FitSugar

Gear Review: Modern Union Yoga Bag

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:00:03 -0700

Dealing with my yoga mat when I ride to the gym can be a pretty tricky feat. I have a bike basket that I can tie it to but it always throws me off balance. That's why I was really excited to find these messenger bags from Modern Union ($68). The bags were designed by yoga studio owners Stephanie Ofanankis and Belinda Osborne because the partners couldn't find a yoga bag that met their lifestyle needs - lucky me!

First off, I love the textiles they chose - simple, colorful, and modern. Beyond that it's a great bag to take to the gym or use on your days off. The straps on the bottom of the bag keep a yoga mat secure, and I like that there are outside pockets for a water bottle and cell phone. The inside of the bag is roomy enough to carry gym essentials or even a laptop. Inside are a bunch of smaller pockets so things don't get lost, including a key ring holder.

Most importantly these Modern Union bags make commuting on a bike so easy. There's a padded shoulder strap for comfort and a magnetic closure, which is great in case you need to get in and out of your bag quickly if you're stopped at a light. An added bonus is each bag is made out of durable cordura, meaning it won't be ripping, scuffing, or tearing on you anytime soon and it's water resistant.

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.

Fit Tip: Unroll Your Yoga Mat After Class

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

You were sweating for almost an hour and a half at your last yoga class. The sweat was dripping all over your mat - a sign of all your hard work. At the end of class, after relaxing in Savasana, you rolled up the mat to await your next class.

If you stop and think about it though, you have created a damp and dark environment perfect for bacteria and mold to thrive. You don't want things to be growing or living on your yoga mat. Not only will it start to smell, but it's not healthy to touch or to breathe in mildew. Next time, be sure to unroll your yoga mat or rug after you practice to air it out. Either hang it over a door or lay it flat on the floor in a low-traffic area of your home. Plus, the visual reminder of seeing your mat might just inspire you to take off your shoes and hop into Down Dog.

Drew Has Her Own Mat - Do You?

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0700

Drew Barrymore is into the mind/body fitness connection. She celebrated Easter Sunday with a morning yoga class. Yoga not only relieves stress, but if you go to a challenging class, you'll end up toning your entire body. What a great way to start getting in shape for the Summer.

Drew is smart to bring her own mat since public studio mats are filled with other people's germs and sweat. Using a studio mat is a great way to up your chances of getting sick, not to mention they usually smell really funky. Studios are supposed to wash them, but who knows how often they really get cleaned.

Since your mat is like your own personal sanctuary, if you don't have your own, now is the time to pick one up. If you want to know which ones are my favorites then read more

Manduka Black Mat ($79.50): Though expensive, if you practice a lot, it's worth every penny. It's thicker and denser than any mat out there, so if you find that your knees, hip bones, or head hurt when you press them into a thin yoga mat, you won't feel any pain while pressing into this one.

Manduka PurpleLite Travel Mat ($57): This one is slightly thinner than the Black Mat, but still thicker than your average sticky mat.

This may seem like a lot of money, but thinner yoga mats are about $20 to $30, and they usually end up peeling and deteriorating, so you have to keep buying new ones. Since these Manduka Mats are so durable, they'll last for your entire lifetime, so in the end they'll save you money.

Fit's Tips: If you're not into yoga, these mats are great for Pilates as well.

Flynet

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

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!

Yoga Mat Etiquette

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:45:00 -0700

I love doing yoga on a mat. It feels special to have my own private "island." I also love the sticky surface which allows my hands and feet to stay firm. The squishy texture offers my bones some cushion from the hard floor. A yoga mat is also a barrier from the dirty ground, so you want to do what you can to keep it as clean as possible.

When it comes to yoga mats, there are some unwritten rules and tips we need to lay out on the table. Or should I say floor? Knowing them can save you from any embarrassment, and will also keep you healthy. Want to know what they are? Then read more

