I did some research but kept getting hung up on that first criteria above, "affordable." Yoga mats can be flipping expensive! Finally via Amazon I found the PowerExtra Yoga Mat for only $30 (at press time).
How does the PowerExtra Yoga Mat perform against other criteria?
Nice to look at: Check. Love the two-tone colors. I chose the violet/light purple. The textures are different on each side, and I like the patterns on both. (And if you don't like the logo at the back of the mat? No worries. It rubs off within a few weeks.)
The right size and squishiness: Check. The mat is 72" long, which is great for tall yogis. The width is standard, and the depth (thickness) is 1/4", which strikes the perfect balance between cushy on the knees but not too unstable for balance poses.
Sticky: Not yet a check. The mat is not slippery, but it's not quite as sticky as my old yoga mat, just a typical mat. I am hoping I'll eventually adapt to the mat, perhaps requiring me to have better form.
Not noxious: Unchecked for the first 2 weeks. After the mat had time to air out, though, I no longer detect a chemical smell. Check. Earth-friendly: Unknown. I did a bit of research on TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), and while much of the chemistry is over my head, there are may clues (smell being one of them) this is not a naturally occurring substance. It required significant processing (unlike the cotton mat I tried during my last search), yet it has "the potential to be recyclable."
Thumbs Up for PowerExtra Yoga Mat
Overall I'm pleased with my new PowerExtra yoga mat. Upward thumbs, upward dog.
The place where my feet go in downward dog? It's been shredded from various core poses my yoga teacher apparently concocts in her torture chamber basement.
I was in the market for a replacement.
~~~~~
I saw it in Yoga Journal magazine. It was mat-love at first sight; we seemed to be soul mates. It whispered to me...I will take you to the next level. We belong together. You are ready for all that I can bring you.
It's all natural. 100% cotton. Nothing artificial or toxic, which is important when you've got your face on the mat while breathing deeply into your kidneys.
It's traditional. Cotton is what yogis through the ages have practiced and meditated on. Could I be more yogi-like in my practice?
It's eco-friendly and sustainable. The mats are woven by craftsmen in India, who are able to support their families by their weaving skills.
It's machine washable and highly durable. Guaranteed for 15 years, which is about 5 times longer than the mat I wanted to retire.
It's beautiful. The colors are vibrant and luscious. I had a tough time choosing among Earth (brown), Air (gray), Fire (orange), Water (turquoise), Saffron (yellow), Ether (purple) and Spring (green).
Click image for Yogasana website
I decided on green, and within days my mat ($119*) arrived.
I immediately began using it and added the following to the list of things I love about my new mat:
It smells wonderful. I mean WONDERFUL. Like fresh, clean linen.
I like the energy of it. It's a subtle thing, but I feel calm while on this mat.
I was excited to take my practice to the next level, to see if I have what it takes to practice in a more traditional way, without the gripping assistance provided by rubber mats.
And yet...it took me several weeks to get used to a couple of effects of the mat. Or not.
Knobbiness: the parts of my body that bear weight -- palms and the tops/sides of my
feet-- could not get bear the rough texture of the
mat. I'm told multiple washings may resolve this.
Slippy-ness: Not quite slippery, but definitely slippy. My adho mukha svanasana (downward dog pose) suffers greatly on this new mat. I simply don't have the core strength to isometrically pull my hands and feet together and remain stable in the pose. Spritzing the mat with water has helped others with this problem, but it was not enough to help me.
I gave the mat a 4 week trial, and then asked my teacher (the one with the torture chamber basement) to test it, as well. She didn't experience the slippy problem (she's got core, I tell ya!) but the knobbiness bothered her, too.
Bottom line? I now have a beautiful runner carpet. And a rediscovered humility about my yoga practice.
And I'm back in the market for a new yoga mat.
* I purchased the mat at wholesale price in order to review it honestly.
Would this type of mat appeal to you? Why or why not? .
I've long been a fan of ToeSox, a company that offers footwear and handwear for people who practice yoga, Pilates and dance. So when I discovered that the company had come out with a line of flip-flops (which I'm also a fan of), I jumped at the chance to try out a pair.
These aren't your typical flip-flops. These sandals have not ONE toe thong but FOUR on each foot. This means there is a small bit of webbing between each of your toes. If you have had toes cramped in heels over the years, and they could use some gentle separating, these would be your sandals.
