Beneficial of yoga mats
Yoga mat has alot of particularly interesting or beneficial when we think of it. Its comes in many style and shape, easy to wash, handy to carry about or travelling and good for doing your yoga exercise.
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.
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.
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.
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 and are not yet used to the hand and foot placements. These yoga mats are just perfect in mastering those poses. These mats are helpful in preventing you to slip off and sliding.
Most people love using the ultra thick yoga mats because it provides the most convenient cushioning that no other mats can give.
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.
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.
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.
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 and are not yet used to the hand and foot placements. These yoga mats are just perfect in mastering those poses. These mats are helpful in preventing you to slip off and sliding.
Most people love using the ultra thick yoga mats because it provides the most convenient cushioning that no other mats can give.
know the yoga mat you should purchase
A good mat will last for years and provide better usage, while a cheap mat will degrade your practice.
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.
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 it not stick to my feet and mat remains on the floor.
The lifespan of the mat compare well with others.
Will particles like dust and lint shake off easily.
and pinch the mat between thumb and forefinger to compare compression resistance.
These mats are very thin and offer a little padding. They can also help to provide even a small bit of padding to the knees, the hips, and the back.
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.
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 it not stick to my feet and mat remains on the floor.
The lifespan of the mat compare well with others.
Will particles like dust and lint shake off easily.
and pinch the mat between thumb and forefinger to compare compression resistance.
These mats are very thin and offer a little padding. They can also help to provide even a small bit of padding to the knees, the hips, and the back.
yoga mats : Yoga And Weight Loss
Many people in America today try all sorts of things in pursuit of healthy, permanent weight loss. Unfortunately, they mainly seem to try fad diets, diet pills, celebrity diets, the grapefruit diet...you name it. In fact, stick an adjective or noun in front of the word "diet", and you might be the creator of the next diet craze.
while a someone might temporarily lose a few pounds with a "diet", diets are not successful when it comes to permanent weight loss and healthy weight loss.
As they say, I have some good news and some bad news.
The good news is that there IS a known and proven way to achieve significant, healthy, permanent weight loss. More good news is that, although some modification to what you presently like to eat will be necessary, extremely drastic changes are seldom required. Oh, yes, you might have to learn to substitute something you don't like that much right now for something you do like, but, in time, you can get accustomed to this, and even learn to like the new flavors and foods. I know. I've been there.
The bad news is that, along with modifications to your eating habits, you are going to have to become more active. Dare I say it....?
You will have to exercise! The benefits of exercise is an article in itself, and I have written elsewhere about how exercise can take many forms, so there is no need to lock yourself into an unpleasant or painful exercise regimen. What I really want to do here is give a small pitch for the practice of yoga as my exercise program of choice. Remember, however, my exercise program of choice might not be yours. As much as I like yoga, you will have to decide if yoga is right for you.
Before I speak specifically about yoga, let's just list some of the known benefits of regular exercise in general. Exercise...
>Reduces the risk or affects of many illnesses and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis to name a few. Some studies even show possible reductions in the risk for some cancers.
>Elevates mood and reduces depression.
>Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, joints, and nervous system.
>Delays affects of ageing, making seniors more mobile and self sufficient and less likely to fall prey to injury or illness.
>Reduces risk of premature death (sounds like a big one to me).
>Helps maintain a healthy weight.
Okay, since any good exercise program can provide these benefits, what does yoga have to offer that makes it special?
In addition to providing the basic benefits of exercise in general, yoga does have a few specific things going for it.
1. Despite the apparently agonizing contortions seen in every yoga book, the benefit is in the attempt to achieve the position. The models in the books arrived at their present level of ability over time, and many a skilled practitioner of yoga today began in the same shape you're in right now. It is okay to modify a position or to come out of it a little early if your body is not ready yet. The regular practice of your best version of the movement or position (asana), combined with yoga breathing techniques (easily learned) will produce progress over time.
2. No personal trainer or special equipment is needed, nor is it necessary to go to the gym or even out in public at all. You can do yoga naked if you don't have a pair of gym shorts, and a carpet is just as good as a yoga mat...at least at first. Yoga is actually so simple that it CAN be learned from a book, although it certainly wouldn't hurt to get guidance or training from a certified instructor.
