A Look at Jade Yoga Mats

The search for the perfect yoga mat sometimes seems like an unending journey. Who would have thought that I would end up philosophizing about the search for a yoga mat? The number of choices available is quite overwhelming at times that one simply doesn’t know where to start. I’ve gathered info about yoga mats from people I know and some of them have pointed me to the direction of Jade yoga mats. Interesting. I wonder what’s so special about them.

Environmentally conscious times must have made people more conscious about the things they use and the advocacy a company has, even for such things as yoga mats. Plus points go to Jade yoga mats in these aspects.

A Jade yoga mat is made from rubber, a naturally-occurring material, and contains no PVC or other synthetic rubbers. They also pride themselves in sustainable and renewable resources for their rubber yoga mat, something that a lot more people these days will find appealing. They also have a page listing 25 ways on how to recycle and reuse their yoga mats. Frankly, I find it appealing too. But then, while I certainly like the company’s environmental consciousness, I really am on the prowl for a really nice yoga mat. So is a Jade yoga mat worth the buy?

My friend let me try hers for a couple of classes so I can see for myself what a Jade yoga mat is all about. While Jade Yoga sells yoga mats in the usual colors and shape (rectangular corners), my friend opted for something different and bought a mat with the edges cut in a certain design. It was certainly very pretty, and the color was as well. That’s another thing I love about these Jade yoga mats; the color choices they offer are really pretty. It’s refreshing to see yoga mats that aren’t red or blue or green.

The mat I had to use was a little on the thin side for my liking, but I learned that you can choose the thickness of your Jade yoga mat, which is good news to me since I’m really an extra-thick mat kind of girl. The mat was sturdy even if was thin. It didn’t move around as I did my poses, and the grip on that thing was awesome. It did have that slight rubbery smell (it is a rubber yoga mat, after all) but I was told this will dissipate in time.

All in all, I loved it. I really love that the grip was great because I fear injuring myself. With the colors, the thickness, and the grip and cushioning on these mats, I think I may have found the yoga mat I’ve been looking for and will use for a long time.

Some Like it Thick (Their Yoga Mats, That Is)

The yoga mat is an essential accessory/equipment for the serious yoga practitioner. It helps you to anchor yourself somewhat to the floor as you attempt to do your poses.

When talk to comes to the subject the thickness of yoga mats, I find that people really have their preferences. The standard-issue yoga mats have a lot of fans, of course. They’re super lightweight, easy to tote around, and it gives you a better feel of the floor (some people like that).

For some other people, a thick yoga mat (or an extra thick yoga mat, even) does the trick. Traditional yoga mats average around 1/8” in thickness, while thick or extra thick yoga mats are a rather thick at double that thickness. Beginners would likely appreciate thick yoga mats because they provide more traction and support as their hands and feet softly sink into the mat. Beginners are less steady and more likely to move around and are therefore of thinner yoga mats. The cushioning a thicker mat provides help them keep a stable and steady yoga posture. They are also more comfortable and help the individual adapt to new, more complex positions.

Another thing about having a thick or extra thick yoga mat is the added durability it has. These yoga mats, because they are thicker than standard, can withstand the abuse that the ordinary yoga mat can take. Cleaning thick yoga mats is easier as well, because you are not constantly barraged with thoughts of accidentally tearing your yoga mat and having to buy a new one. Many people who started with a thick yoga mat tend to stay with them since they are so comfortable. Of course, some have graduated to thinner yoga mats as well, but that is their choice.

If you feel like you’ve been having a bit of a challenging time with your usual yoga mat, why don’t you give a thick yoga mat a try? If that still is not enough for you, give an extra thick yoga mat a try. Who knows, that may be the key to your yoga success.

On a Quest for the Best Yoga Mat

After enrolling for a yoga class in my neighborhood, I went out to buy a yoga mat which was precisely what I didn’t have. I didn’t want to share or borrow one (other people’s sweat? Do not want) so I headed off to the exercise equipment store and asked for a yoga mat. What followed was a somewhat perplexed look on my face as the salesperson rattled off the yoga mats they had in stock. I said, “Um, yeah. Let me get back to you.”