You know how the first few times you wear flip flops each spring your feet have to get used to the feel of the thong between your toes? Well it's like that with ToeSox Five Toe Sandals, too. In fact, the sandals come with a card that says, "Give 'em a week for happy feet" -- which is great advice.
Don't plan on taking them on a long walk your first time out. Plan to break them in with short bursts of walking. After
about 5 days, I felt like my feet owned the ToeSox.
And oh emm gee, how comfortable the footbed is. It's like walking on a yoga mat all day. Just the right amount of cushion and support.
The card that comes with the sandals lists these benefits:
exercise for your feet
spread your toes
strengthen feet
increase circulation
foot posts naturally align toes and feet for proper bone alignment to help correct a variety of foot, back and leg ailments.
What's more, they look great. The Kirra ($40), which I tried, comes in three colors, one of them purple, and the Yogini ($30) comes in four. For a different look, try the Bohemian ($50) in sand or in black. There are also options for wedges and for men's styles.
My toes and I give ToeSox Five Toe Sandals an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Giveaway! ToeSox is giving one AllThumbsReviews reader (who has a US shipping address) a pair of Five Toe Sandals. If random.org chooses your comment number, you'll
get to select either the Kirra, the Yogini or the Bohemian.
How to enter? Just check out the ToeSox store
and leave a comment on this post telling which Five Toe Sandal you'd like, as well as the color. Leave your
comment by August 24 and make sure we can reach you by email. Winners will
be announced in this space the weekend of August 25-26.
Following is a blurb you can tweet or share on Facebook. For extra
entries, let us know you've spread the word by leaving a second (or
third) comment.
I entered to win a pair of ToeSox Five Toe Sandals at AllThumbsReviews.com. You can, too! http://bit.ly/Q3NCpP
~~~~~
Disclaimer: I was given a pair of Kirra sandals to try in exchange for an honest review.
Some reviews are easier to do than others. It exciting to find a product that you want to TELL EVERYONE ABOUT. That make you want to PASS OUT CARDS TO STRANGERS AT A FESTIVAL. And that cause people to come up to you and ask, "Where did you get that outfit? It's GORGEOUS!"
Allow me to present Om Shanti Clothing. I saw an ad in Yoga Journal and contacted the company to see if I could review some of their clothes (yoga is optional in wearing the clothes). The owner was kind enough to offer me a discount on my order in exchange for an honest review. And if you like these items I'm highlighting or anything else in the Om Shanti catalog, I'm going to tell you how you, too, can get special pricing.
Or maybe even $50 at Om Shanti Clothing.
Here is the outfit that caught my eye in the magazine, the one that prompts people to stop me on the street.
The tank and gauze pants (shown here in tie-dye ocean) also come in white, turquoise, and tie-dye desert. In addition there are wraps and beach bags in these vibrant prints. I have my eye on the tie-dye desert pants and on the tie-dye ocean bag (hint to family members who will someday ask me for birthday gift ideas; I always draw a blank). And on so many other things in the catalog.
I can't remember wanting to say "one of each" so badly, unless I'm sitting at the local cupcake store.
Here is a second outfit I chose.
The top is not currently available, but the very cute black and white capri pants are. And the design is also available in shorts and in long pants.
Modeling this shirt in 96 degree weather gives new meaning to the catcall "hot." I have something to look forward to when my beloved summer wanes.
I forgot to have my photographer take a pic of the back when I had him. So here are my wings on a hanger.
Click over to the catalog to see what tickles your fancy. I'm not sure, but I suspect it's not REQUIRED that you do yoga while wearing Om Shanti clothes. You can do other activities, or just lounge around and look pretty. And with this special code at checkout, NAMASTE, you can take 20% off your bill if you place your order by August 31, 2011.
Om Shanti Clothing is offering one lucky reader $50 to spend at its store.
I'll select a winner using random.org on August 31. Make sure I know how to reach you in the event that you win; otherwise check back the first week in September to see if I'm trying to reach you.
I hope you enjoy the zeniliciousness of Om Shanti Clothing as much as I do.
In any sport or practice, it's our weakest part that holds us back. In my yoga practice, some days it's my tight hips, some days it's my weak shoulders, but always, always, it's how often my hands slip on my mat.
I've been on a quest for a solution to sliding hands for awhile. Most recently I tested Yoga Stick-e Gloves. These solved the problem well, but there has been a problem with durability -- the Stick-e part has begun to shred.
