yoga mats

Are you looking to change the shape of your body or trying to lose belly fat without joining a high priced gym? If so, try this high energized cardiovascular fitness routine that that was developed by Keli Roberts.

With this 10 minute exercise routine you can burn up to 150 calories every single day.

The first two minutes of this fat burning routine is: Jump Rope - Begin by performing two jumps for each turn of the rope. Safety: Use the correct size jump rope and always land softly on the balls of your feet (that is the upper part of the bottom of your foot). Keep thinking I am losing weight.

Minutes two to three: Squat Thrust into a Push Up. The proper technique for this exercise is to stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms strait down next to your sides. Slowly squat down with your head forward and bring your hands to the floor just outside of your feet. Your hands should be pointing forward as well. Then in one movement, push your legs back and out behind you (into a pushup position). Perform one strict pushup and then jump back into your squat position and then stand back up. Keep thinking, the fat is vanishing.

Minutes three to four: Jump Rope with only one jump per turn. Keep thinking, The fat is melting away.

Minutes four to five: Back to the Squat Thrust and Push Up only this time you are going to add the Side Plank. After completing your squat thrust and push up, you are going to lift and rotate your left arm off of the ground and over your head. Your left foot will rotate and rest on top of you right foot. And you will rotate your neck so you are looking up at your ceiling. Rotate back to the center and repeat on the other side. When finished, hop back into your squat position, stand up and start again. Keep thinking, no more belly.

Minutes five and six: Jump Rope. Same as minutes three and four. keep thinking, I am losing body fat.

Minutes six and seven: Back to the Squat Thrust and Push Up only this time you are going to add the Leg Lift. This is the same as minutes two and three only this time you will lift the toes of one foot about twelve inches off of the ground only after you have performed your push up. Lower your foot and repeat on the other side. Hop back up to your squat position, stand up, and start again. Keep thinking, goodbye belly.

Minutes seven and eight: Jump Rope. Same as minutes three and four. Keep thinking, my belly is getting smaller.

Minutes eight and nine: Back to the Squat Thrust and Push Up only this time you are going to add Mountain Climbers. Repeat everything as in minutes two and three only this time after your push up, you will quickly jog in place from your push up position. Make sure you bring your knees up to your chest on each rotation. Perform 5 jogs and repeat this entire process. Keep thinking, I am going to lose weight.

Minutes nine and ten: Jump Rope. Same as you first two minutes. Keep thinking. If I do this everyday, I will lose belly fat. Good luck to everyone.

We recommend using a soft padding such as a yoga mat when performing this exercise. This will cut down on any injury and save some of those knee joints for you. If you need more information on gym mats and yoga mats, please visit Ultimate Fitness Equipment - for all of your fitness needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Chaballa

If you are just starting out with yoga, you already know that there are a number of different pieces of equipment that you may need and the yoga mat is one of them. But, how can you choose one that is right for you? There are several things to help you make that decision and knowing a little about each yoga mat will help you to make the right choice.

The most common type of yoga mat is the sticky mat. These mats are very thin and offer a little padding. This is the traditional type of mat. There are now those that have more padding and allow for a better feel being produced. What is important is to realize the point behind having a yoga mat at all. They do several things for you. First, they can help to brace you so that you do not slip and fall when you are in one stance or the next. They can also help to provide even a small bit of padding to the knees, the hips, and the back.

Here are some of the various types of yoga mats and what they can do for you.

The Meditation Mat: This mat is usually purchased with a pillow that goes with it. The combination offers for a better sitting meditation posture. It conforms to your body’s shape while allowing you to sit properly.

Universal Style Yoga Mat: This yoga mat is one of the most basic. It has a light texture to it and a high tack surface that will allow the hands to melts into it during poses.

Deluxe Yoga Mats: These are highly textured. They often are made of high tack foam surfaces and offer a better grip all around.

For those that are a beginner, a beginner yoga mat can be quite important. These are vinyl and have a sponge foam texture to them.

Others: There are also those yoga mats that can do excellent things for you. For example, some are thicker and denser than others. Some will absorb perspiration. Some are just tougher.

In order to know which yoga mat you should purchase, you will want to consider what you plan to do with it, your level and need for comfort while doing that and what budget you have. You can always ask your yoga instructor about which mats are appropriate for the type of yoga you will be doing.

Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of http://www.yoga-made-ez.com He provides more yoga health benefits and yoga sequences for your convenience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Singh

Yoga mats are very important in our every day practice. In fact, there are several types of yoga mats that are available in the market. You can choose from a variety of yoga mats that will depend on the type of yoga you want.

