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Yoga Balls For Your Workout Session

Yoga Balls

I’ve been doing yoga for years and never actually had the need for or even used props such as blocks, belts or even the common yoga balls.

However that changed when I recently attempted some yoga poses using the big ball nestled in the corner of my girlfriend’s apartment.

Turns out that when doing yoga poses with an exercise ball, there are many benefits that it can add to your practice.

Being as though it is a versatile prop for many postures, the 30 inch diameter ball is a terrific tool. These air-filled balls give support in poses such as backbends hip openers and restorative poses.

Balls are shipped un-inflated and include a small hand-held pump. Moreover, they are made from durable vinyl and can support up to 600 pounds.

For Moms, kids being kids, they naturally tend to gravitate towards the prop as they too, like you, may be trying to practice their favorite yoga poses.

Well, in spite of all the fun that I’ve said it could add to your practice, let’s remember it’s not to be abused (per-se) as you need to remember to keep the order of the poses as suggested in your yoga class or literature you may be using as a road-map.

Going back to the fun part of using exercise balls for yoga, what’s even better is you can add simple calisthenics like the yoga-esque Hindu Push-Ups and several other core exercises to have one knockout of exercise routines for your yoga ball.

Hey, one more thing, if you simply need a place to keep your jacket after a hard-day’s work, you could drop yours right on the prop too…

All in all, here’s to making Yoga even more fun folks.

In Friendship,

Aje

www.30dayyogachallenge.com Try this power yoga for total core strength. Let me know what you think. Leave a comment. Subscribe to this channel for more free videos. Blessings! Vinyasa Yoga is one of the most preferred forms of Yoga. If you’re looking for a good Yoga workout, I suggest you give Vinyasa Yoga a try. http

Yoga Equipment On Amazon:

75 cm Red Burst Resistant Yoga/Exercise Ball with Foot Pump

• Tear and Burst Resistant 600LB
• No latex
• Burst Resistant
• High Quality – Great for Working Out and Yoga
• Great for Physical Therapy

Our firm heavy duty ball is weight tested to 600 pounds and is made from a high-density polymer that resists tearing and puncturing. It is also free from latex.

Rating: (out of 4 reviews)

Price: $ 12.99

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Yoga Ball

Practice Yoga Ball Exercises

To practice Yoga is to bring balance to your mind and body. Yoga exercise is not like any other. It is intended to unite the organs of the body together with the muscles and nerves in order that they may work together in harmony toward our good health. Yoga is serenity and peace as well as the destroyer of pain. It is the secret of life itself.  Practicing Yoga brings peace and happiness into ones life.

The first Yoga exercise and perhaps the, most important as it helps toward performing all of the Yoga exercises needed to benefit from your Yoga efforts. That first exercise is to learn to breathe properly. Breathing should be done from the diaphragm and not from the chest. Draw your breath and feel it in the diaphragm. It will feel as if your stomach is being pulled inward. Take a deep breathe with your mouth closed and take in the breath from the diaphragm. Exhale with your mouth slightly open.  Doing this about three times in succession will help your to feel relaxed and ready for exercise. Practice breathing this way daily.

If you are planning to exercise using an exercise ball then the best place to start is with the stretching exercise.  This exercise is particularly helpful for back pain, although it should be done, cautiously. With the ball in front of you, lay yourself on it so that you are actually lying fully on your stomach and drop the arms and legs on either side as far as they will go. Stretch to get them to go farther. Flexibility is important in the practice of Yoga ball exercises and using the Yoga ball will eventually give your body that needed flexibility. This exercise can be reversed by lying on your back and placing the arms and legs in the same stretching position as we mentioned above. In both exercises be sure that your back is completely on the ball.

In talking about using the ball I will refer to gravity. When the cervix and baby are being pulled by gravity, this is gravity plus, when the torso is parallel to the floor or bed this is gravity neutral. There is also a position called breaking position when you are on your knees and your head is lower propped up by two fists stacked on top of each other, this is gravity negative and is used to break from pushing before you get to 10 cms. How do you use the ball in labor? If you are sitting on the ball it is important that your legs are open wide and your feet are on the outside edge of the ball(the same width as if you were sitting backwards on a chair or backwards on the toilet). This helps keep your pelvic outlet wide. Because you are sitting on the ball the inside of your pelvis can relax because it is not working to hold you up like when you stand. You can make hip circles as we already talked about. You can also do pelvic tilts and release (this moves the babys head between pubic bone and tailbone) and can help the baby wiggle down onto the cervix. Tipping the hips side to side shifts weight on the sit bones and this helps the baby wiggle down if they seem to be stuck on one side of the pelvis or other. I have had many students say they spend the last two weeks before their due date and lots of time in labor just moving their pelvis around until they feel what feels like the whole of the babys top of the head on the cervix. You can bring the ball about a foot out …

Balance in our body as well as our mind is necessary  to keep us healthy. After all, we were born with a well balanced body; a left and right side, a top and a bottom and a front and a back. A higher power gave us a balanced jump start and the rest is up to us.

