Run by a non-profit, Yoga Community Interest Company. We have more ecological yoga mats from ecoYoga and others, yoga toe socks from ToeSox and organic, fair trade yoga clothes. We also supply yoga mats and yoga equipment to members of the yoga community at wholesale prices.
If you buy your Yoga mat, Yoga wear or equipment online this morning it will not be handled in accordance with our normal service aims.
Orders can still be placed online, but please see the Website Status Page page for more information.
Orders can still be placed online, but please see the Website Status Page page for more information.
Yoga mats and equipment purchasing tipsWe are confident that the products we promote provide a safe and productive working environment for Yoga.
They can help you unwind and relax by offering your body comfortable and safe support whilst you practice
The way you intend to use your mat will affect which mat is best for you.
When you are lying down, with your arms by your sides, make sure there will be enough room for your feet, arms and head to rest on the mat comfortably
if you are doing Yoga that demands you move around much more on the mat, with more Aerobic or dynamic postures, make sure the mat provides space for movement
Tip: Avoid "exercise" or "Gym" mats which are usually too heavy or may have unsuitable dimensions for doing Yoga
Some yoga mats are thicker than others, this doesn't really affect slip resistance and is more about comfort and cushioning...
The thickness should be given in the specification, it will say something like "3mm" or "4mm"
Tip: Avoid " exercise mats" which are usually too heavy or foam mats which can crumble to dust and fall apart!
"The mats we promote are made from a mixture of woven material a special coating that provides a soft, "sticky" surface. This makes them ideal for all kinds of postures"
If you are doing Yoga in an over-heated environment and/or moving briskly, the aerobic exercise dramatically increases the risk of sustaining injuries such as strained ligaments etc.
For people who anticipate a particular issue with slip resistance we recommend using a cotton mat cover for more stable grip, or a cotton mat (which can be very heavy and is more difficult to wash)
Cotton actually becomes more grippy when wet !
A fitted cotton mat cover can transorm the material into a firm, stable and very comfortable Yoga practice mat whereas simply putting a loose cotton rug over a mat can be quite impractical because they can move about
A cover may also help to reduce wear and tear for high impact movement, such as Tai Chi and other exercises
Many other alternatives are either too heavy, or too expensive, or not very ecological etc. etc.
The following considerations are especially important if buying for someone else. If in doubt it's probably best to slightly over-estimate since it is usually possible to deflate the ball, if required.
Ideally the diameter of the ball should match the distance from base of the neck to the base of the spine. Practically, this also correlates to your height.
TIP: Avoid cheaper materials that may distort and "pop" if punctured
The more pressure inside the ball the less stable it will be. If you are learning exercises that are new to you we suggest that you deflate the ball slightly, or you can also change the pressure accordingly to suit yourself
Blocks and Bricks provide different types of support in postures. Both will support full body weight but they should only be used on an even, flat and non-slip surface
For example, Blocks are used large side flat down.
Bricks are made with slightly higher density foam and have different dimensions, making them more suitable to use any way up
TIP: Avoid composite foams which can be very heavy and fall apart!
Belts or "straps" are useful as an aid when attempting postures by providing an opportunity to stretch further without strain. They are also used for stability in postures when extending in forward bends
You may be able to achieve better results using a belt
TIP: Avoid narrow, thin belts with metal or plastic buckle designs, or belts made from synthetic materials like nylon or polypropylene
Lighting some incense, burning some essential oils and working to a video, and/or some background music or Yoga tapes can help concentration and help you relax.
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