If you want a mat that is perfect to cover your practice area and provide steadiness when practicing the poses, Sticky Mats is just right for you. These yoga mats are thinly made and also comes in a variety of colors. It has a light feature that makes it easy for you to carry during a class.

The good thing about these yoga mats is that it has a guide which is indicated by marks that shows you where to place your feet and hand. If you are a beginner, of course you are not yet oriented and used to the hand and foot placements. These yoga mats are just perfect in mastering those poses. These mats are extensively helpful in preventing you to slip off and sliding.

However, there is a style on how to keep the mat sticky. The technique is to sprinkle a small amount of water on the mat and let it air dry. Using sticky mats is appropriate and applicable to all types of yoga.

There are also those ultra thick sticky mats which are known as the Ultra Double Thickness Mats. These yoga mats provide cushioning and stability which is very useful in applying to some certain poses. These ultra thick yoga mats are perfect for Ashtanga practitioners because they have the tendency to move or jump from one pose to another.

Most people love using the ultra thick yoga mats because it provides the most convenient cushioning that no other mats can give. Practitioners use these mats in their classes.

Travel Mats, as the name implies is perfect for traveling. If you are the travel-type person and couldn’t get away with your daily dosage of yoga exercise, this would be the perfect choice. Travel mats can be thrown in your luggage or suitcase when you are on a trip or on a vacation.

Travel mats are exclusively made because it should be handy. Its thin property is perfect to bring anywhere. You can just fold it and shoot it in your bag and you’re on the go.

If you are practicing Ashtanga or Bikram Yoga, Cotton Mats are perfect for you. Cotton Mats are made for absorbing your sweat. These cotton mats will help you to stay in shape and not slip off. If your mat is not absorbent, then it is quite dangerous because wet surface can be very slippery. The damp mat is good for gripping so that your feet and hands stay just where you place them.

The Yoga Mat Bag is a part of your daily yoga activity. It is perfect for carrying your yoga mats to work, class or anywhere you want to go. You don’t have to miss as session of your yoga practice especially if it’s something you can’t live without.

The yoga mat bag has enough space for your extra shirts, water bottle and other accessories. With your Yoga Mat Bag, you are sure that you don’t leave any.

Now that the different mats are introduced, it’s all up to you to choose the best yoga mats that is ideal for the type of yoga you wish to practice.

Learn all you need to know about Yoga - http://www.yogaadvice.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Newton

Yoga mats are the small rugs that are used while doing yoga. Rugs provide not only cushioning for the body against the hard flooring but also insulation. Yoga mats are the only equipment used for yoga; hence, buying a good mat is a reasonable investment.

Yoga mats are of different kinds, depending upon the models, patterns, styles, fabrics and textures. Traditionally, yoga mats were made of cotton or jute, but these days, many other materials like silk, velvet and PVC are being used for yoga mats. The main aspects to be considered while buying a yoga mat are: the durability, the comfort, weight and ability to fold. A major essential element in a yoga mat is its ability to grip the floor so that the user does not slip or slide on the floor during the posture. Yoga mats are generally 4-5mm thick, since these mats can be stiff enough for not creasing on the floor while being flexible enough to be rolled up, carried and washed. Yoga mats should also be able to handle repeated washing. Yoga mats these days are also non-toxic and eco-friendly. Other different kinds of mats are: sticky mats, travel mats, foldable mats, light weight mats and others. These mats are available in plain colors as well as interesting colors and patterns.

Yoga mats are available in beautiful and interesting patterns and colors. The most popular yoga mat patterns are: the lotus, the hibiscus, the marigold, zebra prints, leopard prints, stripes, dots, moons and circles. Yoga mats can also be custom-designed with the kind of pattern we want. There are also mats with traditional Indian designs like: Amrit pattern, Mysore pattern, Panipat pattern, etc. The colors of yoga mats can be very attractive, like orange, purple, indigo blue, raspberry, marmalade, fern, mango, beige, lavender, pink and others.

Patterned yoga mats can be found at special yoga stores. The best source for finding a good patterned yoga mat is the Internet. There are websites that host the best deals on yoga mats, which can be compared as well as ordered online.

Yoga Mats provides detailed information on Yoga Mats, Yoga Mat Bags, Cheap Yoga Mats, Patterned Yoga Mats and more. Yoga Mats is affiliated with Hatha Yoga.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson

Yoga is an ancient Indian exercise form that involves the use of certain body postures and breathing exercises for body, mind and spiritual health. Yoga is done by sitting, standing or lying down on a mat. Yoga mats should be very comfortable, as the postures should be done in a very relaxed manner. Good yoga mats even enhance the postures.