So I was intrigued to review Grip Gloves by ToeSox, provided to me for purposes of this honest review. Grip Gloves, a tad bulkier than Stick-e Gloves, are more durable than and I believe they will last longer. They keep my hands from slipping during downward dog, a stock pose. They come in three sizes and the one I chose fits my hands well.
I only wish that Grip Gloves came in the color of my skin tone so that it's not so obvious that I am a sweaty-hands yogini.
$22 at ToeSox.com, with my thumbs up for yoga, Pilates, spinning, and other gripping activities.
ToeSox also makes -- wait for it -- gloved socks. Why do we prefer gloves for our hands because of the dexterity they lend us, but tolerate mittens for our feet? Toes that aren't cramped and smushed together allow for better balance and circulation. Instead of treating our toes as one unit, ToeSox "encourages the toes to separate thereby activating the muscles in the feet." ToSox are recommended not only for yoga, dance and Pilates, but also for running, cycling, and other activities during which you'd wear an athletic shoe.
ToeSox sent me a pair to try out so that I could report (honestly, of course) my experience with them. ToeSox come in full-toe or half-toe -- I chose the half-toe. They come in a variety of solid colors and stripes, and of course I chose the purple/lavender combination. You can choose to have grippers on the sole or not (mine are with). And finally, there are both crew and ankle height (mine are ankle).
I know that some of you are not fond of the sensation that comes from having separated toes. I, however, find it freeing and stabilizing to spread out my toes. In yoga, it gives my small feet a slightly larger platform on which to balance my body during Tree, Eagle and Warrior 3 poses. There is a support band around the arch which helps relieve the fatigue that can occur during these balance poses.
Like their upper-phalange partners, the Grip Gloves, I give ToeSox a thumbs up. $15 at ToeSox.com.
Giveaway! ToeSox is giving two AllThumbsReviews readers their choice of products. If random.org chooses your comment number, you'll get to select either a pair of ToeSox or a pair of Grip Gloves.
How to enter? Just check out the ToeSox store and leave a comment on this post telling which product you'd like -- Grip Gloves or ToeSox. If you choose the ToeSox, tell us what color you'd like and whether you'd want the full-or the half-toe. Leave your comment by June 21 and make sure we can reach you by email. Winners will be announced in this space.
Following is a blurb you can tweet or share on Facebook. For extra entries, let us know you've spread the word by leaving a second (or third) comment.
I entered to win a pair of ToeSox or GripGloves at AllThumbsReviews.com. You can, too!http://bit.ly/kXf0rE
Thank you for commenting/entering this giveaway!
Random.org selected #3, so Teri, you are the winner!
We do not have your contact information, so please get in touch with us by June 25.
After that we will select another winner if we haven't heard from you.
Congrats, and thanks to all!
***
Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Tami? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.
Seems I placed so many orders at YogaAccessories.com that the company decided to send me some samples to try out.
(Be sure to read to the bottom to for giveaway and discount information.)
First I'll review some of the items I ordered and paid for. Round Yoga Mat: We sent a pair of these 6 foot diameter mats to our friends as a wedding present. I had originally gotten one for myself but it was just too heavy to lug around so I sent it back. Then, while looking for a gift for a couple who has everything, Roger and I realized that these mats would be perfect. The bride practices yoga and the groom is a yoga instructor. AND they have a yoga studio in their home, meaning they won't have the lugging around problem I had.
Bride and groom give a thumbs up. $65.
Yoga Stick-e Gloves: Previously, I reviewed competing product Yoga-Paws, which cost $35. At half the price I can solve the problem of slipping hands with Stick-e Gloves. I like Stick-e Gloves also because they are not as bulky as the Yoga-Paws. However, I predict that they will also prove to be not as sturdy.
Thumbs up at $18.
Now for reviews of the complimentary items.
Disclaimer: I received free samples (value $87) for purposes of sharing my honest opinions.
Dragonfly Printed Yoga Mat: These gorgeous nature-inspired mats are double-thickness (1/4 inch) and extra long (74"). They come in purples, greens, blue and red. I had to scrub off the initial slickness from mine, but otherwise it's a beautifully serene mat to practice on. $25, with optional matching bag for $11. 5'' Big Foam Yoga Block: This was a move up from my 3" yoga block (measured on the shortest side). I do find this bigger sized block helpful on poses such as Half Moon, in which I need to raise the floor to stay long in both side bodies. $20. (Please note, in the photo by my daughter, Tessa, that this is a pose in progress.)
