After having recently completed Richard Hittleman’s Yoga 28 day plan, I thought it would be good to compliment it with a more contemporary program. So I’m giving Mandy Ingber’s Yogalosophy 28 Day Mind-Body Makeover a try.
Like the Hittleman plan, Ingber’s program is more than just a 28 day exercise guide. It’s a way of Continue reading
UPDATE: Nutritional information is included at the bottom of this post. I’ve made a lot of variations of vegan tofu scrambles in my time, but this one is hands down my favorite. It’s incredibly tasty with fantastic texture, and is super healthy for you to boot. It’s also easy and quick to make. Can’t argue with that!
This scramble is super low fat since it’s cooked using no oil at all, not even when frying. All of the ingredients are extremely low fat. In fact, what little fat is in the dish comes from the low fat tofu! Continue reading
In my continued search to find the perfect yoga shorts and top I shopped around again and came up with a couple of decent options. I decided to try Pure Karma’s organic sports bra, and some yoga shorts by Capezio.
First and foremost, I want my yoga wear to be made from cotton. It’s okay if it’s a few percent Lycra or Spandex to keep its shape, but for me the fabric has to be mostly cotton. I prefer cotton because it breathes, it’s natural, and it feels good against my skin.
Not only is Pure Karma’s organic sports bra made of 88% cotton, but Continue reading
The cost of yoga mats can vary quite a bit. The price is usually related to the materials, the quality of craftsmanship, and country of manufacture. But there are a number of inexpensive yoga mats out there that just might suit your needs.
Our guide below allows you to compare the features of some of the most popular affordable mats out there. Beneath the guide you’ll find in-depth descriptions and additional photos of the best sellers. Click on any column header to sort the table, for example by cost, thickness, or material:
| Mat | Size | Cost | Weight | Colors | Material | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sivan NBR Yoga Mat | 1/2" thick 72"x24" | $19.99 | 1.8 pounds | 7 options | Foam. | 4.5 |
ProSource Premium 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat With Carrying Straps | 1/2" thick 71"x24" | $18.99 | 2.5 pounds | 8 options | Foam. | 4.3 |
ProSource Premium 1/4-Inch Yoga Mat With Carrying Straps | 1/4" thick 68"x24" | $16.99 | 3.0 pounds | 7 options | Foam. | 4.2 |
Spoga High Density Yoga Mat with Carrying Straps | 1/2" thick 71"x24" | $19.99 | 2.1 pounds | 6 options | Foam. | 4.4 |
YogaAccessories 1/4" Yoga Mat | 1/4" thick 74"x24" | $17.99 | 3.3 pounds | 26 options | Unknown material. Phthalate free inks and dyes. Free of latex and heavy metals. | 4.2 |
Yes4All 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat w/ Carry Strap | 1/2" thick 68"x24" | $20.05 | 2.2 pounds | Black, blue, green or purple | Foam. | 4.2 |
Yoga Monster Mat by Bean Products | 1/4" thick 72"x24" | $24.95 | 3.5 pounds | 18 options | PER. Free of toxic phthalates, dioxins and furans, phenal, or heavy metals. SGS approved. | 3.8 |
Gaiam Solid Yoga Mats (3mm) | 1/8" thick 68"x24" | $19.99 | 2.0 pounds | 8 options | PVC. Free of phthalates and other toxins. | 4.0 |
Bixle 1/2" Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap | 1/2" thick 72"x24" | $22.95 | 2.3 pounds | 7 options | Foam. | 4.3 |
YogaHola Super Soft Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat w/ Carry Cord | 1/8" thick 70"x24" | $13.95 | 2.5 pounds | 5 options | Foam. | 3.6 |
Da Vinci Yoga Mat with Carry Strap, 1/4" Inch | 1/4" thick 72"x24" | $18.99 | 2.8 pounds | 12 options | PVC. Free of phthalates. | 4.0 |
Da Vinci 2-Tone Yoga Mat with Carry Strap | 1/4" thick 72"x24" | $16.99 | 3.0 pounds | 8 different 2-tone options | PVC. Free of phthalates. | 4.0 |
Milliard 1/4" Yoga Mat | 1/4" thick 72"x24" | $17.21 | NA | 10 options | Unknown material. | 4.3 |
Valeo Yoga Mat Blue | less than 1/4" thick 68"x24" | $12.50 | 1.9 pounds | Blue | Unknown | 3.0 |
YogaDirect 1/4" Sticky Yoga Mat | 1/4" thick 72"x24" | $23.27 | NA | 12 options | PVC | 4.2 |
BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat with Carrying Strap | 1/4" thick 72"x24" | $24.95 | 2.5 pounds | 9 options | Unknown. PVC free, phthalates free, latex free. | 4.1 |
The 7 columns in the guide are:
One popular brand of inexpensive yoga mats is YogaAccessories. The average price for a YogaAccessories mat is about $20, depending upon color. They have over 20 colors to choose from.