I didn’t know there were actually different kinds of yoga mats. I thought there was only one kind. Anyway, if there were that many out on the market, I better find out which would be the best for my needs. After all, I do want the best yoga mat for my purposes.

For one thing, I didn’t know there were cotton yoga mats. I thought all yoga mats were made from some rubbery material. Like clothing, cotton yoga mats are cooler to the body, and in the interest of doing my best to buy an eco friendly yoga mat, a cotton yoga mat is a good bet. However, some people say it turns lumpy especially if you aren’t careful with washing it. Lumpy yoga mats are not my cup of tea.

A jute yoga mat is another natural, organic option, not to mention eco friendly as well. It’s biodegradable, therefore not adding any more strain to the environment. It also comes in many colors, so that’s a plus for me. I’ve also read great reviews for it from users. I may have to look into this further.

On my continuing quest to find the best yoga mat for my use, I went by the way of looking for something that wouldn’t be harmful to my health. That being said, I found out that the “rubbery stuff” I was talking about was actually PVC and that they could potentially be harmful. The option would be a PVC-free yoga mat then? Many people have reported allergies on their skin as a result of using PVC mats. I would really like to avoid that. A PVC-free yoga mat ultimately seems healthier than other options.

Right now I’m down with either jute or PVC-free. I guess it’ll come down to price and size and color and other factors, but at least I’ll know what to tell that salesperson at the exercise store.

Choosing Environmentally Friendly Yoga Mats

Yoga mats, like the clothes one wears to yoga classes, are generally of personal preference. Some like traditional yoga mats that are on the thin side, others like thicker ones. The material with which these yoga mats are made varies, but the trend these days is leaning towards environmentally friendly yoga mats, particularly those that are PVC free. It has been found that PVC causes some itching on people, and many are allergic to them. This is one of the reasons why PVC free yoga mats have made a killing since the word got out.

The environmental cause several yoga companies support is complementary to the ideals of harmony and peace that yoga teaches. Being one with the environment and seeing that is being taken cared of matches with the teachings of yoga.

There are many environmentally friendly yoga mats currently taking over the market. Some of the best we have seen around are below:

• Manduka eKO Mat – these yoga mats come up in every list of best environmentally friendly yoga mats that we have consulted. Users love the durability of these yoga mats, and the fact that it is made with no foaming agents and plasticizers. People also love that it is easily cleaned as well as its sturdiness when used in class. Plus points also go to the range of colors you can choose from.
• Supernatural Yoga Mat by Lululemon – sturdy and substantial, this yoga mat is made from natural rubber tapped from rubber trees. It is also heavy and grounded enough to support a range of movements that one makes in yoga class.
• Jade Professional Yoga Mat – this mat is not only PVC free, it is also latex-free, and is 100% biodegradable. You can’t get any more environmentally friendly than that. There are also many colors to choose from and the price is less than that most yoga mats go for, environmentally friendly or not.
• Manduka Black Mat – this mat appeals to the other side of the environmentally friendly equation. The term “environmentally friendly yoga mats” usually apply to PVC free yoga mats that are made from natural materials and contain no other chemicals. The Manduka Black Mat may technically not be an environmentally friendly mat, but its superior durability, cushioning, and slip resistance make it one of the best in the market. Its durability is legendary. It is not unheard of for many people to still use the same Black Mat even after 5 years or so.

