February 12th, 2009
It is only fairly recent that the pilates exercise program has come into the consciousness of those who aims to be physically fit and those who want to lose weight. But actually, it has been around for quite some time, having been developed during World War I as a cosmopolitan combination of yoga, Zen and the ancient regimen from ancient Greece and Rome. Hence, it could be said too that those yoga pilates mat, treadmill size mat have been in existence already in one form or another since the 1900s.
While pilates exercises could be tailor-fitted to the age, gender and physical fitness levels of everyone, the more challenging ones are in the floor workouts. Therefore, choosing yoga pilates mat treadmill size mat needs some careful consideration.
One attractive mat alternative comes from Power Systems (http://www.power-systems.com). It boasts of an Airex Yoga Pilates Mats which are multifunctional, offering superior cushioning and tested durability. The surface of these mats are non-slip and comfortable. These mats also roll flat easily for the workouts and rolls up quick when the exercise is over. Just a damp cloth is necessary to clean up this type of mat after exercise as its material is moisture-resistant. Manufactured in Switzerland, these mats closed-cell PVC foam structure makes for an enduring partner even in the most demanding routines among pilates exercises programs.
Another potential loyal companion among the long roster of yoga pilates mat treadmill size mat competing in the market is the GoFit De Luxe Pilates Mat available from the online store http://www.sportsauthority.com. This particular mat is half-inch thick featuring closed cell air pockets that provide a soft but durable cushioning. Its surface is ribbed for a slip-proof contact and better grip for the exercise routine, which make it a professional mat preferred in many modern pilates studios.
Tags: Yoga, yoga mat, Yoga Mats, yoga pilates mat treadmill size mat
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February 12th, 2009
A yoga mat is basic equipment for practitioners of yoga, and choice of this material is very important for the execution of the many postures in the floor exercises of this physical wellness and well-being pursuit. Base materials of yoga mats vary. Some are made of cotton, mesh, rubber or synthetic PVCs with closed cells. Thickness, likewise, differs to suit the individual preferences of the yoga practitioners. Many, however, go for the extra thick cushioning of the sticky yoga mat for protection from bruising while executing difficult postures on the floor.
The lifestyle company Gaiam (http://www.gaiam.com) has one product, Premium Sticky Yoga Mat that appears as one of the more suitable choice among mats of similar purpose. This particular Gaiam mat is double the thickness of standard mats, features a slip-proof surface as no latex material is incorporated into the design.
To complement this type of mat, Gaiam’s product catalog also purveys the virtues of its Sticky Mat Towel. This towel matches to a “T” the yoga mats with non-slip, raised surfaces, adding up to an exercise surface that is hygienic and with perfect body grip. This hypoallergenic towel is made of lightweight and absorbent material which is machine washable and dries quickly.
Another sticky yoga mat worth considering is that from MatsMatsMats.com, which is being marketed to help an anti-breast cancer campaign. Customers purchasing this mat will be pleased to note that 10% of the purchase prices will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This mat is hence aptly branded as “Help Fight Breast Cancer” mat, and is available in pink. Lightly textured, this mat has a sticky, high tack surface but with a soft and smooth feel that should make each yoga session a comfortable and enervating experience.
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February 12th, 2009
Deep-seated spirituality is the major force behind Siddha yoga meditation so much so that it is considered as a religious movement. Practice of its meditation is centered on a focused chanting of a mantra — Om Namah Shivaya.
Chanting in Siddha yoga meditation, characterized by the focused flow of breath, include long text drawn from the Kashmir Shaivism and Vedanta spiritual traditions of the Hindus. Siddha yoga followers call this form of chanting swadhyaya, with the Guru Gita chanted in the morning, and Kundalini Stavaha, Arati and Shree Rudram chants in the evening. Shorter texts are also included among the chants, and these are performed mornings and are referred to as Nama Sankirtana, usually the names of Hindu gods.
Siddha yoga meditation exercises are held in centers called ashrams, meeting places where spiritual practices are inculcated among followers. The more important of these gatherings are the twice-a-year intensives where devotees supposedly achieve shaktipat, an awakening of their spiritual energy or shakti, one of the Siddha Yoga philosophy’s core elements. Ordinary programs or group meetings at the ashrams are weekly affairs usually and are referred to as satsang wherein chanting, meditation and spiritual talks are held.
Aside from meditation, other Siddha yoga practices include the selfless service termed as seva which likewise construes any form of service performed as a God offering. The bestowing of gift to the movement’s guru, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, is called dakshina. This practice, so its followers say, expresses appreciation of the students seeking the blessings or teachings of a saint that have led them to the spiritual pathway of Siddha yoga meditation.
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February 12th, 2009
Connecting deeply with the inner self is the central philosophy behind Phoenix rising yoga therapy. Drawing inspiration from the mythical phoenix bird which resurrected itself from its own ashes, this therapy combines techniques of classical yoga to the tools of contemporary psychology on mind and body.
It takes one hour and a half to undergo Phoenix rising yoga therapy. It has so-called Certified Practitioners (CPs) who act as session guides of clients on how to execute the correct yoga postures and do focused breathing. These CPs also lead in some non-directive dialogue for the students to connect with their emotional and physical selves and thus promote release, healing and personal growth in the process. With these instructors, the clients are supposed to learn how to interpret or recognize their bodies’ messages, a process that would eventually led them to an integration of their somatic experience into their individual and personal lives.
Phoenix rising yoga was established by Michael Lee, author of the book “Turn Stress into Bliss”. He has quite a simple definition for this therapy which he says is a method of shifting from one state of being to another state of being that is enhancing.
Two main reasons differentiate Phoenix rising yoga therapy from other meditative endeavors. One is that this therapy relies more on psychological therapy, even as the physical approach remains as an elemental driving force. Phoenix rising yoga is likewise focused on empowerment of the individual in the therapeutic sessions. It enables the students themselves to identify and explore their inner selves for them to initiate and accomplish the life-changing methods of this particular yoga discipline.
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February 12th, 2009
Bikram yoga is unlike most practice in its discipline as its sessions are held in heated rooms. The rationale behind this practice is that heat supposedly increases the depth of stretching exercises and at the same time induces the body to sweat. For many people, the benefit derived from sweating is in the release of harmful toxins from an individual’s body.
This unique heated-room practice of Bikram yoga allows use of any ordinary mat in its sessions. However, to achieve the full range of smooth motions required of the exercise postures, it would be advisable to have a Bikram yoga mat.
With the heavy sweating involved in Bikram yoga, mats could become slippery and make for an unstable exercise surface particularly during difficult postures. Towels may help for a while, but traction could be hindered later as the additional layering may shift with each movement.
The Bikram yoga mat, hence, is designed to provide sufficient traction even when sweat has dampened its material. Compared to other mats, it is also a bit oversized to eliminate the need for adjustments during the varying movements of the yoga exercises. Thickness of these mats varies to allow options among users. Some may choose the thicker mats for cushioning and extra support, while others would go for the thinner ones for a firmer and stable contact with the exercise surface.
Choice of material also suits individual tastes, but in general the Bikram yoga mat should be washable for its use to be always pleasant. Common materials used are the breathable synthetic and foam which do not turn slippery with sweat. Other mats are made of natural materials like bamboo and cotton, and there’s even a rug specifically woven for Bikram yoga for a truly unique exercise experience.
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