The main features of a good yoga mat are: durability, strength, softness, and ability to stay firm without crumpling. It should also grip the floor effectively and not allow the user to slide across the floor on the mat. Yoga mats are very easy to maintain. They just need once-in-a-while washing with a mild detergent, either in a machine or by hand.

A yoga mat is the only investment required for yoga. A good-quality mat can range from $20 to $45 or $50. However, there are cheaper mats available for as low as $10. These are made of regular cotton, without too many frills.

Cheap yoga mats are available in various styles, patterns and colors. Traditional mats were made of cotton or jute, but these days, many other materials are being used for yoga mats. Yoga mats are generally 4-5mm thick, since these mats can be stiff enough not to crease on the floor while being flexible enough to be rolled up, carried and washed. Cheap yoga mats should also handle repeated washing. Some yoga mats these days are also non-toxic and eco-friendly. Other different kinds of cheap yoga mats are: sticky mats, travel mats, foldable mats, lightweight mats and others. These mats are available in plain colors as well as interesting colors and patterns.

Cheap yoga mats can be found at exclusive yoga stores. The best source for finding a good, cheap yoga mat is the internet. There are websites that host the best deals on Yoga Mats, which can be compared as well as ordered online. Some suppliers also give discounts on yoga mats, like 50% off or 30% off. Such deals can be seen on the internet.

Yoga Mats provides detailed information on Yoga Mats, Yoga Mat Bags, Cheap Yoga Mats, Patterned Yoga Mats and more. Yoga Mats is affiliated with Hatha Yoga.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson

Yoga is a traditional Indian exercise that aims to strengthen the body, mind and spirit through certain asanas (postures) and breathing techniques. Yoga is an art form that requires just a yoga mat, and no other equipment. The kind of mat used is a very important aspect, since it determines the level of comfort and relaxation.

Yoga mat bags are used for carrying the yoga mats around. The yoga mat can be folded or rolled up and put into the bag for easy carrying as well as storing. These bags are very stylish-looking and are very easy to carry. They can accommodate even a 100” mat. They are also perfect for traveling and keeping the mat clean and protected.

Yoga mats come in many styles, depending upon the size, the cloth, the color, pattern and the model. There are cotton, silk, jute, as well as velvet yoga mat bags. Cotton bags are very durable, sturdy and waterproof. Silk and velvet bags are also lined with thick cotton cloth to make them durable and strong. They are also available in different and interesting patterns, colors and textures. Some bags also have provisions for holding other things apart from the mat, like a towel, water bottle, clothing and other yoga props. Yoga mat bags generally have either a zipper closure or drawstring closure. They are also available in different sizes, like regular, large and XL.

Yoga mat bags do not require any particular maintenance apart from some regular washing. Cotton, canvas, jacquard and hemp yoga mat bags can be hand or machine-washed with cold water. They can also be dry-cleaned for retaining the colors. They should be hung for drying. Velvet yoga mat bags should be only hand washed or dry-cleaned.

The prices of yoga mat bags range from $25 to $45 or even more, depending on the fabric and the design. Regular cotton canvas bags with patterns are available from $20 onwards. The standard sizes are: 29 1/2" length x 7 1/2" diameter or 31 1/2" length x 9 1/2" diameter. Yoga mat bags are available at exclusive yoga-related stores. They can also be ordered online. There are many websites that provide information about yoga mats, where the mats can be compared and even ordered online.

Yoga Mats provides detailed information on Yoga Mats, Yoga Mat Bags, Cheap Yoga Mats, Patterned Yoga Mats and more. Yoga Mats is affiliated with Hatha Yoga.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson

In rooms with dimmed lights, standing atop yoga mats, exercise enthusiasts in the Tri-State area are getting fit from the inside out.

Flowing through moves inspired by tai chi, yoga and Pilates, they are participating in a multifaceted workout created in 1998 in New Zealand and introduced earlier this year at Gold's Gyms in this area.

"This is a proven formula," says Kat Marshalleck, group fitness manager and a personal trainer at Gold's Gym in Hagers-town, in describing Body Flow.

The 55-minute class starts with a tai chi warm-up that Marshalleck says "calms you down, gets you centered and gets you focused."

That is followed by three- to five-minute segments, called tracks, of yoga poses and Pilates moves to strengthen the body's core - the back and abdominal muscles - improve flexibility and balance, followed by 10 minutes of relaxation and meditation.