Need more sport exercise tips?

Check out http://sportexercisetips.com/ for great sports & exercise information now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_LaBrie

Yoga Equipment On Amazon:

GOGO™ 65cm Yoga Balance Ball, Fitness Stability Ball, Pilates Exercise Ball

• Made of Extra Thick 65cm Anti-Burst material
• Holds up to 600 pounds
• Textured and slip-free surface
• Improve stability and strength and flexibility
• Great yoga accessories for yogis!

Model: 2RUTK-AD01811

Size: 65cm (26 inch)

Material: Extra thick anti-burst high-density polymer

Color: Available in Blue

Package: 1pc/color box

Features:
**Extra thick anti-burst material.
**Holds up to 600 pounds.
**Textured, slip-free surface.
**Inflates quickly and easily.
**Improves alignment, stability, strength, and flexibility.
**Great to be used in clinic, training room, gyms and home.

The yoga ball is a versatile prop used in a wide array of pilates routines. Our yoga balls are made from a high-density polymer that resists tearing and puncturing. They are designed to support up to 600 pounds of pressure and can improve alignment, stability, strength, and flexibility in you

List Price: $ 20.94

Price: $ 10.99

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Yoga Blocks

Image by lululemon athletica

P90x Yoga Blocks

Six Uses of the P90X Yoga Blocks

Yoga is one way of relaxing and enlightening ones mind. You may try yoga for relaxation but you may also use it as a form of exercise. The P90X included yoga in its program. The Yoga X in this program is a higher form of yoga that uses extreme yoga moves that work on you balance, elasticity, and endurance. These extreme yoga moves may require special yoga gadgets like yoga mat, yoga blocks, and many more.

The mat is useful in the floor exercises of yoga. The Yoga blocks are very essential in some of the yoga routines. This block is made with high-density, closed-cell foam and usually measures 4” by 6” by 9”. The following are some of the possible uses of the P90X Yoga Blocks in and out of the yoga sessions.

1. You can use this block as a headrest when you are doing a floor or mat yoga exercise. This gives proper cushion and less tension on the head while doing or maintaining an extreme yoga position. Lying on a yoga mat without a block as headrest develops strains on your neck so this one is very useful in that position.

2. You can kneel on it. This block can serve as a perfect cushion for your knees while on your yoga session. This block does not easily deform even if your whole body is centered on it. It is made of special closed-cell foam so it can withstand your weight and its elasticity let this block to retain its original shape after you release its load.

3. You can sit on this block while doing a yoga meditation. The comfort of sitting in this block helps you endure longer yoga sessions. You will feel like you are doing you meditation on your bed.

4. You can use this block to support your back when doing back bends and stretches. Using this block as a support lessens the potential of incurring injuries or accidents. You can put this block below your back when doing slight bending while lying on the yoga mat.

5. After your yoga session, your yoga block still remains useful. You can use it as a pillow substitute. This will surely give you a comfortable sleep after hours of yoga session.

6. You can also use this block as a footrest while you are comfortably sitting on your sofa while watching TV. You can also use this special footrest on your bed when you are going to sleep.

The Yoga block is very important in doing any yoga activity. This block gives you comfort and safety while engaging on your favorite yoga. The use of this block intensifies you’re your extreme yoga and you tend to endure more of it because of the comfort offered by the block.

Yoga Equipment On Amazon:

YogaAccessories (TM) 4” Foam Yoga Block – Blue

YogaAccessories™ foam blocks are made from a sturdy, scratch resistant foam. Each block has beveled edges for added comfort. You will find these blocks to be very strong and durable, and yet incredibly lightweight and comfortable. Foam blocks lend support and extension to yoga postures. They provide the support and/or height needed to do poses safely and effectively. When placed under the hips, hands, heels, or between the hands, they provide the stability and grounding needed to extend fully.YogaAccessories™ foam blocks are also available as a 4” striped, in a 3” smaller size, and two large sizes for less flexible yogis – 5” Big Block and 6″ Superblock. Additionally, YogaAccessories™ yoga blocks can be made from natural eco-frien

Rating: (out of 15 reviews)

List Price: $ 12.00

Price: $ 9.59

Gaiam Yoga Block (Spring Grass)

• Deeper poses and increased strength
• Wildly popular yoga essentials block may be lightweight, but it provides the stability needed for optimal alignment
• Durable foam with a nonslip surface
• Spring grass green,one block
• 9 inch length x 6 inch width x 4inch height, each block weighs 1.5 lbs

SPRING GRASS YOGA BLOCK: This yoga block will put a smile on your face while helping you to hold your pose.

