Yesterday, I returned my yoga mat to the manufacturer.

It was too thick.

I’d chosen it for just that reason too, thinking that a 3/8” thick mat would be so comfy for my bony knees, hips, ankles and sit bones.

And it was! The super thick mat was great for seated poses. Problem was that it made me wobble during standing poses.

Definitely not good.

So in choosing a yoga mat, I’ve decided to employ the Goldilocks principal: Find one is that is not ..read more

If you’re new to yoga and plan to practice frequently, a good yoga mat is a must. A properly constructed mat allows you to perform a comprehensive range of yoga poses without slipping, sliding or discomfort. Once you learn proper yoga alignment, you can truly begin focusing on physical fitness as well as mental well-being.

You might think that if you’ve seen one mat, you’ve seen them all; however this is not the case. Yoga mats are a bit like ..read more

If your exercise routine is putting you to sleep, it may be time to recruit a buddy— a round, bouncy one.

A balance ball (also called an exercise ball or yoga ball) can add a fun element to your exercise routine. Balance balls are amazingly versatile: you can work out your entire body, particularly your “core” (upper and lower abdominal muscles, obliques, and back muscles).

When you exercise on the ball, you get twice the bang for your buck. Here’s ..read more

Yoga bolsters are firm, dense pillows used to support the head, neck, back and legs in restorative yoga poses. In supine positions, a yoga bolster stretches the spine, upper back, rib cage and lungs to facilitate deeper breathing. During seated forward bends, a bolster keeps the abdomen from clenching, supports the head and neck, and stretches the hamstrings.

Ever try using shoe-boxes or books in place of yoga blocks? (Yeah, me too.) When you use an actual yoga block, you’ll quickly notice they’re far more effective than make-shift yoga props. Yoga blocks are designed with the ideal proportions, shape and weight to help extend your limbs and provide real stability. This 3-min. video (featuring yours-truly)  demonstrates how to use them in 3 different standing poses. Enjoy!

One of the physical goals in yoga is to stretch your muscles as far as they can go. Some of us are naturally flexible– surely you know someone that can jump up and touch their toes after having not exercised for months (like my 63-year-old Mom!) But for those with limited flexibility (like me!) yoga props can be very effective in helping to maximize stretches and protect you from muscle strain, or possibly even a tear.

You’ve heard the buzz about yoga and would like to give it a try. However, before you can even touch your toes, your inner-pessimist pipes up: “Yoga is for young people,” or “It’s too expensive,” or “I’m about as flexible as a 2 x 4.” If this sounds familiar, it’s time to quell that inner voice. Yoga is a wonderful, completely accessible activity for virtually everyone regardless of age, current fitness level and financial means.

You’re never too old to ..read more