PopSugar

Fit Find for Yoga Props for Home Practice

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:00:00 -0800

I don't know about you, but since the new year I have definitely been increasing my home yoga practice. I have realized I need a few props to help me out with some of the more difficult poses. So let's go Fit Finding for a new yoga mat, block and a strap.

Here are a few online stores that might just have what we're looking for:
Yoga.com
Half Moon Yoga Props
Mat Mats Mats

Be sure to tag your finds with the phrase yoga props for home practice.

If you've never done a Fit Find, let me tell you it is so easy and fun. Just read geeksugar's bookmarking explanation and you'll be all set.

Namaste.

Fit Find Follow Up: Yoga Props for Home Practice

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:05:00 -0800

A couple of days ago I asked you all to help me Fit Find yoga props for my home practice. Since I need a block, a strap and a new mat I thought you all could help.

Here's my favorites, from Moni B. She found some soothing sage green props and threw in a matching bag for the mat. Love that.

View 4 Photos ›

If you are looking for some yoga props yourself, you should check out all the props.

If you want to know more about Fit Finds you should read geeksugar's excellent explanation of our bookmarking system.

Fitness Switchup: Yoga Instead of Biking

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:30:00 -0700

We are well into Spring, so it might be time to dust off your old fitness routine and try something new. Since a little fitness switchup can help beat boredom and overuse injuries, cross training is the way to go.

If you are bored with your bike, might I suggest you give yoga a try. All that hunching over your handle bars creates a tight body, molded into one shape with your muscles and joints only working in only one direction. Yoga will lengthen tight muscles, challenge your sense of balance, and work your core - three things to help your riding when you decide to get back on the bike. Another surprising benefit is breathing. To see why, read more.

Breathing in yoga is smooth and controlled, filling up all of your lungs and stretching the little muscles around your ribs. In yoga you practice breathing into your lower lungs and expanding the back ribs. Learning how to breath more efficiently can benefit your biking, when climbing hills and sprinting. So hop off your bike and onto a mat.

Source

Fittingly Mad: Don't Touch Me - Yoga Assists Gone Wrong

FitSugar — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:13:27 -0800

Over the holidays, I went to a Primary Series yoga class. I pretty much knew what to expect - the sequencing of postures is the same no matter where you take it. But I wasn't expecting Mr. Touchy-Feely Yoga Assistant.

Getting assists in class can be awesome - when they're done correctly and with respect. Assists help with your alignment, and can safely and comfortably get you deeper into a pose.

But this guy was clearly new to assisting, and didn't really have the ever so important "gift of touch." It was more like the "gift of force."

I was peacefully in Butterfly Pose, just enjoying the moment, and Mr. I-Know-What-I'm-Doing came up behind me. Before I could say a thing - he placed both hands on my knees, put his sweaty chest on my back and leaned all his weight into me. I felt a piercing pain in my left hip.

"Oww," I yelled, and pushed him off with my back. "Oh, was that too much," he said. I politely nodded, but thought, "Uh, yeah, you idiot. Don't touch me ever again."

So here's the deal. Only qualified and experienced people, should be laying a finger on you, and only when and if you want them to.

Fit's Tips: Before a new class of any kind, let the instructor know if you have an injury or if you prefer to be left alone. After going to the class for a while, the instructor will get to know your body's limitations, so when they do touch you, they'll know how in a helpful and respectful way.

And be sure to speak up. If someone's doing something you don't like, be sure to tell them instead of breathing through it. Nothing should hurt or make you feel bad in any way.

Spotted: Wii Fit Yoga Mat at Target

GeekSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:00:37 -0700

I've been looking everywhere for a Wii Fit Yoga Mat ever since I saw it in the DreamGear Fitness Bundle, and behold - just yesterday I spotted the fit-worthy accessory in the game section of Target, and had to hold myself back from dropping it in my cart (gotta prioritize game accessories in this economy, right?). But I suppose the $30 price isn't too much to spend on my favorite Wii Fit exercise!

What other Wii Fit accessory did I find in the aisles that had my fingers itching to swipe my credit card? Find out when you read more.

A Balance Board Sleeve! This was in the same price range as the mat at $30 dollars, and kinda reminded me of a laptop sleeve since it was made out of the standard neoprene material, but hey - you gotta protect your investments, right?