Marshalleck says the class focuses on the body's foundation, which makes it challenging. And it fits with her philosophy as a trainer.

"I train them from the inside out," she says.

Kathleen Cunningham, group fitness director at Gold's Gym in Martinsburg, W.Va., was introduced to Body Flow last year during a master class and says she fell in love with it, "the way that it allows you to lose the sense of urgency we carry around with us."

The tone is set with dim lighting and soothing music.

"The music is great. You move through it seamlessly," Cunningham says.

Participants are encouraged to take the class barefoot, which "helps you to feel what your body is doing," Marshalleck says.

The use of yoga mats is suggested to cushion class participants' bodies and to prevent slipping on the floor while they hold poses, Marshalleck says. If someone does not like using the mats, as Marshalleck doesn't, that's fine, too.

She says students should wear comfortable clothes - not restrictively tight and not so loose that shirts will fall over a person's head or pants will slide down while doing inverted poses.

The structured, choreographed class can be part of a well-rounded fitness regimen for people of all ages and abilities.

"You work with your own physical capabilities and limitations," Marshalleck says.

Instructors show students how to modify poses and other movements so they can work at easier or harder levels.

Marshalleck has seen significant improvements in class participants' hamstring flexibility and core strength.

Cunningham says she has seen major boosts in participants' balance, watching them progress from barely being able to keep one foot off the floor to holding a one-legged pose for extended periods of time.

"You can improve from one week to the next because you know what's coming," Marshalleck says.

She urges students not to get discouraged if they struggle with moves one day that came easier the week before.

"It so depends on your day," Marshalleck says, explaining that if someone is extremely stressed, he or she might not be able to balance as well as they would on a day when they're feeling more relaxed.

Cunningham says students with back problems have commented that their discomfort was eased after taking the class. One woman was so moved by Body Flow that she brought the instructor flowers from her garden, she says.

by MEG PARTINGTON

Divine Goddess Yoga Products. We at Divine Goddess believe that many people not only want to feel good from their practice of yoga but also look good.

With this in mind, we have created, especially for you, in the yogic epicenter of Australia, Byron Bay, the stunning and eye catching products that make up our yoga accessories range.

We are proud to introduce to you the innovative and magical mandala mats, sure to increase the joy and wonder you feel with your practice of yoga.

Inspirational yoga mat bags that take you from the yoga room to the café street, beach, town, wherever you live, looking good and feeling great.

Finish off the class or relax in the comfort of your own home with our inspirational eye pillows, sure to ease the busiest mind.
THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL


Mandala Mat & Bag Set

AUD $ 75.00
A beautiful mandala mat and bag of your choice, fantastic price!!

Our magical mandala yoga mats and the new 'little treasures' collection of yoga mats are the first of their kind. These yoga mats are adorned with either beautiful mandalas or symbols such as the ohm, lotus flower, peace dove and the eternal prayer ohm mani padme hum.

Using magic like this whilst practicing yoga is fantastic and in this modern world we need all the help we can get. So why not help yourself on the path to a clear mind and a happy body.

We feel sure that as you peruse our magical and funky yoga range of yoga mats and yoga products, you will be filled with the same sense of love and passion that we felt whilst designing them for you.


by Halonet Web Design Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for my ecoYoga mat ?
Let your ecoYoga mat breathe as much as possible, especially if you work a sweat on to it.
The mats wash well in the washing machine through a cool cycle using a small amount of detergent. They will however retain a lot of water. Remove excess amounts by rolling up with a dry towel - the old traditional woollens method!
Dry flat to avoid creasing (though these will eventually smooth out).
Do not put through a tumble dryer.
Equally you can freshen the mat by wiping it down with a soft damp cloth.
Avoid contact with oils.
Store out of direct sunlight.

Why are ecoYoga mats environmental ?
ecoYoga mats are made from entirely natural plant based material. They are PVC free (PVC is a long term pollutant plastic). At the end of the Yoga mat's life they can be composted - making them completely eco-friendly.


Why should i use an environmentally friendly mat ?
Yoga mats have become the major accessory to ones practice and with the ever increasing trend it means millions and millions of mats are out there being bought and disposed. That's a lot of mats in the landfill sites. We believe the postures on your yoga mat are the beginning of a journey to protect and promote the health and well-being of your body and mind. If this inner awareness is awakened one hopes it finds reflection in the external world. Practising on a shiny glossy plastic mat made as cheaply as possible for maximum profit is the antithesis of yoga. It is simple gesture to practice on a mat created with yoga in mind from renewable resources.
Anyway we just thought it would be lovely to be able to practice on something a bit closer to nature, something with aesthetic but still have a good grip! Of course the choice is entirely up to you!


