How To Select Yoga Mats and Bags
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How To Select Yoga Mats and Bags
To learn more about yoga mats and bags or yoga sandbag, please visit us at http://www.yogiboutique.com/ and http://www.yogiboutique.com/products/yogasandbags.html
Yoga mats and bags are an integral part of any yoga practice. The mats protect and pad your spine and knees from a hard floor, create a personal space in yoga class, and most importantly, keep you from sliding out of those sweaty asanas. Standard mats are made of polyvinyl chloride, latex, plastic or a blend of materials. More eco friendly mats are constructed from cotton, wool, jute, hemp and natural rubber and even protect against bacteria. A new carbon and hydrogen based foam produces thin, durable, PVC and latex free mats. PVC and synthetic latex mats are toxic and often have a slick chemical layer. Natural materials like cotton, hemp and wool soak up sweat, but do not provide that spongy cushion found in traditional mats/ Natural mats made of thick, heavy material can be difficult to roll up and heavy to carry.
It is best to look for safe materials that are not too heavy or too light and provide a sticky grip. Avoid mats that are made with hazardous chemicals. Take the time to read labels and search for reviews to make sure your mat contains no toxins or allergens, especially if you have sensitivity to latex or plastics. The bags are a great convenience with some designed to carry your yoga mat while others are more of a backpack. They come in a variety of styles, materials and designs so there are many to choose from. Its more comfortable to choose a bag with a large strap for easy carrying as well as a full lengh zipper which makes taking your mat in and out much easier. Sometimes, bags come with extra pockets for cell phones, etc. which may be more beneficial to you. There is definitely a huge selection of yoga mats and bags to choose from.
Some people like using yoga sandbags which are often used in both yoga and pilates to deepen stretches by placing the sandbag on your knees during seated poses, on your thigh in a kneeling pose, or to stretch your arms behind your back. They contain a unique, double zippered, leak proof system so that you can easily fill the sandbags with any dry item such as sand, beans, wheat, corn, or rice. You can then adjust to your desired weight. Having both a zippered inner liner and a zippered outer liner prevents leakage. The outer liner can easily be removed and washed.
Yoga eye pillows are very popular and can be scented and used for aromatherapy; they also help to relieve tension around your eyes and brow. The pillows used for aromatherapy are filled with dried lavender, organic peppermint leaves, flax seeds and essential oils. They have a zippered opening and hence can be refilled when necessary. Eye pillows also come in an unscented variety but with flaxseeds to provide many of the benefits of aromatherapy pillows. In meditation, final relaxation, pranayama, restorative poses, or at bedtime, yoga eye pillows can bring stillness to your pupils and the muscles surrounding your eyes. These come in a variety of materials, though silk is the most popular.
Rectangle, cylindrical, standard or round yoga bolsters offer added support for spinal stretches, restorative postures and deep meditative breathing. They are firm enough to provide full support, yet soft enough to rest on. Yoga bolsters are essential props to use when practicing prenatal yoga as well. The bolsters come in a huge variety of fabrics and designs.
When looking for yoga items, a great place to search is on the Internet. There are countless sites you can look on that will have a large inventory of yoga mats and bags, yoga sandbags, yoga eye pillows and bolsters as well as many other yoga items of interest. You will be able to read descriptions of what they are made of, see all the different designs offered and compare prices.
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