Deluxe Silk Eye Pillow: This soft flax-filled pouch is lightly perfumed with one of my favorite scents, lavender. It smells and feels relaxing when I place the pillow over my eyes for meditation or rejuvenation. $11.
~~~~
Bruce, the owner of YogaAccessories.com,is giving away an entire Nature Inspired mat set, valued at $47 (printed mat and bag, as above, plus a matching water bottle), to one All Thumbs Reviews reader. Just leave a comment below with the color of your choice (click over to see your choices) by April 5 and we'll randomly draw a winner. The mat set will be sent to the winner directly.
In addition, should you wish to buy any of the hundreds of YogaAccessories on the site, you can get a 10% discount by May 31 by entering this discount code: next 2476
Namaste, every One.
**UPDATE**
Random.org selected #3, which means my partner Tami was drawn. Considering she's ineligible, I drew again, and #4 was chosen. So Flying Monkeys wins her olive/dark green bamboo mat set. Congrats to her, and thanks to everyone for entering!
***
Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Tami? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.
Shortly before my husband's accident last summer, he had gotten into Chi Running, which champions trotting about in bare feet. My fitness activity, yoga, also tends to be done barefooted. So when we heard about Vibram Five Finger shoes, which provide the benefits of bare feet along with protection, we inquired about trying them out.
As a blogger and reviewer, I qualified for a $25 discount off the $85 retail price. We carefully followed the ordering instructions (women's sizes run 34-42) because precise fit is imperative.
One thing to note about feet and Five Fingers is that "if the foot length varies more than 1/6 in. it will be difficult to get a precise fit for both feet." And "if your second toe is more than 1/6 in. longer than your big toe it will be difficult to get a precise fit."
After checking and double checking our sizes, I emailed our order sheets for his and her pairs. Last July.
Three months later (!), I received my pair, a KSO style in grey/fuchsia. What is KSO? The Vibram's website says "KSO IS BEST FOR: Running, Fitness Training, CrossFit, Light Trekking, Bouldering, Water Sports, & Travel."
And here is a description: ...our most versatile style for women. Featuring a thin, abrasion-resistant stretch nylon and breathable mesh upper that wraps your entire forefoot to “Keep Stuff Out.” A single hook-and-loop closure helps secure the fit. A non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1 performance rubber outsole is razor-siped for a sure grip, and a 2mm EVA midsole enhances plating protection and comfort.
I've had several months now to try out my Five Fingers while doing various activities. If it's not too cold, I enjoy wearing my Five Fingers out and about. But because there's no insulation I do not wear them when the terrain is icy. Not for the slip factor but for the brrrrrr factor.
While they ARE the first pair of shoes I've ever owned that required instructions on how to put on, and while they DO take a little extra time to wriggle in to, I DO enjoy the feeling of having my toes separated. Others have told me that such a sensation would drive them nuts.
And people have told me that the color scheme I chose makes me look like I have the feet of a cadaver. Perhaps I would have done better with the camouflage blue.
These shoes have worked perfectly for me walking around and practicing yoga. And I wore them recently during a TurboKick class. All went well until the last few minutes when the underside of my big toe began to hurt. I made it to the end of class and drove home. When I removed the shoe, a small piece of grit? lint? something ordinary -- had gotten past that breathable mesh and had worn quite a blister. Youch.
Verdict? For yoga and for be-bopping around, I give Vibrams Five Fingers one thumb toe up.
And here is a review of my husband's experience with Five Fingers as a running shoe:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Know why that's blank? Because in spite of the 7 months, the 7 follow up emails and 4 followup voicemail messages, I CANNOT GET VIBRAMS FIVE FINGERS TO TAKE AND FULFILL THIS ORDER. Or even let me know why they won't.
For running? Big toes down. Both of them.
***
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What would I do if I had (1) keen artistic talent, (2) a wicked sense of humor, (3) a deep understanding of yoga's benefits?
Hmmmm....maybe I would do what Amy Luwis did: create Yoga to the Rescue, a deck of 48 cards that can be read like a book or be used as, well, a rescue for what ails you.
This deck of cards is divided into 7 sections, each with 5-10 poses, so that you can access asanas that address your current pursuit:
Sexy: for fitness and confidence
Calm: for stress relief
Energy: to boost and invigorate
Restore: to feel like a kid again
Cleanse: to detox and purify
Sanity: for mood and balance
Ragtime: for PMS and period relief
For each section, Amy suggests several sequences of poses. You can then build your own yoga flow that provides you exactly what you need.
