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Get in Gear: Manduka PROLite Travel Mat

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0800

Since many of you will be traveling this Thanksgiving, and eating tons of yummy food, I'm sure you don't want to abandon your exercise routine completely on that long weekend. If I go on a trip, I always bring a mat along so I can do some yoga stretches or some of my favorite Pilates moves.

I'd bring along my Manduka Black Mat if I could since it's the best mat ever, but it's way too heavy to stuff in my suitcase (it weighs 7 lbs.). So that's why I also own a PurpleLite Travel Mat. This mat weighs only 4 lbs., so it's much easier to travel with. It's made by Manduka so you know it's constructed out of the same dense material as the Black Mat. The PROLite Mat is slightly thinner, but it's still extremely cushiony and durable. I'm such a fan of Manduka Mats because I've had mine for six years and they haven't torn, pilled, or worn whatsoever. I plan on keeping these mats for life, which is good news for the environment.

Fit's Tips: Manduka mats come in the standard 71-inch length ($57), but if you are a little taller or just like practicing on a longer mat, they also make 85-in mats ($79).

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Get in Gear: Manduka Black Mat

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Are you looking for the world's best yoga mat? One that isn't too slippery, is thick and dense enough to cushion your bones, and will last a lifetime? Well, I have found it. The Manduka Black Mat is my absolute favorite mat ever. I've had mine for over six years and it looks exactly the same as the day I bought it.

This 7-pound mat is made of extremely durable material that won't tear, wear, or pill unlike thinner yoga mats. That means the Manduka mat will be the only mat you'll ever have to buy. In speak that would fall under the category of "reduce."

The surface it slightly textured on the bottom so it won't slip on the floor, and the upper surface provides traction. If you are an extreme sweater, you may want to purchase a cotton rug or a Yogitoes skidless towel to place on the mat to absorb your perspiration.

Order one from Manduka for $79.50. It comes in the standard 71-inch size, or if you are taller (6 ft or more), you can get the 85" mat for $90.50.

Fit's Tips: This is seriously one of the best purchases I've ever made, but I didn't fall in love with my Black Mat right away. This mat, like all mats, takes some breaking in. The surface may be a bit slippery at first, so if that's the case, rinse it with warm water and a sponge. Also, practicing on it is the bet way to break it in. It may take 10 or more classes, but it'll lose its slickness and be well worth your money and effort. Plus, talk about motivation. You can talk yourself into doing some yoga just to break in your mat!

Manduka: Queen of Mats

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 02:00:00 -0700

When I teach a yoga or Pilates class, many of my students complain that they're in pain. No, it's not their muscles burning from working too hard - it's their poor bones that dig into the ground. Ouch!

Regular mats are fairly thin, and offer no cushion for your bones when they're pressing into the mat. Some mats are thick but too cushy, and your body parts end up sinking into them - not so good for balancing poses.

I've found the Queen of Mats - Manduka. The Black Mat is my absolute fave. It's thicker than regular mats, but it's also dense, which is what sets it apart. That firmness makes this mat ideal for any postures - even headstand.

This mat cushions your spine, hip bones, knees, elbows, and feet without you having to fold it in half (like other mats). The Black Mat is a bit expensive, $79.50, but completely worth it because this will be the last mat you'll ever need to buy. You can buy them in 2 lengths - 71" or 85" if you're a tall yogini.

Fit's Tips: This mat is also heavier than typical mats, weighing 7 lbs, so if you want a firm mat that's a bit lighter for when you go on those yoga retreats, check out the PurpleLite Travel Mat. It weighs 4 lbs, is $57, yet is still durable enough to last a lifetime.

Get in Gear: Mat Stats

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:30:00 -0800

Before buying a Yoga mat, you've got to know what kind of a yogi you are first. Try out some different kinds of Yoga to see which one speaks to you. You can borrow the studio or gym mats for your first few classes, but if the smell alone doesn't drive you to buy one, then thinking about how many thousands of bodies have sweat on them will. Ewww.

Here are my picks:

Are you a sensitive yogi, one that needs extra cushioning? Try a Manduka mat. It's dangerously slippery though if you're a sweater. Watch out.
If you are a sweaty yogi, or like practicing Bikram or Ashtanga, get a rug to put over your sticky mat. It'll absorb your sweat, but make sure to wash it often. They get really stinky.

If those mats aren't for you then, read more

Are you an environmental yogi, wanting a mat that's good for both you & Mother Earth? Try a rubber mat. They're bio-degradable.
Are you a tall yogi & need a longer mat?
Are you a travelling yogi and need a lightweight mat? Try this mat from Hugger Mugger.

See you on the mat...

Get in Gear: Gravis Yoga Bag & Mat

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:45:00 -0700

If you have a thick yoga or Pilates mat like the Manduka Mat, you know that it's tough to find a mat bag that can hold it and a bunch of other stuff. If you are going to a class right after work, you need room for your exercise clothes, post-workout clothes, a water bottle, snacks, your phone, and maybe sneaker or post-workout shoes. Who wants to carry around a mat bag and a separate bag for all your stuff? I found just the thing to solve your mat woes.

I'm in love with this Gravis Yoga Bag - it even comes with a mat. The sleeve on the side can fit any size mat or rug, and there is an exterior pop-out water bottle pocket for easy access. The large compartment has a handle attached to the 2 zippers so when you open it up, you can see all your stuff and get to it easily. There's also an interior key clip so you won't have to fish around for an hour trying to find your keys.