3. Yoga is relaxing and relieves stress. Not only is this of great personal value in today's world, but if any part of your weight loss problem is stress related, and I can almost guarantee some relationship, the stress relief offered by yoga can ease that portion of your weight loss journey.
By Donovan Baldwin
while a someone might temporarily lose a few pounds with a "diet", diets are not successful when it comes to permanent weight loss and healthy weight loss.
As they say, I have some good news and some bad news.
The good news is that there IS a known and proven way to achieve significant, healthy, permanent weight loss. More good news is that, although some modification to what you presently like to eat will be necessary, extremely drastic changes are seldom required. Oh, yes, you might have to learn to substitute something you don't like that much right now for something you do like, but, in time, you can get accustomed to this, and even learn to like the new flavors and foods. I know. I've been there.
The bad news is that, along with modifications to your eating habits, you are going to have to become more active. Dare I say it....?
You will have to exercise! The benefits of exercise is an article in itself, and I have written elsewhere about how exercise can take many forms, so there is no need to lock yourself into an unpleasant or painful exercise regimen. What I really want to do here is give a small pitch for the practice of yoga as my exercise program of choice. Remember, however, my exercise program of choice might not be yours. As much as I like yoga, you will have to decide if yoga is right for you.
Before I speak specifically about yoga, let's just list some of the known benefits of regular exercise in general. Exercise...
>Reduces the risk or affects of many illnesses and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis to name a few. Some studies even show possible reductions in the risk for some cancers.
>Elevates mood and reduces depression.
>Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, joints, and nervous system.
>Delays affects of ageing, making seniors more mobile and self sufficient and less likely to fall prey to injury or illness.
>Reduces risk of premature death (sounds like a big one to me).
>Helps maintain a healthy weight.
Okay, since any good exercise program can provide these benefits, what does yoga have to offer that makes it special?
In addition to providing the basic benefits of exercise in general, yoga does have a few specific things going for it.
1. Despite the apparently agonizing contortions seen in every yoga book, the benefit is in the attempt to achieve the position. The models in the books arrived at their present level of ability over time, and many a skilled practitioner of yoga today began in the same shape you're in right now. It is okay to modify a position or to come out of it a little early if your body is not ready yet. The regular practice of your best version of the movement or position (asana), combined with yoga breathing techniques (easily learned) will produce progress over time.
2. No personal trainer or special equipment is needed, nor is it necessary to go to the gym or even out in public at all. You can do yoga naked if you don't have a pair of gym shorts, and a carpet is just as good as a yoga mat...at least at first. Yoga is actually so simple that it CAN be learned from a book, although it certainly wouldn't hurt to get guidance or training from a certified instructor.
3. Yoga is relaxing and relieves stress. Not only is this of great personal value in today's world, but if any part of your weight loss problem is stress related, and I can almost guarantee some relationship, the stress relief offered by yoga can ease that portion of your weight loss journey.
By Donovan Baldwin
yoga mats : Build Strength with Warrior II
For strengthening the hips and thighs, few poses beat Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II). Hip and thigh strength is useful for many everyday activities, from going up and down stairs to bending over to pick up your grocery bags. Also, strong hips and thighs can contribute much to overall knee health and protection.
Warrior Pose II derives its name from the powerful lunging thrust made with a sword used by ancient Indian soldiers to combat their foes. This lunging motion is great work for the large quadriceps muscles on the front of your thighs.
This pose can do more than just build strength. Many knee problems that arise from misalignment can be corrected with Warrior II. To check your knee alignment, stand in front of a mirror with bare legs. If your kneecaps point straight out over the midline of your feet, this is healthy. However, if kneecap points inward and your thighbone also rotates inward in relation to your shin, this can be problematic. This position can cause undue stress on the knee ligaments and cartilage.
Two actions must be focused on in Warrior II to correct this misalignment. Stretching the hip adductors is the first thing. Do this by lying on your back perpendicular to a wall with your feet on the wall and your knees and feet bent at 90 degrees. Imagine sitting in a chair that has fallen over backward. While opening the knees to the sides, move your feet farther apart so that your shins remain perpendicular to the wall and parallel to the floor. Allow your inner thighs to relax and stretch while you stay in this pose for 5 breaths.