Each card shows one pose, and includes the Sanskrit name, the Western name, an amusing drawing, a modification should you need a "partway" pose, a diagram and explanation of how to get INto the pose, its benefits and focus points. I learned factoids I had not known before.
I previously reviewed a Bliss Wood CD, and this one also earns a thumbs up. Bliss gently leads you through 12 Hatha Yoga poses for an hour-long session, including warm up, stretching of hips, legs, shoulders, back and abdomen, some lunging, and final relaxation/meditation. They key word is gentle.
The CD insert includes photos of the poses so you can get an idea of what each asana looks like.
It's a terrific tool for someone new to yoga or someone who would like to be guided at home.
How did I not know about this? Luckily, my new friend Dez (a new mom and mompreneur) clued me in.
YogaToday is a website that offers full yoga sessions -- gorgeous videos set in Jackson Hole, WY. You go to the site and can bring up a huge selection of full yoga classes to view at your leisure -- a new one is made available each morning. Great for when you're traveling, can't get to a yoga studio, or just want to give yourself a spur-of-the-moment class. Here's an 11 minute sample. Check out the scenery.
I have subscribed to the YogaToday blog. Two or three times a week I get a shorter video that focuses on a certain issue: arm balances, hip openers, a lesson on bandhas (remember "rootlock"? -- see comments) and others.
And it's all FREE! Giveaways for everyone!
But wait -- there's more!
GIVEAWAY info
RescueGirl is offering freebies to 5 lucky readers. One deck is available, as well as one download code for each of the iPhone/iTouch apps (YogaSexy, YogaRemedy, YogaBliss and Everyday Fabulousness). Codes can be used by you or given as a gift. The first commenter picked by random.org will get first choice, and so on, until all five prizes are given.
Leave a comment below by 6 am MDT on June 22, stating your preference. We'll let winners know either in this space or by email (if available). The deck/app codes will be sent directly from RescueGirl herself, Amy Luwis.
You can get extra entries by tweeting this post (if you're already on Twitter, just click the ReTweet button at the bottom of this post), by linking to this post on your own blog, or by putting the All Thumbs button on your blog. Just come back to let us know where to find your shout-outs.
Thank you so much for telling your friends about All Thumbs and spreading the word on your blog with this button so that we can keep these giveaways coming.
**Winners!**
Random.org selected # 9, 2, 11, 13, 4. Which means I am trying to reach Kymberli, LJ, Lilith, Peggy, Danielle. Congrats, ladies, and thanks to all for entering.
Stay tuned for more sassy reviews of sassy stuff.
***
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I've been practicing yoga for nearly 3 years now, and there is just one thing that holds me back (besides a lack of flexibility and strength and balance):
Sweat. Specifically, on my hands. It keeps me from being able to go more deeply into basic poses such as Downward Dog, in which about half your body weight is on your palms, which must be stable on the mat.
I have tried a hand-towel, which has helped, but I still experience slippage when there is an abundance of internal or external heat and the resulting sweat. Which is nearly every session.
They're billed as "mini-mats," since you simply place the hand-paws and foot-paws on your extremities and you're set to do yoga on any smooth surface, even without a mat.
Yoga-Paws put eco-friendly mat material right on your palms and soles to help you keep from skidding. There is also mesh netting to help keep you cool on the non-contact sides of your hands and feet, allowing them to breathe.
I've used Yoga-Paws for several yoga sessions now on a mat, and here are my findings. The hand-paws work very well in avoiding sweaty skids. I was able to hold poses longer and get into them more deeply thanks to the stability of my hands -- so I got what I sought.
When at classes at my gym, on a hardwood floor, I have no problems at all. Oddly, though, at the yoga studio, where there is a linoleum floor, the webbing between my fingers (that hold the paws on) bother me with chafing. I am not sure if or why the flooring would account for the difference, but I did want to share my observation.
The foot-paws are not as imperative for me, since I don't have much trouble with foot skid. But in using the foot-paws I did feel a little more stable on upright balance poses (such as Tree).
However, when I flowed into horizontal standing poses (such as Warrior 3) , I realized that there is a subtle adjustment I must make in my foundation when I wear the foot-paws. It changes my balance just a skosh, making me more conscious of my lower body. Not a bad thing. I'm sure as I practice with foot-paws, I will get used to my new "stable."