Finding The Perfect Yoga Mat And Bag

Yoga is a form of exercise that ensures great flexibility of body and alertness of mind. You may not start out flexible, but by the time you really get into it you will be. It is absolutely essential that your feet are permanently on the ground while you perform yoga so that it allows you to manipulate your body into the necessary postures. That being said, there are also exercises in which you must sit or lie on the floor, so you need some cushioning. One very simple way to ensure that you are always comfortable is to invest in a good yoga mat and bag. The mat is essential for good posture while the bag is essential for enhancing the life of the mat.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when shopping for a yoga mat and bag. When you practice yoga, it is essential that you are comfortable in order for you to get the most out of your exercising. This is where a yoga mat comes into play. You can find almost limitless varieties of yoga mats on store shelves these days. While older mats were solely made of hemp or cotton, the ones you can find today are made of more materials, such as rubber, PVC, and they come in different thicknesses as well. Each mat has its own unique properties and should be chosen based on your needs.

While investing in a good yoga mat and bag, your personal requirements play a very important role in your final choice. For example, if you are a working professional and go to yoga from the office, then you will need a small yoga mat that you can easily carry in your bag to office. Similarly, if you travel a lot, then it is prudent to invest in a lighter one that can be easily carried on your tours. The type of material you choose is important as well, a PVC or rubber one is easy for carrying as against a heavy duty cotton mat and hence well suited for working professionals or constant travelers.

For longevity of a yoga mat, it is absolutely essential to get a bag; in fact one can say that a yoga mat and bag go hand in hand. Yoga mat bags can be found in a variety of colors, materials, and designs and largely depend on your lifestyle and personal choice. You need to pay careful attention to the size and thickness of your yoga mat bag when looking for one, as those factors will greatly affect how comfortable the mat will be . In addition, some yoga mat bags have large storage facilities that allow you take other things like change of clothes, water bottle, towels, props etc.

Even with the bag, you will still need to keep your mat maintained in order for it to last a long time. Most yoga mats and bags allow for easy maintenance that means simple washing, which gives you more time to do other things instead. With the large amount of bag and mat combinations available these days, you should be sure to look at quite a few before finally deciding on a single set.

If you are having difficulty carrying your yoga mat around, then you need a yoga mat with a bag in order to make it easier for you to carry your bag from place to place.

The Fascinating World of Yoga Exercises

Yoga can rightly be termed as the true multifarious form of physical and mental exercise. The various types or forms of yoga exercises have been formulated so as to deal with persons of all ages and all forms of physical and psychological trauma. This is the reason why a type of yoga tones your muscles while other helps you to lose weight. It depends upon you to pick out the right variety of the yoga types so as to attain your coveted personal growth and improvement. For that purpose you can take help of professional and proven yoga experts. As a strong alternative you can focus upon the below cited list to get a preview of the various forms of yoga exercises.

The various forms of yoga have been integrated and formulated based upon various factors like poses and forms associated, aim of the specific yoga exercise etc.

The Bhagavad Gita, which is a pioneering book in the Hindu religion, has typified yoga exercises into 3 prominent types:

1. Bhakti Yoga: This form of yoga is based around devotion. 2. Karma Yoga: This form of yoga is based around action. 3. Jnana Yoga: This form of yoga is based around knowledge.

Now we can take a quick look at the different types of yoga exercises which are popular among the modern-day yoga practitioners.

1. Hatha Yoga: Hatha is an amalgamation of two syllables. They are “Ha” and “tha”. Here “Ha” means “sun” and “tha” means “moon”. This type of yoga exercise is easy and perfect for the beginners who are unaware of any other kind of postures of yoga exercise.

2. Ashtanga Yoga: This type of yoga makes use of eight virtual limbs. It’s a fast in pace style of yoga. The sets of poses are simultaneous with the breath for maximum effect. This form of yoga exercise improves your flexibility, stamina and strength.

3. Power Yoga: This form of yoga is a variation of the Ashtanga Yoga. The western practitioners have given birth to this type.

4. Iyengar Yoga: This form of yoga exercise centres around the teachings of B.K.S Iyengar and mainly concentrates on the proper alignment and form of the body.

5. Vinyasa Yoga: Here the emphasis is given on breathing. Sun salutation begins this form and later it revolves around more complex stretching. It is quite fast paced. A counter posture exists for each pose for balancing purposes.