Then, while remaining on your back, create the form of Warrior II by leaving your right foot where it is and extending your left leg out to the side while turning your foot inward as you plant your sole on the wall. Your left arch should line up with your right heel so that a line drawn between them would be parallel to the floor. Stretch your arms out to the side and stay there for 1-2 minutes. Then repeat on the other side.
Another secret for correct alignment of the bent leg in Warrior II is strengthening the external thigh rotators like the gluteus maximus. To build these muscles, stand with your back to the wall with your feet 4 to 41/2 feet apart. Set your right foot out 90 degrees, parallel to the wall and rotate your left foot in a little. Make sure your right hip is touching the wall. Bend your right leg into Warrior II and ensure that your right thigh is parallel to the wall and your right knee points out over the center of your right foot. Then place a rolled-up yoga mat between the wall and your bent knee. Press your knee firmly into the rolled-up mat through your left foot, keeping your left knee straight and your left thighbone pushing back toward the wall.
This work to strengthen your external hip rotators and open your hip adductors will allow you to align your knees and thighs safely in Warrior II. Once you can safely engage in practicing Warrior II you can accomplish much towards strengthening the quadriceps. Practice this pose consciously and slowly. Focus on correct biomechanics. With time and practice you will train your quads and hips to support your knees in an optimal aligned position when bending.
Becoming mindful of this alignment will allow you to be aware of protecting your knees when bending and performing everyday activities. Warrior II will not only provide your yoga practice with a healthy foundation, it will extend this healthiness in your entire life.
by Michael Russell
Warrior Pose II derives its name from the powerful lunging thrust made with a sword used by ancient Indian soldiers to combat their foes. This lunging motion is great work for the large quadriceps muscles on the front of your thighs.
This pose can do more than just build strength. Many knee problems that arise from misalignment can be corrected with Warrior II. To check your knee alignment, stand in front of a mirror with bare legs. If your kneecaps point straight out over the midline of your feet, this is healthy. However, if kneecap points inward and your thighbone also rotates inward in relation to your shin, this can be problematic. This position can cause undue stress on the knee ligaments and cartilage.
Two actions must be focused on in Warrior II to correct this misalignment. Stretching the hip adductors is the first thing. Do this by lying on your back perpendicular to a wall with your feet on the wall and your knees and feet bent at 90 degrees. Imagine sitting in a chair that has fallen over backward. While opening the knees to the sides, move your feet farther apart so that your shins remain perpendicular to the wall and parallel to the floor. Allow your inner thighs to relax and stretch while you stay in this pose for 5 breaths.
Then, while remaining on your back, create the form of Warrior II by leaving your right foot where it is and extending your left leg out to the side while turning your foot inward as you plant your sole on the wall. Your left arch should line up with your right heel so that a line drawn between them would be parallel to the floor. Stretch your arms out to the side and stay there for 1-2 minutes. Then repeat on the other side.
Another secret for correct alignment of the bent leg in Warrior II is strengthening the external thigh rotators like the gluteus maximus. To build these muscles, stand with your back to the wall with your feet 4 to 41/2 feet apart. Set your right foot out 90 degrees, parallel to the wall and rotate your left foot in a little. Make sure your right hip is touching the wall. Bend your right leg into Warrior II and ensure that your right thigh is parallel to the wall and your right knee points out over the center of your right foot. Then place a rolled-up yoga mat between the wall and your bent knee. Press your knee firmly into the rolled-up mat through your left foot, keeping your left knee straight and your left thighbone pushing back toward the wall.
This work to strengthen your external hip rotators and open your hip adductors will allow you to align your knees and thighs safely in Warrior II. Once you can safely engage in practicing Warrior II you can accomplish much towards strengthening the quadriceps. Practice this pose consciously and slowly. Focus on correct biomechanics. With time and practice you will train your quads and hips to support your knees in an optimal aligned position when bending.
