photos ›

Crave Worthy: Jill Malek Yoga Mats

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:51 -0700

Sometimes I want to feel pretty when I'm sweating it out at my Pilates mat class. Since I usually keep my workout clothes pretty basic, I'm always on the lookout for a unique bag or mat. I was excited to find out that Brooklyn-based designer Jill Malek teamed up with the eco-friendly company YogaMatic for a new line of mats. Like all YogaMatic mats, the Jill Malek series is made from sustainable, recycled rubber that is 100 percent biodegradable, and a percentage of the price ($85) goes to Global Green, a nonprofit focused on preventing climate change.

This is the first time YogaMatic has teamed with an independent designer, and it's easy to see why they picked Malek. The designs are based from Malek's Frequencies wallpaper collection - nature-inspired designs with repetitive patterns. I know it sounds silly, but the designs get me excited about taking a yoga or Pilates class.

The mats measure 72-by-24 inches with a thickness of 1/4-inch and also come with a tote bag.

New Uses for Old Mats

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

There comes a time when your yoga mat has seen its last downward dog and you may not feel that throwing it away is the best solution for you (or the environment). So what's a girl to do?

Gaiam.com has an awesome list of fabulous ideas of uses for that old yoga mat:

Tree ornaments -- just use holiday cookie cutters! – T.C., Arvada, CO
Dog & cat dishes stay put. Cut to size required. – A. O., Trumbull, CT
Donate to homeless shelters as sleeping pads. – R. N., Minneapolis, MN
Use an exacto-knife to cut out shapes, letters, numbers, etc. Perfect for little fingers. – C. M., London, ON, Canada
While taking my dog to the vet or groomer or just for a ride with the top down, her feet would scratch the leather going around curves. So I decided to take an old yoga mat and roll it out over the back seat of my car. Viola! She is comfy and can do her own version of Downward Dog without scratching my seats! – L. S., Powell, OH
Drop off your old mat at an animal rescue group. Most of these places need soft, durable mats, rugs, towels, & blankets to line crates. The poor helpless and homeless animals need comfort too! – P. O., Highland Park, NJ
My children love play dough! This mat will be excellent for play dough and other messy projects because it will make cleaning up a lot easier. – F. F., Owings Mills, MD
I have used an old mat in my wood working shop to keep wood from slipping on my workbench while using power tools on them. – M. C., Lee's Summit, MO
Line kitchen shelves - glasses won't scratch and hold better to the sticky surface. – J. S., Madison, WI
Smother weeds in your garden. Just place the mat over a section of your garden and the mat and the sun's heat will smother weeds and their seeds. Then when it is time to sew your seeds just remove the mat and move it to another spot in your garden. – J. M., Woodbury, CT

There are a lot more so read more

Cut the mat into squares and use them as "bases" while playing baseball with the kids. Easy to carry and easy to clean! – J. C., New York, NY
Mat gripper - place it under an area rug for no-slip gripping. When you're ready to work out, just roll back your rug and presto - yoga in an instant. Best used with a sticky yoga mat. – S. F., Brooklyn, NY
I made one of those garden knee pads to kneel on by cutting the mat into even sections and binding the ends with twine. – K. F., Manassas, VA
Wash, then cut apart to use as drawer liners. – C. L., Mason City, IA
Cut it up to make mouse pads. – L. E., Fort Worth, TX
Grommet the corners and suspend the used mat from the ceiling of a parking garage (such as at the yoga studio) to prevent door dings. Keep that centered, calm feeling going! – F. H., Los Angeles, CA
Use it on the beach instead of a towel. – A. B., San Diego, CA
Shred and use for a backyard jungle gym, at the end of the slide. Ooh, comfy landings! – R. N., Minneapolis, MN
Grip pads to open jars. – A. F., Grapevine, TX
Cut to size and use as foot pads for the bottom of furniture that is on a wood or ceramic floor. Glue on pieces with a non-toxic adhesive. One mat will go a long way! – E. W., Tampa, FL

Have your own ideas? Share them in the comments section below!

Still want more ideas? Then check out Gaiam.com.

Eco-Friendly Folding Mat

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:30:00 -0700

Crescent Moon came out with the innovative earth-friendly ECOmat for Pilates and yoga. It's made from patented TPE foam, so it contains no PVC, latex, rubber, or toxic materials.

Not only that, but it folds up. It sounds a bit odd, but the patterned grooves are said to provide superior traction. And the folds are fully enforced to prevent the absorption of sweat, so it's easy to keep clean.

It only weighs 2.8 lbs, and because it folds, it could be a great mat to travel with. You can get one for 49.99 in blue or green on the Crescent Moon website.

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.

Source

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.