Why do ecoYoga mats cost so much ?
Being made from the highest quality natural materials in the UK and inspecting each mat for quality means our production costs are higher than mass produced German or Chinese mats.

What about fair trade or child labour ?
Our mats are made in the UK. We deliberately chose not to make our mats in China or Taiwan where they would have been cheaper. There are currently no FairTrade standards within the jute or rubber industry. Jute is set to have standards by 2007 end. Our Scottish jute supplier has long family business relationships in India and Bangladesh and works only with government factories where standards can be monitored. They are all ISO-9001 certified.

My ecoYoga mat has an odour. Why is this ?
The base material for our mats is natural rubber baked in an oven during the curing process of manufacture. The Natural mats therefore have an odour of latex when new. This wears off after some time and a good bit of airing after use. Our latest batch of mats has very little natural rubber smell.

Do you have different colours of mats ?
As time goes on we will bring out different colour ranges. We wish to have a core group of colours that will satisfy a broad spectrum of tastes.

I was sold an "eco" yoga mat by another supplier. Is it really "eco"?
The chances are that your mat still contains PVC, an environmentally damaging plastic. There is however much change afoot in the yoga mat world with increased demand for non-plastic goods. We have not yet found any supplier of Yoga mats that conform to our strict standards of ecology.

How long will my ecoYoga mat last?
It really depends on your practice, your environment and how you look after it. The natural rubber is sensitive to sunlight, oils and extreme heat (eg sitting on top a radiator). These all will contribute to the degradation of the material. We have had customers buying their new mats after 18 months happy with its wear.

My mat sheds little pieces and sticks to my clothes. Is this normal?
From time to time this has caused concern for some practitioners. Initial shedding has occured with some mats then stops until much later into the use of the mat. Lycra clothes seem to attract the little rubber particles more than cotton. Again it depends on your practice. We are looking into wear and tear of the mats as time passes and we always need feedback.

Other suppliers sell Eco-tex Yoga mats. What is this ?
Eco-tex (or Oeko-tex) is a private European testing laboratory that asses materials for harmfulness to human skin contact. These Yoga mats are not strictly "environmental" or "ecological". We believe any product that contains PVC cannot claim to be environmental. ecoYoga does not sell any Yoga mats with the Eco-tex certificate.

What is PVC ?
PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) is an oil based plastic. It is used in many applications such as wiring, flooring, pipes, wallpaper, window frames, doors and food packaging and is very cheap.

What is rubber or latex ?
Rubber and Latex is the substance skillfully tapped from the tree Hevea Brasiliensis. The most commonly used latex product in the world is the condom. Over one billion condoms are distributed by the World Health Organisation to combat the aids epidemic. Over eight billion are still needed.

I have heard about Latex allergies ?
Some people have a skin reaction to the rubber proteins in Latex. Our mats are specially formulated to minimise the dispersion of rubber proteins and therefore should be no problem to the vast majority of users. If you know you suffer from a latex allergy we would not advise you use the ecoYoga mat.

I have heard of PER and TPE yoga mats. What are these?
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) foam is a non-toxic plastic that can be melted down easily for reuse (unlike PVC). Commonly it is used as ear plugs, toothbrush handles and weather seals. Yoga mats is one of its recent applications. It is soft and less durable, though more favourable, than PVC. PER (polymer environment resin) is a synthetic compound developed as an alternative to PVC. In the 1990s the popularity of PVC gave way to consumer and processor awareness of its environmental implications. PER contains no phthalates or heavy metals and has food grade skin safety.


© EcoYoga Ltd 2003-2005.

Inactivity is public enemy number one when it comes to health. Inactivity can cause stiffness, mental fog, cramps, lack of muscle tone and headaches to name but a few problems. But you can become fit even if you are bound to a chair for hours.

Often we do not have time in our busy schedule or yoga or excercise or even a walk to collect the mail. Yoga can be adapted to a seated style. Stretching, toning and breathing will increase flexibility and strength and produce more life force as well as improve relaxation.

Although there is no substitute for a consistent yoga practice which will include inverted poses. An enormous amount can be done. right in your office chair. The result will be increased clarity of mind, better circulation and respiration. The intensity will be less than a formal yoga practice but the benefits will soon become apparent. Below are some simple poses and exercises that do not require a yoga mat. Invite the boss over and try these out.