Rating: (out of 2 reviews)

List Price: $ 10.98

Price: $ 8.78

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Eco-Friendly Yoga Gear Is The Perfect Companion To Your Workout.

Eco-friendly yoga gear is the perfect companion to your workout.  Whether your goal is improved health, less stress, or personal harmony, chemical and toxin-free yoga accessories will enhance your results without disturbing the environment.

Kulae offers a range of eco-friendly products designed to provide you with ultimate comfort and an all-natural yoga workout.  All Kulae yoga gear and accessories are recyclable, biodegradable, and are free of harmful toxins like BPA, PVC, and cadmium, as well as common allergens including latex and rubber.

Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats

The tpECOmat is available in 4 sizes and a variety of colors.  All the mats are PVC and Latex-free and are manufacturing using closed cell technology to prevent germs, bacteria, and odors from penetrating the surface.  Choose from the standard 1/8” thick tpECOmat, the ¼” thick plus, or the ½” thick ultra – all 4” longer than traditional yoga mats.  Kulae also offers a child-sized tpECOmat and a durable, waterproof mat bag, featuring 4 zippered pockets and a drink pouch.

Yoga Towels and Props

Available in 4 chic colors, the Kulae hot yoga towel is antibacterial and super absorbent.  The oversized towel is machine washable, recyclable, and free of silicone and latex.  The smaller hot yoga hand towel boasts the same eco and health-friendly construction and comes in your choice of ocean blue or sun orange.

Complete your workout with Kulae’s all-natural cork block, made of renewable Portuguese cork, and the 8” cotton yoga strap, featuring an adjustable buckle strap.  Other products in the Kulae line include organic mat cleaner, made of certified organic oils, and comfortable apparel.  Also take a look at the Kulae Kooler – a BPA-free, stainless steel water bottle available in 2 sizes and 2 colors.

The Home Studio Collection is the perfect choice for a gift or to get started with yoga.  This combination includes the most popular Kulae products – a tpECOmat, a 2-in1 bag, yoga towel, strap, a cork block, and a large Kulae Kooler, all in your choice of colors.

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Short video takes a look at 4 different products from www.prana.com.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Yoga Equipment On Amazon:

Manduka eKO 3mm Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat (Moss)

• The “next generation” of ecologically responsible yoga mats; Three years in the making, designed and tested by instructors for high performance
• Non-slip, durable sea-grass surface texture
• Natural rubber mat, closed cell construction, non-allergenic and 99.9% latex free; Recyclable and biodegradable
• No PVC or oil-based eco materials like TPE or PER
• No phalates or toxic foaming agents found in other rubber eco yoga mats; Scent free (after initial break-in period)

Manduka’s next generation eKO mat is built to perform and re-defines the possibilities for eco-friendly yoga mats. Made from natural rubber, the mat is designed for durability and comfort, yet it will decompose completely at the end of its useful life without leaving a footprint in landfills. These mats have been designed and manufactured with the same level of quality, attention to detail, and respect for the environment that the best selling Manduka Black Mat, ¿The Taj Mahal of yoga mats’ has achieved since Manduka first introduced a mat to yoga practitioners in 1997. Like the Manduka premium Black Mats, the eKO mat is 24″ wide and 68″ long – 2″ wider and 4″ longer than most yoga mats, providing more area for practice. There are no oil-b

Rating: (out of 21 reviews)

List Price: $ 42.00

Price: $ 38.00

Jade Harmony Professional 68-Inch x 3/16-Inch Yoga Mat (Tibetan Orange)

• Eco-Friendly — made in the U.S.A. sustainably with natural rubber, tapped from a rubber tree
• Non-Slip — open cell natural rubber provides great grip to help hold your pose
• Natural rubber gives superior resilience and cushion
• Through its partnership with Trees for the Future, Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold

Nature’s Best Yoga Mat. Made with natural rubber, the Jade Harmony Professional Mat is Jade’s most popular mat. At 3/16″ inch thick, it provides a perfect balance between traction and cushion. 68″ is the standard length.