Yoga-Paws are $35 for a set that includes both hand and foot paws. Also included is a mesh carrying bag.
Yoga-Paws join my mat and my water bottle in my yoga kit. See below for giveaway information.
#2: Chant Dance
I've been listening to Sonic Bliss for a couple of weeks now, and one time it even led to a Perfect Moment.
Each of the 7 lengthy songs make me want to move and sway and release -- joyously. The chants use ancient Sanskrit words that evoke love, joy, peace harmony, rejuvenation, balance. I especially love Remover of Obstacles (Mantra to Ganesha) and Goddess Power (Mantra to Kali and Durgha, about the cycle of death and rebirth). The CD insert gives insight into each song's meaning and purpose. This is my first introduction to Bliss Wood, and I'll be checking out more of her stuff. $19.
OK, this isn't a yoga book, but it is a delightful and short (140 pages) manual on small things we can do to save the world.
The chapters, which are not necessarily meant to be read consecutively, are designated by time -- times of day or week or year -- with small do-able tips on living more mindful of our interconnection with each other and the earth. For example:
Chapter 2: Stop & Go has a short section on "A/C or Windows?"
Chapter 5: Surf's Up has a suggestion to add your favorite charity to your email signature
Chapter 9: Cleaning Up and Cleaning Out is full of tips to remover clutter and make the world a better place
Chapter 11: Happy Holidays details the impact you have on the world if you declare one "Buy Nothing Day."
You don't have to be a Big Shot or do Big Things to make a different in your world. Authors Sam Davidson and Stephen Moseley intend to get many people doing millions of small things. Consciously. $12.
GIVEAWAY info
Yoga-Paws is offering a giveaway of one set of Yoga-Paws to a lucky All Thumbs commenter. Leave a comment below by 6 am MDT on June 8. Using random.org, we'll select a winner and let the winner know either in this space or by email (if available). Yoga-Paws will be sent directly from the kind people over here .
You can get extra entries by tweeting this post (if you're already on Twitter, just click the ReTweet button at the bottom of this post), by linking to this post on your own blog, or by putting the All Thumbs button on your blog. Just come back to let us know where to find your shout-outs.
A reminder that we HUGELY appreciate you telling your friends about AllThumbs and spreading the word on your blog with this button so that we can keep these giveaways coming.
RANDOM.ORG spit out #2
So the winner is Campbell. Thanks to everyone for entering and for supporting All Thumbs! Another yoga post with giveaway will come June 15.
***
Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings. . .
Maybe it's because I am a sucker for anything yoga.
Or maybe it was that pose we did in yoga class one day, Finger and Toes Entwined. It's self-explanatory: to put space between your toes, you wedge your fingers in.
Problem: I hate touching feet. Yuck to others' and yuck to my own. I endured the asana and wished there were another way to practice this pose that promises greater strength and stability.
Ask and ye shall be given. I began seeing ads for YogaToes. Christmas was coming up so I put them on my list. Mom came through, and I've been practicing Finger and Toes Entwined ever since (while I type!). It's like wearing braces on my toes, and consequently I am having an easier time with balance poses. And boy, does it feel good to wear these at the end of the day. I can feel the release of tension radiating up my calves and shins.
Here are some of the other benefits touted on the YogaToes website.
Improves and prevents foot problems by stretching and aligning your toes
Eases the discomfort of hammertoes, bunions and plantar fasciitis
Recover from strain and overuse
Improves foot strength, flexibility and appearance
Increases circulation, straightens bent toes, realigns joints
Improves overall posture and reduces aches and pains associated with it
At $50 (or $99 for 3 pairs), YogaToes are somewhat of a splurge. And you can get cheaper knock-off versions, I've discovered, at discount stores.
BUT. And there are two of them. BUT --
1. YogaToes (made in the USA, with two patents pending), have two openings to help you get them on easily -- one on the side of the big toe and one of the side of the pinky toe. Other brands have no such design feature and are more difficult to get one. In addition, I've heard reports that cheaper models are not only harder to work with but may also be uncomfortable -- the gel spacers are not as custom-molded to the foot.
2. YogaToes is offering readers of All Thumbs Reviews a $15 discount during the month of February. That's 30% off! Here's the super-secret code:
VDAY
Just in time FOR your Valentine (or a hint TO your Valentine on what to get you). YogaToes come in 9 colors and 2 sizes.