6. Bikram Yoga: Bikram Yoga or Hot yoga is practiced in a room heated to 1050 Celsius and with a humidity of 40%. 26 postures are there in this form of yoga. To lose weight Bikram Yoga or Hot yoga is the best option.

I have a discovered a good resource online for buying cheap yoga mat. Just make sure to get a comfortable yoga mat that fits your requirement as the last thing you want is a pilates mat that gives you no comfort

Yoga Mat Strap Uses And Benefits

A yoga mat strap is great to have attached if you take yoga classes and have to carry your yoga mat from place to place. It is possible to buy a yoga mat that already has a strap, which is easy enough. You can also purchase straps on their own. But you could make one on your own as well.

If you can make it yourself, you should. Though ones that you purchase are fine and can be of high quality, there is a certain something that comes with creating things on your own that paying money doesn’t give. If you are a knitter, you know how rewarding it can be to labor over a single sweater for days at a time and then finally be able to wear it. Even if you don’t like the sweater once it’s finally done, you feel a sense of accomplishment from having made something with your own two hands.

Making your own yoga mat strap is very easy and does not take much time. You could sew or knit one fairly easily, which puts the only real difficulty in deciding which materials to use and whether or not you are going to use designs. You most likely do want one to match the mat, but will you go with a contrasting color or a similar color? And if you make it out of fabric are you going to go with a plain color or pick a design? These may seem like small decisions, but it is a good idea to know before getting started.

If you do not want to have to make your yoga mat strap on your own there are some specialty retailers that sell them separately from yoga mats themselves. This is convenient if you did not purchase a mat with a strap already attached. Before buying any one strap, consider testing out different purse straps to get an idea of what size will be most comfortable for you to carry around, especially if your mat is particularly heavy. Usually these can be found at any fitness store, but also at yoga centers.

If you have not purchased a yoga mat yet, find one with a strap already attached so you do not need to purchase one later on. In many cases, it is more expensive to buy the strap on its own as opposed to buying it with the mat. Even if you do not feel it is important now you may feel differently after carrying your big mat to and from yoga class every other day. You may not have realized just how important the yoga mat strap is before since those who do not practice yoga regularly usually do not even know they exist. To some it may not matter much, but to most of those who practice yoga the strap can make getting to and from practice much easier.

Before diving in and getting a yoga mat strap, get some more tips on choosing a yoga mat strap as well as information on how to make one.

A Sneak View of Various Yoga Exercises for Beginners

Yoga strives to help people irrespective of one’s age, race, colour, ethnicity, culture or origin. Originating in the east (in India) yoga has attracted attention worldwide. The history of yoga dates back to thousand of years before but in the contemporary world it has been rediscovered to serve the new age world inhabitants.

As it has said before yoga is for all. There are several poses of yoga exercises to suit different needs like stamina, strength, weight loose, flexibility, psychological gains and many more.. They vary from age to age. Yoga exercises for beginners are a bit unusual from the forms or poses practiced by the elderly ones. As yoga is a living form of exercise, that is, alterations do not kill yoga, so one can shape up the yoga postures and positions as per his appliance. Essentially there are no exclusive yoga exercises for beginners. But some poses have been developed so as to start with comfortably to the wonderful world of yoga.

When we say ‘yoga exercises for beginners’, the term is a bit obscure. Since yoga beginner may be of any age so the postures will vary according to the age of the beginner. For example, a five year old beginner can’t be assigned the same postures which are imputed to a thirty year old beginner. But one thing is certain regardless of the age of the beginner. That is, at first there should be some yoga exercises which will prepare the body and the mind of the aspirant. These starting postures are a bit slow and low in complexity. They are aimed to increase the balance and tractability of the practitioner so that in the future they can easily get directed to complex poses of yoga exercises.

Some facts are mentioned below which must be considered by a yoga beginner:

1) Yoga should never be practiced on a bare floor.

2) Start with simple forms of yoga.

