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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.

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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.

Shiva Rea: Fluid Power - Vinyasa Flow Yoga ($14.99)
be present Bamboo Intention Pant ($67)
Manduka Black Mat ($79.50)

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You Asked: Is Morning the Best Time to Do Yoga?

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:21 -0800

Dear Fit,
The holidays are fast approaching, and I wish I loved this time of year but I'm already stressed out about hosting Thanksgiving dinner, what to get for my picky in-laws, and dealing with traveling. I've heard yoga can help people relax, so I wanted to give it a try. A friend of mine says that she does a short session in the morning every day, including sun salutations (whatever those are), and a sequence of standing and seated yoga poses. I'm really not a morning person, but if practicing in the a.m. will help me calm down after realizing a flight to my parents house for X-mas is going to cost over $1,000, then I'm ready to set my alarm early. What do you think, is morning yoga more beneficial?
-Aspiring Yogi

I'm really excited for you to try out yoga because personally it's helped me find inner balance, and I always feel calmer and more grounded after my practice. Although yoga can help relieve stress and tension, it's no free ride to tranquility town. What it can do is help clear your mind, so you're better equipped to handle the frustrations the holidays tend to throw our way. To find out if there's a perfect time to get on your mat read more.

Many people believe that yoga must be practiced in the morning, but really whatever time works for you is when you should practice. You should not eat for two hours before doing yoga, so that's why many people choose morning yoga before they've had breakfast. They may also like how it gives them some alone time before their busy day begins, and getting it done first thing ensures that they'll have the energy and time to practice. On the other hand, some people may be too hungry or stiff in the morning, or they may not be able to wake up early enough to fit in a complete practice. They may prefer practicing in the evening because it helps relieve stress from their day, and helps them relax before bed.

So the decision is up to you, and the bottom line isn't what time you practice, it's that you practice period. If you have flexibility (no pun intended) in your schedule, try out a class at different times of the day to discover what you prefer. Keep in mind that certain poses and types of yoga are calming and some are invigorating, so depending on the yoga you choose, you might prefer morning, noon, and night!

All you yogis out there, I'm wondering what time of day do you prefer practicing yoga? Visit the Yoga Stretch and Tell group and share.

New to Yoga

Fit Community — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:19 -0800

FitSugar reader dresstoimpress posted this in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. Can you offer some advice?

Hello! I just joined this group so this is my first time posting! I'm planning on signing up for yoga at a studio nearby. It's inexpensive and they offer a lot of beginning classes as well as classes for all levels. I have done a few yoga DVDs in the past and I enjoyed it, but I never got very far. What can I expect from a yoga class? I am a little nervous about my ability. It is just basic yoga from what I understand. Is it difficult to keep up? What should I wear? What if I can never do the stand-on-your-head poses? Thank you!

If you love chatting about all things yoga, then post your thoughts and questions to the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. If you want to see your post featured on FitSugar, then private message me here to pitch your ideas.

Affordable Yoga Clothes Under $40

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:14 -0700

FitSugar reader TxYogi posted a question in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. She asked: "I love the look and fit of yoga gear from lululemon and Hard Tails, but I just can't bring myself to pay so much for clothes I'll probably do nothing but sweat in. Can anyone recommend some great fitting and great looking yoga gear at reasonable prices?"

I am wearing two of my favorite items in the photo on the left and these pieces are actually each under $20 - proving that there are deals to be had. For the details on these items and more, check out this slideshow. If you have any suggestions, please be sure to share them here.

View Slideshow ›

DVD Review: Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:00:50 -0800

It's no lie that Shiva Rea is one of my yoga idols. Considered one of the best Vinyasa yoga instructors due to her calming energy and challenging sequences of postures, Shiva has created a new DVD. You know I was excited to try it.

Titled Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga ($20), the new video contains seven 20-minute sessions to encourage a little time on the mat every day. Shiva believes a little daily yoga is more beneficial than occasional long and intense practices. The DVD is as flexible as its creator - you can practice for 20 minutes or longer by combining a few sequences for a longer yoga session. She has also created pre-set practices for you to experiment with if you're looking for longer combinations, with some practices being grounding and relaxing and others uplifting and energetic. Depending on your mood, you can choose which session will benefit you for the day.

I love that the video includes short yoga workouts, so you can always fit in a quick, yet complete practice. It's so much better than popping in a full-length video and following along for only part of the series. This video is great to do after a run or bike ride. The unique and fluid sequences strengthened my arms, core, and legs, but also gave me a good stretch. Shiva never lets me down and is always coming up with challenging variations of postures I've never seen before. Beginners and seasoned yogis will both love this DVD.

To see a clip of this video, read more.