Every now and then, I need to reconnect with my inner yogi and seek out the renewed energy I so often experience after a yoga class. With the hustle and bustle of the winter season long behind us, finding a moment of zen while bathing in the sun's warm light has never been more appealing. Throw in some new yoga gear and you can officially colour me inspired. At the top of my list of must-have yoga accessories is a fresh new mat. New for the season is a collection of yoga mat designs in various colours, prints and thicknesses from a fresh new line by renowned wellness brand Gaiam.
For review, I opted to try out the 5mm Reflection Reversible Print Premium Yoga Mat because I was instantly drawn to the lotus flower print. It also pairs quite nicely with my Gaiam Thirsty Yoga Mat Towel. The Premium Reversible Mat features a "sticky" non-slip surface and is made without the six most harmful phthalates. It is listed at $39.99 but if you prefer the 3mm Classic, it costs only $21.99.
Next up is the super stylish Metro Gym Bag. It has pretty much everything you need in a gym bag, only without all the bulk: large pockets with magnetic snaps, sides pockets to hold water bottles or other essentials, a zippered pocket on the inside to secure valuables, a key ring holder, and a cinch cord on the bottom for your yoga mat. The only thing it doesn't come with is the fabulously fit body (or yoga mat) seen below.
The Metro Gym Bag is not just my yoga bag. I bring it with me to my boot camp workouts. It is extremely lightweight and I absolutely adore the purple lining on the inside. Plus, it is machine washable and did I mention stylish? It is currently available on gaiam.ca for $39.99 and is totally worth the investment.
And then there's Rodney Yee, my favourite yoga instructor of all time. I swear, I can listen to him talk for hours on end, his voice is that soothing. His new release for 2016 "Best of Yoga" is perfect for busy teacher moms who blog because they only take up between 18 and 24 minutes of your time. You can select from any of the three types of yoga, all on a single DVD:
- BEST OF FLOW YOGA - CARDIO: Rodney’s“best of” flow yoga, also known as vinyasa yoga, not only connects movement to breath, but also focuses on proper alignment along the way. This comprehensive flow practice will improve flexibility, lengthen the spine and energize your mind and body. (24 minutes)
- BESTOF CORE YOGA – BALANCE: Developing a strong core is key to building a solid yoga foundation. Rodney’s “best of”core yoga program focuses energy on the abs to build a stronger, leaner core and improve overall balance. (18 minutes)
- BESTOF POWER YOGA – STRENGTH: Develop strength from the inside out with Rodney’s “best of”power sequences. This dynamic yoga practice mixes the mental and physical benefits of yoga into one total-body practice that will help tone muscles and build endurance. (20 minutes)
And as an added bonus, a digital copy is included with purchase so I can take Rodney Yee pretty much everywhere I go. The DVD is currently listed at $14.99.
So... feeling inspired to get your yoga on? Head on over to gaiam.ca to find your own moment of zen. Namasté.
Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.
- Thursday, June 23, 2016
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