Even though they’re inexpensive yoga mats, they boast some appealing Continue reading
For obvious reasons, it’s really important to keep your yoga mat clean. Different mats have different washing instructions. Some you can throw right in the wash, and some you need to wash thoroughly by hand in a large sink or tub. Either way, if you do yoga frequently, you’re going to need to wash your mat frequently.
There’s no way I can feasibly wash my mat in the washer or tub every time I use it. It’s just not practical. But I am extremely fussy about keeping my mat clean and fresh. So, what I use is a yoga mat spray wash.
There are a couple on the market that I really like. My go to one is the Aurorae yoga mat spray wash. I like it because it’s super easy to use and Continue reading
***BIG NEWS: Richard Hittleman’s classic TV series “Yoga For Health” Has been released on DVD! Check it out at www.richardhittleman.com ***
In part one of my review of Richard Hittleman’s Yoga 28 Day Exercise Plan, I covered the first two weeks of the plan. I gave an overview of how the book’s daily routines are presented. For part two, I’ll go over how Hittleman ramps it up a notch. I’ll also sum up a few of his “thoughts for the day”, which are his daily discussions on the many ways Hatha Yoga can benefit the mind and body.
Regarding the exercise portion of the plan, Hittleman takes it up a level for the remaining two weeks. Day 15 starts off with these words, “Today marks the beginning Continue reading
***BIG NEWS: Richard Hittleman’s classic TV series “Yoga For Health” Has been released on DVD! Check it out at www.richardhittleman.com ***
Today I reached the halfway point of Richard Hittleman’s Yoga 28 Day Exercise Plan. 14 days down, 14 more to go. This book is from the yoga pioneer who brought Hatha Yoga to the masses via TV in the 1960s and 1970s. I’m using the original hardcover version (shown in these pictures), but a newer paperback version is also available. 
As she mentioned in her review of Richard Hittleman’s Yoga for Health, Hittleman’s televised programs were how my mom, Lee, began to practice yoga in the first place. She’s our resident expert here at HathaYoga.com, and she still refers Continue reading
It occurred to me last night that cooking can be very meditative. Cleaning can as well… especially if someone else if doing it! 🙂 No, seriously, both can be. You just need to have the right mindset and get into the flow of it, and it won’t seem like work at all. The same philosophy can be applied to many things.
Anyhow, I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful that I was able to snag an extra slice of vegan pumpkin cheesecake!
Just thought I’d share this very insightful post I came across on the Daily Cup of Yoga blog. It gives five tips on using walking as a form of meditation: http://www.dailycupofyoga.com/2013/10/10/5-tips-for-practicing-walking-meditation/
It’s a great way to clear the head while at the same time getting in some physical activity. Some might not consider it pure meditation, but I find it to be quite beneficial when I just can’t seem to sit still. And I’m getting the added health benefits of a walk outdoors!