Breathing
Sit up straight on the edge of your chair.feet flat on the floor directly below your knees. Let your hands rest on your thighs. Take a long, deep breath, and exhale completely. Inhale deeply again, reaching for the ceiling with the crown of your head, lengthening your spine. Continue breathing with full deep inhalations and complete exhalations for 10 to 20 breaths.

As you exhale, slide your shoulder blades down your back, dropping your shoulders away from your ears as you reach through your finger tips. Keep breathing deeply for 3 to 5 breaths. Exhale as you lower your arms.

Shoulder shrugs
Inhaling, bring your shoulders up tightly toward your ears. Roll your shoulders back, pressing your shoulder blades tightly together. Exhale as you press your shoulders down toward the floor. Inhaling again, bring your shoulders up again, roll them back and press your shoulder blades together, and release down. Repeat several times and don't forget to breathe!

Forward Fold
Still sitting on the edge of your chair with your feet hip width apart, inhale as you bring your arms out to your sides. Reach forward with your chin as you rotate from your hips, exhaling as you bring your chest toward your thighs. Keep your back flat. With your next exhalation, allow your self to relax, chest on your thighs, arms and head dangling, relaxed. Take 3 to 5 deep, full, relaxing breaths. Inhale as you sit up slowly with a flat back.

Knee Raises
Sitting up straight, inhaling as you raise your right knee up in front of you. Grasp your leg in front of your knee with both hands. Keep your back flat as you exhale and draw your knee in toward your chest. Hold it there for 3 to 5 breaths. Release as you exhale. Repeat with your left leg. No need to use a yoga mat.

Copyright 2003 yogamatsplus.com. All rights reserved.

Always get the best quality mat that you can afford. A good mat will last for years and provide better usage, while a cheap mat will degrade your practice.

Ask yourself:
Is it lightweight for carrying?
Will it hold up to repeated washings?
Would it keep my feet from slipping?
When I sweat, will the grip remain the same?
Will the mat remain on the floor and not stick to my feet?
Does the lifespan of the mat compare well with others?
Will particles like dust and lint shake off easily?


These are some of the questions that you can ask, and below are some of the comparison tests for determining quality:

The pinch test: Pinch the mat between thumb and forefinger to compare compression resistance.

The wet friction test: Simulate sweating by moistening your hand. Compare wet traction by bearing down laterally on the surface of the mat.

The quarter test: Compare samples by rubbing them with the edge of a quarter until the surface breaks down. The more strokes it takes before the surface breaks, the longer life the mat will have.

Copyright 2003 yogamatsplus.com. All rights reserved

Yoga mats for all styles. Whether you practice Ashtanga yoga, power yoga or Hatha, Whether you are just starting yoga or are a veteran we have the yoga mat for you. Leading brand names of yoga mats that make your yoga practice the pleasure it should be. We have included Pilates mats as well as yoga mats. Included are - True Blue mat, maha non-slip mat, black diamond mat, wai lana mat, travelling yoga mat, true blue non-slip mat, natural yoga mats, monster mats.

Natural Organic Cotton Fitness Mat is covered in sturdy cotton canvas and stuffed with pure cotton batting. The Cotton Fitness Mat brings comfort to your exercise, relaxation or massage. This extra thick mat is great for Yoga or Pilates and is especially useful for those needing extra padding. The attached rollup ties allow for easy storage and can be used as a bolster and the attached shoulder strap makes for easy transport. Consider adding the washable protective cotton cover sold separately. Made in the USA. Our cotton mats are handy for camping, power-napping at the office or for children's sleepovers.


Copyright 2003 yogamatsplus.com. All rights reserved.

Sasha Manzetti, 5, of Madeira and Max Shirley, 7, of Symmes Township squirm restlessly on their mats in the large, open space of the yoga studio, waiting for their class to start. When Molly Bortz, their 25-year-old instructor, enters, the boys run to the prop shelves, pulling down exercise blocks and thick blankets.

"They love using props," Bortz says.

YogahOMe, a traditional yoga studio on Wooster Pike in Plainville, offers yoga classes to children as young as 5.

Kids are disconnected from their bodies these days," says Katy Knowles, 46, co-owner of YogahOMe.

Yoga provides children with breathing techniques, stretching exercises and a time to unwind - a moment to "stop and come into their mind and body," Knowles says.

Dr. Jonathan Mumma, a pediatrician at Group Health Associates in Anderson Township, agrees that yoga is a good exercise for children.

"I know that there isn't an age too young. The benefits are in the stretching and strengthening. It is a great exercise for any age."

Bortz asks the boys to settle down for a moment of quiet. Max curls himself like a sausage in his green tie-dyed blanket; Sasha wraps a purple sheet around his shoulders. Both giggle.