Fit Gift Guide: Yoga Lady

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

The gift-giving holidays are just around the corner and to spare you some of the last-minute shopping stress the Sugar sites are creating ever-helpful gift guides.

With yoga becoming so popular these days, there must be someone on your gift giving list who loves to practice. Yoginis don't really need much, but these items are sure to inspire them to burst into a Sun Salutation, and they'll think of you whenever they do.

Shiva Rea: Fluid Power - Vinyasa Flow Yoga DVD: Rea has a sweet and encouraging voice and a unique teaching style anyone can appreciate. This video is fun and contains a challenging flow of postures that work the body and calm the mind.
Bamboo Intention Pant made by be present: These capris are made of unbelievably soft Bamboo fabric that breathes and wicks moisture away from your skin. They have a snug fit, so you don't have to worry about extra material getting bunched up while you practice.The rollover waistband is super comfy and the slits in the calves are really stylish. With so many colors to choose from (black, burgundy, evergreen, chocolate, concord grape, dark blue, orchid, orange, red and sapphire) you will surely find the perfect hue.
Manduka Mat: You're looking at the best yoga mat ever (in my opinion). It's denser and thicker than most mats, so when you do any pose, it'll cushion your spine, skull, hip bones, knees and elbows and prevent them from digging into the hard floor (I hate that). This mat is extremely durable so this gift will last a lifetime.

Source

Gear Review: Beyond Yoga Spring Line

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:42 -0800

Although it may still be chilly or snowy in your neck of the woods, it's March, and that means Spring is not too far away. You can celebrate with some new Spring-inspired fitness gear in bright colors and uniquely fresh designs, like these from Beyond Yoga. The company sent me some pieces from its new Spring Collection: a Supplex Shirred Cami ($73) in Blue Ice, a Supplex Long Curve Jacket ($124), also in Blue Ice, and a pair of Supplex Knee Length Leggings ($66) in Graphite. My new outfit looks so adorable, and it feels so supportive and easy to move in. I was instantly inspired to exercise the minute I slipped it on.

I know these items seem pricey, but the Supplex fabric feels so much more luxurious than less expensive fitness gear. It's unbelievably soft and on the thicker side, so it's not at all see-through and is very durable. I've had clothes from Beyond Yoga for a while, and even with frequent sweat sessions and washings, the colors and material look exactly the same as the first day I wore them - really! These are the kinds of clothes you'll enjoy for years, and that makes it worth the dough. Check out the other new items in the Spring line when you read more.

View 9 Photos ›

Tried any new fitness gear or clothes lately? Share your thoughts about it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.

FitSugar Total Body Yoga Flow Sequence

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:48:19 -0700

Practicing yoga makes your muscles lean, limber, and strong, but that's not the only benefit. You're bound to feel calmer, have more energy, sleep better, and reduce your stress if you practice regularly. We don't always have time to make it to the studio for a class, so here's a fluid sequence you can try on your own. These nine poses will tone and strengthen every part of your body, so hop on your mat and keep reading. If you love this sequence, print out a copy to keep in your gym bag.

View Slideshow ›

Fittingly Green: Design Your Own Yoga Mat at Yogamatic

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:19 -0700

When you go to a yoga class, the sea of mats laid out on the floor is usually pretty boring. Plain blue, black, and purple aren't exactly an expression of your unique personalty, so why not design your own? At yogamatic.com, you can upload any photo or drawing and it will be made into a 100 percent biodegradable foam mat. You'll also receive a mat bag and a good feeling knowing that a percentage of the price ($85) goes to Global Green, a non-profit focused on preventing climate change. It's a great way to inspire your yoga practice while doing something that supports the Earth.

Class Act: Koga

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:40 -0800

Yoga is so beneficial that everyone is trying to find ways to build on this ancient practice. There are so many variations out there, from Yogilates to water yoga, and you can even sign yourself and your pooch up for Doga.

Add to the list Koga, which blends yoga with kickboxing. Creator Jon Koga, an instructor of both yoga and kickboxing, realized the two programs were quite complementary. Yoga increases flexibility, balance, and strength; kickboxing makes you stronger, increases confidence, and raises your heart rate. Combining the two into one workout sounds pretty interesting. To see what it looks like, check out a clip below from the Dr. Oz show:

I'm interested in trying this fitness hybrid, but I haven't found a class near me. There are fitness DVDs available (set of two for $50), so you can try it out at home.

Tell me, have you ever tried Koga? If so, tell me what you thought below.