Who you, a Guru? After you read these 359 Yoga tips, you'll be one. But we're looking to recruit a Guru to blog, write a 101 tip Yoga book, and become a leader of this community.
Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 4PM Eastern.
Get On A Roll With A Yoga Ball
A yoga ball makes a great yoga accessory, and its use is not limited to yoga. The term “yoga ball” is often used to describe those large exercise balls that are now standard at nearly every gym and fitness center. The balls can be used for a variety of stretching and strengthening exercises that can enhance your yoga practice.
When you first buy a yoga ball, be sure to inflate it according to the recommended ball size. Use a tape measure to help you inflate the ball to the correct diameter. If you inflate the ball too much, it can rupture. A properly inflated yoga ball should be firm, but it should give slightly when you sit on it or push it. You can adjust the amount of inflation according to whether you want a firm ball or one that is squishier. Some exercises are more challenging when the ball is firmer.
Your yoga ball will last for years if you take care of it. Clean the ball periodically with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh cleansers that may scratch the rubber surface of the ball. Yoga balls can be used for yoga, but they are also useful accessories for other stretching and strengthening exercises. Check out Gaiam’s BalanceBall DVDs to get ideas for how to put a new bounce in your workouts.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
A Good Yoga Mat Is Where It’s At
The most important yoga accessory you need for yoga is a yoga mat. Although most yoga studios have mats available, there are several advantages to having your own mat. First, it’s cleaner. Second, you can choose a mat with good grip that’s the right size and style for you. And when you buy a mat, don’t forget the yoga mat bag. A yoga mat bag keeps your mat clean and dry and it also makes it easier to carry to and from class, especially if you are walking or biking to your neighborhood yoga studio.
But what kind of yoga mat should you buy? The size of most standard mats, such as Gaiam’s essential yoga mat, is 68 inches long, but sizes vary slightly among manufacturers.
Buying a yoga mat is not a complicated process, but here are some points to keep in mind:
Grip. Most people find that a waffled texture provides a no-slip, secure surface for practicing yoga. Mats such as Gaiam’s Essentials yoga mat have this type of slip-resistant surface. Yoga mats are sometimes known as “sticky mats” for a reason. Try out a new mat by getting into downward-facing dog pose (adho mukha svanasana). Your hands and feet should "stick" in place and not slide around, even if you are a little sweaty.
Style. Some people don’t care what their yoga mat looks like as long as it keeps them from slipping. But to be honest, most of us like a little flair, even in something as simple as a yoga mat. Fortunately, you can find Gaiam mats in a variety of colors and uplifting prints. Feeling eco-conscious? You can find mats made from recycled material.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Feel More Flow With Yoga Equipment
You don’t need a lot of fancy yoga equipment other than your yoga mat and enough space on either side of you. But there are two key pieces of yoga equipment that can make your practice better and more fun—a yoga block and a yoga strap.
Yoga block: A yoga block is a yoga accessory that comes in handy to help you achieve the correct alignment in yoga poses. If you have used a block in your yoga classes and found it helpful, you may want to invest in one or two for your practice at home. Try Gaiam’s foam or cork yoga blocks. Both types of blocks are lightweight and provide solid support for your yoga practice.
Yoga strap: A yoga strap can be useful if you have tight hips and hamstrings. One pose in which a strap is especially helpful is the reclining big toe pose (supta padangusthasana). Here’s how to do it: Lie on your back and extend one leg up towards the ceiling. If you can’t reach your big toe while keeping your leg straight and your back flat on the floor, simply wrap the strap around the ball of the foot on the extended leg and hold the two ends. Or you can form a loop to place around the extended foot if you prefer to hold the strap in one hand. If you're looking for a strap, check out Gaiam’s organic cotton yoga strap with a double loop buckle for easy adjustments.
If you're new to yoga and want to practice at home, consider a complete yoga set. These sets vary, but they often include a mat and mat bag, as well as a DVD.
LifeTips is part of ideaLaunch, the hub for a group of websites offering
solutions that help clients improve mind share, market share and profit online.