Rating: (out of 74 reviews)

List Price: $ 59.95

Price: $ 52.98

Learn About Yoga Accessories

Yoga Accessories have started to enhance the yoga expedition only since the past two decades even though the origins of Yoga are very ancient. They are about as eclectic and range from the essential to the frivolous and fun. In the beginning it can be a mystery as to what you need by way of accessories. So we lay out some of the most essential yoga accessories together with bits of whimsy driven necessity that may be fancied once in a while.
Certain styles of yoga emphasize some accessories more than others. There is no hard and fast rule; if it helps with your practice use it. Since yoga is about making it as accessible as possible to adopt postures and bring the body into a state of poise and equilibrium for dynamics into meditation, then whatever helps the process is good.
Here are some of the most important Yoga accessories you will need in your regular practices.
1. Yoga mats

A Yoga mat is an essential accessory for Yoga practice, whether it is a standard non slip mat, ultra sticky or even an Indian Yoga rug mat. This is because it is essential to have a good surface that supports postures and is safe to work on. By far the most popular style is the sticky-mat. It is so called because it grips the floor and does not slide.
The beauty about having one’s own mat is that that just by laying down on it, you get immersed and attuned to your yoga space. It sharpens the focus and awareness to what you are about to do and helps create just the right mental state for a session. Yoga Mats are really one of the more useful yoga accessories though not considered absolutely essential by some.
2. Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are simple tools that help you ease into difficult poses by strengthening, stretching, and aligning your body without strain. They open up the possibilities of letting your body stretch and enter more deeply into your practices with safety and confidence.
A Yoga block shortens the distance between you and the floor, providing a stable anchor point thereby reducing strain. You can use it to ground your lower hand in a standing pose, to space the hands in the peacock pose, or to support your hips in the bridge pose. Check out the Yoga blocks and their different uses.
3. Yoga straps

Yoga straps help you grasp your limbs that are normally out of reach. They also help you hold poses longer, greatly increasing flexibility. Yoga Straps normally come in three lengths, 6′, 8′ and 10′. They also come in different buckle styles on sturdy 1-1/2 inch cotton webbing that adjust easily and hold securely. Check out for comfort and fit before you buy.
4. Yoga blankets and rugs

Yoga rugs provide a bit more cushion than sticky mats. They are perfect for absorbing perspiration for the hot styles of Yoga. In order to avoid slipping on hardwood floors, it is advisable to place a sticky mat beneath your rug. Yoga blankets are a versatile accessory that functions as a prop.
5. Yoga bags and totes

The unique shape of a Yoga bag provides an interesting challenge when it comes to transporting your gear. Fortunately, you have mat bags, carriers and totes to solve this problem, from the practical to the luxurious. Nowadays, Yoga bags are available in all sizes, styles and colors. These are among the most practical of Yoga accessories.

These colorful floor matsperfect for yoga, Pilates, or stretchingjust might make you forget its 20 degrees outside. Designed by Wai Lana, who has produced TV series, books, and videos, these mats can brighten up the grayest winter days.

Yoga Equipment On Amazon:

YogaAccessories (TM) 8′ Cinch Buckle Cotton Yoga Strap – Blue

Yoga straps and belts are useful for yogis of all levels. One reason people stay away from starting yoga is they believe they are not flexible enough. What they don’t realize is that yoga is not about flexibility, but about strengthening the body to join with the mind and spirit. Yoga straps help achieve this goal by making a pose attainable from the onset until flexibility is achieved. Belts provide length, enabling you to grasp limbs that are otherwise too far away. Our YogaAccessories™ Cotton Yoga Straps are 1.5” wide, providing maximum comfort and preventing constricted circulation. The 6′ belt is our most popular length, and is ideal for most uses. For taller or less flexible yogis we also have 8′ and 10′ lengths. Our yoga straps ar

Rating: (out of 12 reviews)

List Price: $ 8.20

Price: $ 5.99

YogaDirect Deluxe Yoga Mat Harness Sling, Black/Purple (Mat Not Included)

• Mat not included
• Holds any size Yoga Mat
• High Quality, Reinforced Strap
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Allows Your Yoga Mat to Air Dry

Carry your yoga mat easily and comfortably with a yoga mat harness strap. This clever, lightweight harness fits any size mat! The sling has two quick release buckles, each on an adjustable loop that wraps around your mat. The strap is solid, durable, and reinforced for long life and comfort, and each sling is beautifully patterned on a solid black background.

Rating: (out of 6 reviews)

List Price: $ 8.99

Price: $ 8.99