"This is the hardest part for them," the instructor whispers.

Bortz's class isn't structured. In the large yoga studio, on the smooth hardwood floor, the kids make the rules.

"How about we do the wet noodle?" Max asks, running in circles, his back bent, his arms hanging down in a limp pose.

Sasha and Bortz imitate him.

"It's very animal based," Bortz says, taking out pictures of farm animals she uses with the kids. "Sometimes they act out skits, sometimes there are partner poses."

Over the course of an hour, the boys hop like monkeys while making monkey noises.

They fly into the crow pose, crouching low, their knees on their forearms, feet in the air.

They are fearless and flexible. And their attention spans are short.

Before class starts, before the boys become geckos and try to climb the walls, Bortz asks them one question: "Is there anything you want to share today?"

Max, at first eager, quickly buries his head in his blanket. Sasha tells a story about a puppet show he saw the day before.

Yoga "caters to all learning styles," Bortz says. "It helps with confidence. There is no right or wrong."


BY YASMINE NOUJAIM

Riley Jackson and Shane Perlow, both 7 and ordinarily full of energy, were lying on their backs and taking deep yoga breaths while little plastic frogs on their bellies steadily rose and fell. Soon, they were wobbling and grinning through "tree pose" and hissing enthusiastically for "cat pose." Riley, who has missing front teeth, gaily sang "London Bridge Is Falling Down" as he wiggled into bridge posture.

Yoga is a part of the boys' occupational therapy at Hands On Therapy in Pikesville, where Riley is being treated for a sensory disorder and Shane gets help for handwriting problems and some related spatial issues. As the half-hour yoga session ended, Shane, a sweetly polite kid with wavy brown hair, declared that he felt good. "I feel more quieter," he said. "More calmed down."
Giggling and croaking like frogs may not be what ancient Hindu practitioners had in mind, but as yoga continues to boom in popularity in the West, a new sort of follower is scurrying onto mats and into downward-facing dog position: children with disabilities.

Around Maryland and beyond, a growing number of kids with attention, anxiety and learning disorders, as well as disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, are embracing yoga. Their parents are reporting physical, mental and emotional benefits.

"People are calling about kids with almost every kind of diagnosis," said Annie Mahon, who offers what she calls "therapeutic yoga" for children at her Chevy Chase studio, Circle Yoga. "It's definitely blossoming."

Yoga teachers are beginning to add a "special needs welcome" tag on their advertisements, and a variety of pediatric therapists are integrating yoga into their treatments.

By Rona Marech

Yoga means union -- and what better way to unify then by practicing yoga under sunset skies on Laguna's Main Beach with 20 of your fellow coastal Orange County neighbors?

Thanks to one local community-oriented athletic store, you can take part all summer long. Every other Sunday at 7 p.m. on a patch of grass near Main Beach, Newport Beach's Lululemon Athletica is hosting sunset yoga lessons on the beach.

"One of the things we hold in high regard is community relations," said James Freeman, of Lululemon.

The lessons are free, yoga mats are provided for those who don't bring their own and you don't have to be a yoga aficionado to stretch your muscles.

The beachfront yoga is for everyone, all levels of yogis are welcome and the teachers offer pose modifications for those who are just starting out.

Come by yourself or with family and friends. It's also a great way to meet new people, Freeman said.

Yoga instructor Laura Schneider taught what she called a "hatha flow class" on a recent Sunday evening. While most yoga is practiced inside a studio, the outdoor experience can be just as spiritual, Schneider said.

"I think yoga outside is always fun and different," Schneider said.

Hands stretched to the sky and feet planted on different colored mats lined atop green grass, the Sunday evening class began against a backdrop of dusk. Across from Starbucks on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, people passing by on the boardwalk stopped to watch, wondering what they had come across.

The ambient noise of an evening in a seaside town --honking horns, music spilling out of a nearby bar and children's chatter -- blended into a unique accompanying music.

"It makes you have to block out the outside to sort of stay focused on the inside, which can be kind of a challenge," Schneider said.

Sherrelle Vogt, of Laguna Niguel, said she usually practices Bikram yoga in a studio with the heat cranked up, but she found the outdoor method a refreshing change.

"It's paradise, it's great," Vogt, said seated on her mat after the session.

Friend Elisa Bohm enjoyed the bar music and pelicans passing over as she looked to the sky during some of her poses.

"It was like a dream," said Bohm, a Newport Beach resident.