3) Select the morning hours to begin with.

4) A standard yoga session must be of more than 30 minutes.

5) Loose garments are best for yoga.

6) The environment should be non-disturbing.

7) You must have faith on what you are doing.
Do not attempt yoga with a full stomach.

9) Practice Hatha yoga for two-three months to increase stamina initially.

I have a found a wonderful resource online for buying cheap yoga mat for pilates. Just make sure to get a comfortable yoga mat that matches your requirement as the last thing you want is a pilates mat that gives you no comfort

A Small Guide To Yoga Retreats And Yoga Holidays

You’ve been to a couple of yoga classes and maybe also have done a couple of workshops, and now you want to get even more serious about your yoga development. The decision is made, for your next holiday, you are going away on a yoga masterclass. Here are some answers to a few questions you might ask yourself.

Yoga retreat or yoga holiday?

While the distinction between yoga vacations and yoga retreats is not always apparent, sometimes, even the organizers have not thought enough about how to accurately name their course), there is quite a distinction in terms of focal point and general feel or atmosphere.

Generally speaking, a yoga vacation is primarily an activity holiday. The time dedicated daily to yoga usually will not last more than four hours, in one, or possibly two daily classes, and you will have a lot of time for other activities or just to loosen up and chill out.

The setting should reflect this, with a beach or other remarkable attractions in close proximity.

The ambiance is often calm, and it is usually a opportunity to run into other like-minded people. On a retreat, on the other hand, the yoga program is likely to be more concentrated, possibly including some meditation, times of silence, etc.

The main focus is no longer to enjoy yourself on holiday, but to deepen your yoga practice. Again, the choice of location should reflect this, with a quiet, possibly remote location. Retreats should be fully residential, the food vegetarian, and meal times carefully thought out to fit easily within the daily yoga schedule. You will find more ‘hard core’ yogis and yoginis on retreats, and the overall atmosphere can be quite serious, with much less ‘free’ time.

Unless you are quite convinced that yoga is your thing, and want to move your practice to the next level, a yoga leave rather than a yoga retreat may be the best option for your first time doing yoga away from home.

Go on your own, or take a buddy?

Going by yourself is not a hitch. In fact, most people going on yoga course go alone. The downside to going on your own is that you may have to share a room with one or more absolute strangers, but at least, you will know that, like you, they have a keen interest in yoga, and great friendships are often formed on yoga courses.

If you decide not to go on your own, pick your companion(s) with care. A few yoga centres will accept guests who don’t do yoga, but in most cases, and without doubt in the case of a retreat, yoga should be a shared interest with your prospective travel companion, so if you don’t want to go alone, a yoga buddy is a far better choice than your new boyfriend (unless, of course, you met him on a yoga weekend!)

Where and when to go?

The yoga break market is now becoming increasingly competitive, and main stream travel agents are moving in, sometimes with disastrous results. Unlike yoga teachers and dedicated venues, they do not always understand the particular requirements of what is still very much a niche market.

Complaints about such new comers to the yoga holiday market, who often have operated successfully in other branches of the tourist trade such as the organization of seminars or other types of package vacations, are their lack of understanding of the specificity of the yoga market, particularly in relation to diet (vegetarian and vegan options are not always available) and the unsuitability of the venues chosen, which are often large, soulless resorts, sometimes shared with a crowd of rowdy drunks (as happened to me in Goa a few years ago).

All this is not very conducive to peace of mind, so it is best to avoid large operators and stick with small, dedicated venues. There are a lot of them to choose from all over the world, and new ones are sprouting up everywhere so there’s a large choice of destinations at any time of the year!

Sun destinations such as Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, and the south of France tend to be most popular in the European summer while in the winter; India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mexico and the Caribbean tend to be favorites. There are also a number of other locations which don’t emphasize the ’sun’ part including Scotland, various parts of England, Ireland, Finland, Canada, Austria to name just a few.