Whether you borrow a studio mat or use your own, when you're done, hang it up on a hook or over a door to air dry. If it stays wet and rolled up, it's the perfect breeding ground for mold or bacteria. Not only is that disgusting, but it's also stinky, and nobody wants to smell that the next time you go to unroll it.
Speaking of borrowing yoga mats, there's nothing wrong with doing that for your first couple of classes, or if you accidentally forget your mat. Otherwise, bring your own yoga mat. You don't want to smell or be in contact with anyone else's sweat, since that's a great way to get yourself sick.
Your feet are not the cleanest part of your body. For most of us, they are shoved into shoes and socks all day long. They can end up getting sweaty and stinky, and when you get to your 5:30 yoga class, your tootsies are far from fresh. So remove your shoes before entering the studio, and take a minute to run to the bathroom and wash your feet. You'll feel better during your practice, and it'll help keep your mat cleaner. Plus you might get more adjustments from the teacher if you smell clean.
Don't step on anyone else's mat, unless you get permission from the person first (like if you were sharing a mat in a Partner Yoga class). This goes along with the stinky feet rule. Even if you washed your feet for 20 minutes straight, nobody knows that, and it grosses people out to have stranger's feet prancing on their clean mat.
If you use a rug, be sure to wash it once a week in the washing machine. Since it absorbs all your sweat, it gets as gross as your sweaty yoga clothes. You wouldn't wear the same clothes over and over again, right? Good, so be sure to wash that rug just as often.
Don't use yoga mat spray to make your mat smell pretty. It may cover up the smell of your stinky mat, but it doesn't cover up the fact that your mat isn't clean. Not only can those sprays make your mat dangerously slippery, but the scents can also be distracting or annoying to fellow yogis in the class who are trying to breathe fresh air. Some may even be allergic to the scent.

Source

Get in Gear: Eco-Friendly Mats

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Who wants to do their Downward Facing Dog on PVC (polyvinyl chloride)? It's a toxic plastic that's used to make many sticky mats. According to Greenpeace, PVC products that are being disposed of within a few years of use, are causing serious waste problems since these and other plastics don't biodegrade quickly. In response to this growing PVC crisis, many manufacturers are beginning to make environmentally friendly mats using natural fibers like jute, cotton, and rubber.

Not only are these mats biodegradable, and free of hazardous chemicals, but their makers say they provide more traction. Other mats made of plastic take a few washings and hours of practice to get rid of the chemical sheen, not to mention the stinky smell.

Since practicing yoga and Pilates is doing good for you, why not use a mat that does good for the environment as well? By choosing environmentally friendly products, you are doing your part to support the movement toward a healthier, sustainable planet. Here are some of my favorites:

Saka Studio Eco Yoga Mat	Cotton Rug
The Original Eco Yoga Mat	Jute Yoga Mat
prAna E.C.O. Sticky Mat	Natural Jute and PER Yoga Mat

Yoga Class Etiquette

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Whether you're planning on going to your first yoga class or you've been to a million, there are some things every good yogini needs to know. This way, you'll be able to respect the teacher, and respect yourself as well.

Wear clean clothes: Some teachers assist you in postures, and you wouldn't want them to have to smell your stinky previously sweat in outfit. How embarrassing.
Don't be late: Show up at least 10 minutes before the class begins so you can get yourself ready and find a spot to put your mat. You need a few minutes to switch gears, release the thoughts of the day, and calm your body and mind. It's also disrespectful to the teacher and the other students when you stumble in late and disrupt class.
Tell the instructor of injuries: If you have any injuries or special health conditions, let the teacher know before class. That way, if you've recently had knee surgery, they'll understand why you're not bending your knee deeply in Warrior pose, and they can show you a modification. Also, if you prefer NOT being adjusted in poses, let them know in a polite way.
Bring your own mat: If you don't have one, you can definitely borrow or rent one from the studio. Make sure you ASK where they are, so you don't take one that is for sale by the studio. After your first few classes, it's time to purchase your own mat. That way you won't have to worry about other people's sweat, germs and bacteria making you sick.

Want to know what's the MOST IMPORTANT thing you should know? Then read more

TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE: This is huge. We practice yoga to get away from the outside world. No one wants a ringing phone to shatter her or his bubble of serenity. Plus, you owe it to yourself to have an hour and a half of quiet too.
Don't wear strong scented perfumes or lotions: The lotion is just a bad idea in general because once you start to sweat a little, you'll be slipping and sliding on your mat. Others may be sensitive or allergic to certain smells, and when you're all breathing in a small room, you don't need anyone having an asthma attack on account of you.
Don't make a scene: If you need to leave class to go to the bathroom or blow your nose or whatever, just quietly walk out, do your thing, and come back. You don't need to ask the teacher's permission.
Don't talk to your friends during class: No, you're not going to get detention, but you'll definitely upset the people around you. Plus, the whole point of a yoga class is to bring your awareness inward. You can't do that when you're whispering about something stupid your boyfriend did.
Don't skip Savasana: If you need to leave early, that's okay. Just let the teacher know before class, but DON"T make a habit out of it. Savasana is the time at the end of class where you get to rest from all the hard work you did, and relax from your long day. When you skip it, you're missing out on an extremely important part of class, not too mention disrespecting the teacher and annoying the other students who are trying to rest.

Fit's Tips: Many studios have other rules as well, like leaving your shoes outside the studio.

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.