Lululemon, a Canada-based store that markets athletic gear for yoga and other sports, has held other beach yoga sessions, but never before in south Orange County, Freeman said.

Yoga in Orange County is starting to command a following, said Schneider, who grew up in Los Angeles where she said yoga has always been popular.

"It's starting to pick up steam," Schneider said. "People are starting to realize the benefits of it."

By Lauren Vane

Fitness guru Debbie Rocker doesn't have to do market research to know that baby boomers are still fanatical about fitness. All the 48-year-old needs to do is look in the mirror.

The inventor of the WalkVest -- a form-fitting, weighted vest that creates added resistance for runners and walkers alike -- Rocker markets herself as a sort of uber-coach for an aging generation of gym rats. An ex-runner herself, Rocker says her device provides just the kind of low-impact, weight-bearing exercise necessary to avoid knee and hip replacements.

On a recent morning, Rocker -- looking sinewy in bicycle shorts and a sleeveless top -- hiked swiftly up Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills, easily outpacing a reporter two decades her junior as she mused on why her generation has become so fixated on working out.

"People now want to stay healthy into their 50s, 60s and 70s," said Rocker, who sold her gym two years ago to devote herself to putting WalkVest on the map. "They want real fitness at that age, but they also want to look like they are in their 30s."
Rocker's company, Beverly Hills-based Dare to be Fit, wants to tap into that desire, held by many of the 78.2 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 who make up the baby-boom generation.

Next year, she will cross into mainstream retail, by teaming with a large alternative fitness and lifestyles vendor that sells Pilates balls, yoga mats and other holistic goods at mass market outlets such as Borders and Target. And, she's got a book due out in the fall.

The research is on Rocker's side. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, a quarter of all gym members today are over the age of 55 -- an increase of 562 percent from 20 years ago. "They actually are the fastest growing health-club demographic," said Brooke Correia, a spokeswoman for the association. "There are a lot of baby boomers and they are incredibly savvy consumers. They get it. They are reaching middle age and are interested in staying independent and physically healthy."

By Los Angeles Times

Fitness guru Debbie Rocker doesn't have to do market research to know that baby boomers are still fanatical about fitness. All the 48-year-old needs to do is look in the mirror.

The inventor of the WalkVest - a form-fitting, weighted vest that creates added resistance for runners and walkers alike - Rocker markets herself as a sort of uber-coach for an aging generation of gym rats. An ex-runner herself, Rocker says her device provides just the kind of low-impact, weight-bearing exercise necessary to avoid knee and hip replacements.

On a recent morning, Rocker hiked swiftly up Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills, easily outpacing a reporter two decades her junior as she mused on why her generation has become so fixated on working out.

“People now want to stay healthy into their 50s, 60s and 70s,” said Rocker, who sold her gym two years ago to devote herself to putting WalkVest on the map. “They want real fitness at that age, but they also want to look like they are in their 30s.”

Rocker's company, Beverly Hills-based Dare to be Fit, wants to tap into that desire, held by many of the 78.2 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 who make up the baby-boom generation. She has paired with Crystal Cruise Lines to found “Walk on Water,” a program to help vacationers change their habits by donning WalkVests and marching around their boats.

Next year, she will cross into mainstream retail, by teaming with a large alternative fitness and lifestyles vendor that sells Pilates balls, yoga mats and other holistic goods at mass market outlets. such as Borders and Target. And, she's got a book due out in the fall.

By Los Angeles Times

China's version of amazon.com, received a venture capital investment last Friday, probably the last VC investment before a long-awaited initial public offering on Nasdaq, the Beijing-based online retailer disclosed yesterday.

The investment figure, which Dangdang declined to reveal yesterday, was US$30 million and investors have 12 percent of dangdang.com now, according to sohu.com, quoting Li Guoqing, dangdang's co-president.

Dangdang will use the funds to prevent potential financial risk and for further development, according to the Website, which sells heavy-discounted books and audio and video products online.

"That was the last external investment for the company and it is preparing for the IPO overseas," said Lu Weigang, an independent Internet observer.

Dangdang, founded in 2000, has been planning to get listed on Nasdaq for two years.

The company will invest at least 400 million yuan (US$49 million) to expand further and will put more products online, Peggy Yu, Dangdang's co-president, said in a previous interview in Shanghai.

Dangdang.com has added products recently to its Website, such as yoga mats, nose-hair cutters and cosmetics.

Online retailing is a booming industry in China as about 20 percent of the nation's 113 million Internet users shop online frequently, according to a report by the China Internet Network Information Center, or CNNIC.

by Zhu Shenshen