The best part is the 2 handles. It makes it look more like a cute purse than a hefty gym bag. It comes in Grey (shown), Black, or Cork, and for $39.95, this Gravis bag is quite a steal.

Fittingly Green: RecycleYourMat.com

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

If you practice yoga regularly, chances are you've been through more than one mat. Since many of them are thin and begin to disintegrate with repeated use, you end up having to replace it at least once a year. Instead of mindlessly throwing out your mat, you can be green and recycle it. Visit the Recycle Your Mat website - the first mat recycling program. Just wash and dry it, roll it, package it in brown paper, and mail it to:

Recycle Your Mat
4777 Larkwood Street
Eugene, OR 97405

Once they receive your mat, you'll receive a confirmation email with a coupon for 20 percent off an eco-friendly Manduka mat or other Manduka product. In 2008, 50 percent of the mats were "upcycled" into yoga products, and 30 percent were donated to local community programs. The remaining mats will be upcycled in 2009. It's a great way to do your part and keep mats out of landfills.

Drew Has Her Own Mat - Do You?

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0700

Drew Barrymore is into the mind/body fitness connection. She celebrated Easter Sunday with a morning yoga class. Yoga not only relieves stress, but if you go to a challenging class, you'll end up toning your entire body. What a great way to start getting in shape for the Summer.

Drew is smart to bring her own mat since public studio mats are filled with other people's germs and sweat. Using a studio mat is a great way to up your chances of getting sick, not to mention they usually smell really funky. Studios are supposed to wash them, but who knows how often they really get cleaned.

Since your mat is like your own personal sanctuary, if you don't have your own, now is the time to pick one up. If you want to know which ones are my favorites then read more

Manduka Black Mat ($79.50): Though expensive, if you practice a lot, it's worth every penny. It's thicker and denser than any mat out there, so if you find that your knees, hip bones, or head hurt when you press them into a thin yoga mat, you won't feel any pain while pressing into this one.

Manduka PurpleLite Travel Mat ($57): This one is slightly thinner than the Black Mat, but still thicker than your average sticky mat.

This may seem like a lot of money, but thinner yoga mats are about $20 to $30, and they usually end up peeling and deteriorating, so you have to keep buying new ones. Since these Manduka Mats are so durable, they'll last for your entire lifetime, so in the end they'll save you money.

Fit's Tips: If you're not into yoga, these mats are great for Pilates as well.

Flynet

Gear Review: Yogoco Mat Bag

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:33:30 -0800

Whether you practice yoga or Pilates or just like to bring a mat to the gym to do toning exercises, I found a wonderful new bag made by Yogoco. It's my new favorite thing for so many reasons. For one, it's eco-friendly, made from pre-consumer T-shirts scraps. It's also extremely lightweight and has two 26-inch long compartments: one for a mat (it even fits my huge Manduka mat) and one for all the extra stuff like your towel, clothes, water bottle, snacks, or whatever. Mesh material on the sides lets your sweaty things air out, and the inside lining is wipeable. In the smaller zipper compartment, there's another pocket to hold important stuff like your keys, cell phone, or gym membership card.

Now I don't need to use my ugly oversize gym bag as often. With this Yogoco bag, everything is safely stored in its neat little compartment, which makes it easier to carry all my stuff and a cinch to find what I need. I have the Buddha's Garden design ($89), but these bags come in five other fun colors. To see them, read more.

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Fit Gift Guide: Yoga Lady

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Whether you have a friend or family member who's been doing yoga for years or is just starting out, here are some great gift ideas she's sure to appreciate. Every time she practices, she'll think of you.

Manduka Black Mat PRO: Pricey, yes, but this will be the last yoga mat your yoga loving friend will ever need. It's thick, dense, and cushiony; it will protect her bones from the hard floor.
Zobha Grace Tank: The high neckline and long torso of this tank keep any woman covered. It's feminine, flattering, and stylish. If she's not a fan of purple, this tank comes in many color combinations.
Together: The Art of Partnered Yoga: Often considered a singular form of exercise, yoga is even more fun with a partner. This DVD is an essential for experimenting with partner yoga. The demonstrations and descriptions are detailed and easy to follow.

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Gear Review: J&P Yoga Bags (Good For Smiles)

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you're looking for a new bag for your Yoga mat, but you don't want it to look like your average mat or gym bag. Then you're going to love these adorable J&PYoga bags. The initials stand for "joy" and "peace" (aww). The woman who started this business wanted her company to be socially responsible, so part of the proceeds of each bag is donated to The Smile Train, a charity that provides cleft surgery for children who otherwise can't afford it. Her hope is that her bags will bring smiles to the people who use them, and they'll smile even more knowing they helped a child smile, too.

The bags come in four styles, and the Abigail ($89.95) is pictured above. I love the pink and mint green modern fabric inside the bag, and the fact that it has a key clip sewn in (I can never find my keys when they're loose in the bottom of my bag). There's a big zippered compartment inside too so you can stash a snack, wallet, or cell phone. Each bag comes with an eye pillow (perfect for Savasana), and a strap to modify poses. This bag is super roomy and lightweight; it can even handle a heavy Manduka Black Mat inside with room to spare for a water bottle and change of clothes. I like how the straps are long, so it feels more like a purse than a mat bag.To see the other styles, click the images below.

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