Becoming mindful of this alignment will allow you to be aware of protecting your knees when bending and performing everyday activities. Warrior II will not only provide your yoga practice with a healthy foundation, it will extend this healthiness in your entire life.
by Michael Russell
yoga mats : These Yoga Mats and Rubber Mats will have you Standing on your Head
When it comes to the practice of yoga, there are a few basic items that you should consider in addition to yoga mats and the proper clothing. Clothes that breathe well and are comfortable are recommended. Try to wear a shirt that is a little bit form-fitting, as you'll find most yoga poses will require your head below your hips and your shirt can slide down. It's best to not have some super-slick lycra-type pants since most poses may cause these to slip. Some good exercise shorts or pants are usually sufficient. You can practice yoga in just about any room in your home and in bare feet, so don't bother with carrying a bulky pair of athletic shoes around to the gym for after-work workouts, as most yoga studios will request you leave your shoes near the entrance anyway. Yoga mats sometimes referred to as sticky mats will help define your personal space and provide a foundation for traction when using your hands and feet. You will probably get a little sweaty, but you won’t slip! A good custom floor mat or cheap area rugs offer a suitable surface, but unless they are sticky, they may pose a problem with slipping.
Rubber mats and yoga mats provide a bit of cushioning, regardless of what type of hard surface on which you practice. They are only around $20 and if you’re just getting started, you’re advised to go buy one right away. You’ll find that most studios rent mats for a dollar or two per class session. If you like sanitary conditions, then you should definitely get a personal one. One disadvantage of rented mats is that a lot of people use them and they can get smelly between washings. Most studios will let you store your mat there if you attend regularly.
In addition to yoga mats, blankets are common and yoga studios have stacks of them available for their students to use during class. You’ll find that yoga mats are made of open cell natural rubber and offer excellent traction. Compared to your standard rubber floor mat, they are thicker, tougher and denser. You’ll find that these mats are made from natural rubber which is a renewable resource made from rubber trees. Most do not contain any ozone-depleting substances and are biodegradable. You can also purchase a nylon canvas bag to carry your mat in. Most are mesh woven at the center of the bag and they breathe well. You’ll find them in many vibrant colors such as pink, blue, lavender and many others. Most bags have convenient front pockets for keys, wallets, etc. Complete with an adjustable shoulder strap, this is almost a must when transporting yoga mats to and from the studio. Another useful tool is blocks. When it comes to yoga blocks, they are super strong and will support your full body weight. They aren’t mushy like a lot of foam products. They are lightweight and easy to use, and can offer you stability and support for proper alignment. Folded blankets are used to sit and lie on during class and act as props. As an example, assume you are sitting in a cross-legged position. It is comforting to place a blanket under your sit bones, as this will elevate the hips above the knees. You’ll find that they come in handy for all sorts of things during your session, and if the studio is cold you can cover yourself during the final relaxation at the end of the class. The yoga blocks are like blankets and can be used to make yourself more comfortable and improve your alignment. They are great for standing poses in which your hands don't reach the floor.
By Terry Price
Rubber mats and yoga mats provide a bit of cushioning, regardless of what type of hard surface on which you practice. They are only around $20 and if you’re just getting started, you’re advised to go buy one right away. You’ll find that most studios rent mats for a dollar or two per class session. If you like sanitary conditions, then you should definitely get a personal one. One disadvantage of rented mats is that a lot of people use them and they can get smelly between washings. Most studios will let you store your mat there if you attend regularly.
In addition to yoga mats, blankets are common and yoga studios have stacks of them available for their students to use during class. You’ll find that yoga mats are made of open cell natural rubber and offer excellent traction. Compared to your standard rubber floor mat, they are thicker, tougher and denser. You’ll find that these mats are made from natural rubber which is a renewable resource made from rubber trees. Most do not contain any ozone-depleting substances and are biodegradable. You can also purchase a nylon canvas bag to carry your mat in. Most are mesh woven at the center of the bag and they breathe well. You’ll find them in many vibrant colors such as pink, blue, lavender and many others. Most bags have convenient front pockets for keys, wallets, etc. Complete with an adjustable shoulder strap, this is almost a must when transporting yoga mats to and from the studio. Another useful tool is blocks. When it comes to yoga blocks, they are super strong and will support your full body weight. They aren’t mushy like a lot of foam products. They are lightweight and easy to use, and can offer you stability and support for proper alignment. Folded blankets are used to sit and lie on during class and act as props. As an example, assume you are sitting in a cross-legged position. It is comforting to place a blanket under your sit bones, as this will elevate the hips above the knees. You’ll find that they come in handy for all sorts of things during your session, and if the studio is cold you can cover yourself during the final relaxation at the end of the class. The yoga blocks are like blankets and can be used to make yourself more comfortable and improve your alignment. They are great for standing poses in which your hands don't reach the floor.