See for example the Yoga Centres listing of the Yogaholidays.net site. Even thought they might not be right up on the beach, these venues are chosen for their quietness and are far more suited to the practice of yoga than large tourist resorts.

What style, what teacher?

Perhaps more important than the location is the teacher and the style of yoga. Remember you will be stuck with your choice for the duration of the course, so a bit of thinking may be in order.

The best, of course, is to choose a teacher you have already studied with, perhaps in the context of weekly classes or a short workshop. Second best, is to get an opinion from someone who has been on a holiday/retreat with a particular teacher before. If this is not possible, you might find some useful information on the Internet, as most established teachers now have websites.

This should at least give you an idea of who they are and of whether their style of teaching (and style of yoga) will suit you. If nothing else, don’t be afraid to ask the teacher such questions as who they studied with, how long they have been practicing and how long they have been teaching yoga. Try to ring rather than email, as you’ll get a far better idea over the phone.

Tell the teacher about your yoga experience, level of fitness and your expectation for the retreat so they can advise you properly on suitability. Usually they don’t want to be stuck with the wrong student any more that you want to be stuck with the wrong teacher, so they will advise you honestly. It is also recommended to try the style of yoga that will be taught as part of the holiday/retreat by taking a few classes in your area, just to be sure that it will suit you, before booking.

What to bring?

Check whether you’ll need a yoga mat (if you have your own, it best to bring it anyway). Bring some reading, yogic or not, and don’t forget your practice clothes!

Have a great retreat!

Rachel is very experienced in yoga, and gives much more information on yoga retreats, how to find the best yoga mat and everything else you want to know about yoga.

Yoga Mat

If you like Yoga a lot, then you would probably need a Yoga Mat. People who are into Yoga require themselves to have a Yoga Mat. You can buy a Yoga Mat in the market because it has been widely popular especially these days.

A Yoga Mat can give you a more convenient practice when doing the Yoga exercise. There are some exercises that require bending and stretching on the floor or ground. There are some types of exercises which will require props such as a yoga mat.

A yoga mat can prevent you from slipping off during an exercise or hold you in certain pose.

One of the most popular and commonly used equipment in Yoga is the Yoga Mat. Those who are into yoga needs to have their own yoga mat in order to perform the exercises properly and conveniently.

Sometimes, doing Yoga requires space. But with the use of a yoga mat, you can limit your space and stay in one place without occupying the large space in the house or gym.

Sometimes when doing the exercise, you will experience sliding off and slipping. Some poses need to have fraction on your feet and hands in order to hold still. The use of a yoga mat is essential especially for yoga beginners.

There are different types of yoga mats designed for different purposes.

The Deluxe yoga mat is a type of mat that is highly textured. This is advantageous because it gives you a better grip since it is made up of a high tack foam in the surfaces. Sometimes, having highly textured mats can prevent chances and instances of slipping off or sliding because it gives you a stronger hold in doing the practice.

The Universal Style Yoga Mat is a mat that is considered one of the basic. It is made up of a light texture which and also a high tack surface that allows your hands to melt into it while you are executing the different poses.

The Meditation Mat is good for use in a practice. When you are going to purchase this, there is usually a pillow that goes with it. They both work for a purpose. That is to give you a comfortable sitting meditation posture. The pillow will help you have a soft and comfortable feel like. This Yoga Mat is very conventional and perfect in your body’s shape and figure which allows you to sit properly.

For those who are new in the yoga exercise, it is essential to have a beginner yoga mat because you are not yet used to the poses.

Although a yoga mat is necessary, you don’t just run into the stores and buy yourself one. You will of course need to know the perfect yoga mat that will suit your taste and convenience. Your budget will also have to speak because the more thickly the mat gets, expect that the higher the price will be.

You can ask a yoga expert or your instructor if you want to buy a yoga mat. He will advice you as to what type of yoga mat is perfect to the yoga you are going to practice.

Now it is about time that you get yourself a comfortable yoga mat so you can start your first steps in yoga.