Wardrobe Wednesday: My Favorite Non Running Accessory (Yoga Mat)

One of the best items to have 'just laying around the house' when it comes to having spur of the moment workout sessions or guilty ab crunches right before bed is a yoga mat. I find that having mine tucked into an accessible closet has given me the push I need to do in-home workouts without wavering. Having your own mat is also great if you are doing local group classes, I find it more sanitary.

When I went to a group bar class yesterday, I was looking around at all the mats. I really think that a yoga mat is a reflection of the owners personality. And I can say that I love my yoga mat as much as my running shoes. It has seen sweat, tears, and triumphs. That is why today, wardrobe Wednesday, I am featuring my much beloved yoga mat!

I have had my Wai Lana yoga mat for almost 9 years now. I have used it frequently for group Yoga & Pilates, and at home aerobic, stretching, and yoga workouts. It has survived 3 cats, 2 ferrets, a toddler, an unforeseen leak in the trunk of my car, 6 moves, countless trips (by plane and car)... this mat has stood the test of time. And even today, it looks brand new.

The list of why I love my Wai Lana yoga mat:
(1) It's durable (as you read above).
(2) Non slip bottom allows for you to practice without sliding all over the place.
(3) It has a thick padding which provides amazing comfort but it's not overwhelming.
(4) The mat has a beautiful design and the the colors are refreshing.
(5) The top of the mat has no slip grooves, which help you dodge slipping during hot yoga classes.


What you should consider when buying a mat:
(1) Don't purchase one just because it's pretty.
(2) You get what you pay for. Mats that are inexpensive are often times made out of PVC and deteriorate very fast.
(3) Think about what you are going to use it for.
(4) When buying a mat think like Goldilocks, you don't want anything too thick or too thin. Sometimes trying it out helps you figure out what feels just right.

Some quality comparison tests include (found here):
- The pinch test: Pinch the mat between thumb and forefinger to compare compression resistance.
- The wet friction test: Simulate sweating by moistening your hand. Compare wet traction by bearing down laterally on the surface of the mat.
- The quarter test: Compare samples by rubbing them with the edge of a quarter until the surface breaks down. The more strokes it takes before the surface breaks, the longer life the mat will have.


If you do decide to go with a Wai Lana, you can purchase a  yoga mat from > HERE < and if you spend more than $50 you can get free shipping until November 2012.

Running + Yoga means Love

I started doing yoga loooong before I put on a pair of running shoes. I took my first yoga class when I was in undergrad. After my father abruptly left my family without even a glimpse back, I knew I needed a way of coping with the event. So for my 1 credit athletic class, I registered for yoga. I absolutely loved the class and the instructor was amazing. Along with practice, she asked us to keep a journal of how we were feeling about our new practice as well as life events. It was with her guidance that I was able to get through a very challenging moment in my life.

After the class concluded, I continued to enroll in other yoga classes in the community. But none were like hers. After graduation and moving halfway across the country, I was still searching for the perfect yoga class to take. I tried a few classes (one at my local gym, one at a studio that smelt like feet, and yesterdays) and after 4 years of classes that really didn't match me, I found what I was looking for yesterday. A very good friend had asked me to join her, and upon arrival I was instantly in love with the studio. Everything from the decor to the smell was comforting.

The instructor was welcoming, asking all new people their names and reminding us to be aware of our bodies and to ask questions when needed. The class was amazing (except for the part where a girl in the back row fainted, that shook us all up). Since it was a heated Bikram class, I walked away drenched in sweat. Along with all the poses, the instructor would always have us come back to center focusing on our breath. At first I had a hard time clearing my head, but after the first 15 minutes my focus was on the poses. It was interesting to see how my running actually has made me less flexible. My body has gotten so use to the one form of movement, that I found my poses were more stiff than I thought they would be. But it felt great focusing on neglected muscles.

If you are interested in yoga classes and live in the New York City area, The Yoga Room is AMAZING! They have a robust listing of classes, instructors, and are very welcoming. The staff embraces beginners and they help guide you through your practice. They also have a promotion going on right now for new students, a month unlimited for only $40.00. Not too bad :) You can visit their website at http://www.the-yoga-room.com/