Hurry -- you must get your order in by February 28 to get the discount. YogaToes can ship anywhere, but only those in the US and Canada can order via the website. Others please call to place an order using the special code.
I love this small indulgence, my YogaToes -- two digits up. You are so lucky to get this great price on them. (Don't tell my mom.)
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Costco is currently selling 24-month memberships to 24 Hour Fitness for the amazing price of $290. That's just $12 a month. TWELVE DOLLARS A MONTH, PEOPLE!
I can't tell you what a good deal this is. I've been a member at my local 24 Hour Fitness for 3 years, and here area few of the things I love about my club.
It offers fitness classes, including 5 yoga classes a week. At no extra charge.
It's clean and well-maintained.
It's not just for muscle-heads and gym rats. Lots of "normal" people are there, too, each pursuing his/her own goals.
It has a Kids Club. During certain hours, I can take my kids there while I work out or take a yoga class. Mine charges less than $2/kid/hour. (Not all clubs have this.)
I'm a cheapskate so I have to get my money's worth from membership dues. This works in my favor by making me put down the Twinkie, get off the couch and milk my membership 3 times a week. I actually like to go now. Three years ago I was at war with my body. Now I like it and want to treat it well.
Product reviews on the Costco website point out that you can only get this price through Costco online (not at the gym and not in a Costco store) and that you may be approached at the by club to buy personal training session (but you are under no obligation). Feedback seems overwhelmingly positive, with thumbs up from all 23 commenters I read.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal. So drop the Twinkie.
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I, chicklet, am an infertile myrtle, which means that I, chicklet, am a tough sell when it comes to fertility books. However, BEING an infertile myrtle also makes me a good CANDIDATE for fertility books, so when the kind folks at KT / PR & Literary Services approached me to review Fully Fertile, I jumped at the chance - and then I proceeded to IGNORE them for a month while I wandered through Asia.
Returning from my trip though, I was excited to see THIS in my mailbox. Partly cuz the skeptic in me was curious to see what the authors had to say about all the ways I probably had to RELAX to have a baby, partly cuz yoga's something I've honestly been debating for awhile (although, NOT for fertility), and partly because... well... at this point in my infertility, all fertility books are at least worth a quick perusal with a glass of wine.
Going through the book though, I'm honestly impressed. And not because they paid me to say that - they didn't, this is a freebie review - but because the book was personal, and there was a lot of attention to detail in this book I didn't expect. Yea, there's the usual song and dance about RELAXING and reducing stress, but I get that I'm 3 years into this infertility crap so ANY mention of RELAXING gets in my craw.
Moving away from my CRAW though, and BACK to Fully Fertile, the book includes everything from the author's personal stories about THEIR infertility journeys, to step by step instructions on how to do some of the yoga poses. And to go ALONG with the step by step instructions, they also have PICTURES for every one of those steps - which for a gimp like me, is essential in standing even a CHANCE at pulling this shit off in the comfort of my own home.
The other thing they do well is they cover not only the yoga poses and pictures, but they cover accupuncture, diet, exercise, attitude, sex, sleep, and more. While some of the areas are quite short and obviously not the FOCUS of the book, other areas like DIET, they provide some pretty good depth on, even going as far as a few tips for NOT cooking all the nutrients out of your food, ensuring the "health" food you're eating REMAINS health food by the time you're done with the pots and pans.
So all in all, I'd definitely recommend this book. However, I'd do so with a bit of a caveat. For a NEWBIE infertile, this book would be fabulous - it'd give you a good balance of all the things you might want to try, and pull in some new and interesting ways to exercise WHILE you try. For the veteran infertile like me however, the book is more useful for the details and pictures on YOGA than on the actual FERTILITY tips and tricks. It's not to say the book might not have HELPED me optimize my fertility, or might not even help me optimize my fertility NOW, it's just to say that I, this far into this misadventure, know that I'm no longer in a place where I want to optimize my fertility. I just wanna do yoga!
-------------------------------- Want to win Fully Fertile? Click on any of the links provided in this post, find out the names of all THREE authors, and come back to All Thumbs to comment in your answer. All comments entered by August 29th with correct answers, will be put into a hat. The husband (mr chicklet) will be blind-folded, spun around 10x, shoved back and forth, and then spun around 10 more times the OTHER way, before being asked to pull a winner. The winner will be announced Monday September 1st 2008. Good luck!
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