Thursday, October 07, 2010

Yoga Journal's Prenatal Yoga [VHS]

Yoga Journal's Prenatal Yoga [VHS]The best thing about this prenatal yoga program is that there is a model for each trimester. Instructor Shiva Rea demonstrates each of the stretches and exercises for the first trimester, and two pregnant women show modifications for the second and third trimesters (they're even dressed in different colors for easy reference). This removes the self-doubt home-exercisers often have about the safety of certain moves--especially in that cumbersome final stage of pregnancy. Using gentle voice-over instruction, Rea and her assistants take viewers through a half hour of meditational stretches using blocks and chairs for support. She follows that up with 16 minutes of floor work: lunge pose, bridge pose, child's pose, plank pose--all with the necessary adjustments. She winds things up with a four-minute guided relaxation on her back--the traditional position--with the second-trimester woman on her side and the third on her side with one leg up on a chair. By including the different adaptations, Rea has made a program with the flexibility to carry an expectant mom through her entire pregnancy--and beyond, if she wishes. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Price: $19.98


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Yogitoes Skidless Premium Mat-Size Yoga Towel

Yogitoes Skidless Premium Mat-Size Yoga TowelThis Yogitoes Skidless premium yoga towel is the only towel created specifically to prevent slipping while practicing yoga. The towel works intuitively: simply place the side with the silicone eco nubs face down on the yoga mat or low-pile carpet. Once you distribute your weight in a yoga posture, the eco nubs start gripping the mat, thus keeping your hands or feet from slipping in mid-stretch. The towel's 80 percent polyester and 20 percent nylon material, meanwhile, is super absorbent, thus putting a hygienic layer between you and your exercise equipment. The towel, which is machine-washable and dryer-safe (it's designed to dry fast), measures 24 by 68 inches.

About Yogitoes
Yogitoes is an innovative company that designs yoga and fitness products for the modern yogi and gym enthusiast.Orange represents another shade of green to the company by practicing consciousness and altruism in their daily thoughts, actions, and company decisions. Whenever possible, orange practices include selling all products without packaging to minimize waste and utilizing recycled and/or sustainable materials such as soy or vegetable inks and organic dyes. A portion of yogitoes proceeds goes to the yogitoes fund which contributes to programs bringing love and awareness around the world.

Price: $55.00


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AM/PM Yoga for Beginners [VHS]

AM/PM Yoga for Beginners [VHS]This yoga set is perfect for busy people who need to work in a way to relax. On the a.m. tape, Rodney Yee takes you through a 15-minute morning yoga set, while Patricia Walden leads a 20-minute evening routine on the p.m. tape. The a.m. tape was filmed on a beach on Maui at sunrise, providing a soothing background for this gentle workout. In the morning, Rodney tells us, "the body is rested but stiff from inactivity." The stretches he demonstrates are designed to increase circulation, improve mobility, and bring clarity to your mind. The movements are easy to follow (they include a conscious relaxation, the a.m. workout, and a guided meditation), and the set is short enough that it can be squeezed into the most hectic of morning schedules. The p.m. video was filmed at sunset in Death Valley. Patricia's yoga set is designed to quiet the mind after the stress of the day and to help you make the transition from active to quiet. She uses a combination of a centering series, standing poses, forward bends, and restorative poses to help you ease into night. You will need some firm blankets to sit on and a yoga strap (although a belt or scarf will serve the same purpose) to perform these movements. Perfect for the beginner and for the overworked. --Jenny Brown

Price: $19.95


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