By Terry Price
yoga mats : Yoga in Practice part 1
Yoga has been able to help many of mankind’s ailments, but what about anger management? How can Yoga prevent rage and the burning desire for revenge? Many people say: “Don’t get mad, get even.” Is this what we are talking about?
As any Yoga practitioner knows, Yoga has nothing to do with “getting even.” However, revenge has become “the special of the day.” Many people feel revenge is justified, and we all know that revenge is a result of anger - whether it is slow burning or instant.
As I have mentioned before, Yoga does not stop when you roll up your Yoga mat. Most of what you take care of on your Yoga mat is the physical aspect of Yoga. This is a wonderful thing, but the rewards of your practice should be carried with you wherever you go.
Very few of us can say we have not felt anger. Many people, who know me, think I do not feel anger. However, that is pure myth. The fact is anger can be held in check, and managed, by using the following methods from Yogic philosophy and the many different styles of Yoga.
See attachment for what it is, and remove yourself from it. In reality, we own nothing. We are attached to money, possessions, relationships, and loved ones. Does this mean we own them or have control of them? Only on a temporary basis do you have control - if the universe permits.
What am I talking about? If you faced a catastrophic disaster today, you could lose some, or all, of your perceived possessions. Restrain your feelings of possessiveness for everything. You are only the temporary custodian of your possessions in this life. Once you clearly see this, you can prevent anger that is wrapped around attachment.
Be aware of desire. It is good to better yourself, but do not let reckless desire run your life. There is nothing wrong with the desire to succeed; this is healthy, but when desire incites anger, we must place restraints on our desires.
This task will take some self-observation, and we must be honest with ourselves. For example: We have the desire to get to work on time, but should we use our car as a weapon on the way?
At first, this may sound ridiculous, but many people risk their lives in a frenzy of anger, just to get to work on time. They also risk the lives of everyone else on the road. This is only one small example of how anger and reckless desire are linked.
By Paul Jerard
As any Yoga practitioner knows, Yoga has nothing to do with “getting even.” However, revenge has become “the special of the day.” Many people feel revenge is justified, and we all know that revenge is a result of anger - whether it is slow burning or instant.
As I have mentioned before, Yoga does not stop when you roll up your Yoga mat. Most of what you take care of on your Yoga mat is the physical aspect of Yoga. This is a wonderful thing, but the rewards of your practice should be carried with you wherever you go.
Very few of us can say we have not felt anger. Many people, who know me, think I do not feel anger. However, that is pure myth. The fact is anger can be held in check, and managed, by using the following methods from Yogic philosophy and the many different styles of Yoga.
See attachment for what it is, and remove yourself from it. In reality, we own nothing. We are attached to money, possessions, relationships, and loved ones. Does this mean we own them or have control of them? Only on a temporary basis do you have control - if the universe permits.
What am I talking about? If you faced a catastrophic disaster today, you could lose some, or all, of your perceived possessions. Restrain your feelings of possessiveness for everything. You are only the temporary custodian of your possessions in this life. Once you clearly see this, you can prevent anger that is wrapped around attachment.
Be aware of desire. It is good to better yourself, but do not let reckless desire run your life. There is nothing wrong with the desire to succeed; this is healthy, but when desire incites anger, we must place restraints on our desires.
This task will take some self-observation, and we must be honest with ourselves. For example: We have the desire to get to work on time, but should we use our car as a weapon on the way?
At first, this may sound ridiculous, but many people risk their lives in a frenzy of anger, just to get to work on time. They also risk the lives of everyone else on the road. This is only one small example of how anger and reckless desire are linked.
By Paul Jerard
