Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » Pilates & Yoga

Yoga Kit For Beginners | I Ching Mat, Block, Strap & DVD from Gaiam

Steve — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:00:47 +0000

This is an admirable introductory kit for those who are new to yoga or just need some basic props for the home. For less than $25 this starter set will ease yoga into your daily routine and help build a solid foundation.

The package includes an I Ching mat, yoga block, strap and DVD. If purchased separately these items would cost much more.

The mat includes alignment marks to help guide hand and foot placement, the yoga block aids in proper positioning and support, and the yoga strap helps to lengthen and align stretches.

The DVD includes an 8 minute instructional video on how to use the props correctly and build good habits into your yoga practice. This is followed by a 24 minute program led by yoga expert Rodney Yee.

The DVD workout is actually a bit advanced for a beginner’s kit, but gives users something to work up to after mastering the basic skills.

Yoga is highly recommended for improving flexibility, strength and circulation, improving core strength, agility and balance and increasing mental clarity.

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Hugger Mugger Tapas 1/4″ Thick Yoga/Pilates Mat | With Non-Slip Nature Designs

Steve — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:20:17 +0000

An aesthetically pleasing, cushioned mat can really enhance the Yoga experience. These extra thick tapas mats from Hugger Mugger provide both an insulated workout surface and a soothing visual.

Hugger Mugger mats can be used for Yoga, Pilates or general exercise. The 1/4 inch thickness provides good support and the surface is durable and relatively non-slip.

The mat may emit a noticeable odor at first but can be hand washed with liquid laundry detergent and aired-out for up to 48 hours to remove the odor. The mats are antimicrobial and free of hthalate, latex and heavy metal.

For more than 20 years, Hugger-Mugger has been known as an innovator of technically excellent yoga products serving yoga teachers and students throughout the world.

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SPRI Pilates Portable Kit | Resistance Tubes, Door Attachment and Exercise Mat

Steve — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:24:29 +0000

This “anywhere, anytime” Pilates kit from SPRI combines the tools and method to create a solid conditioning program without the need for an expensive home gym. The system is effective for toning and light sculpting, but won’t get you ripped.

The package includes three Xertubes, a door attachment and an exercise mat to create a complete program of Pilates reformer-based resistance.

The workout focuses on the abdominals, lower back, hips and buttocks but also works the chest, biceps, triceps, shoulders and lats.

The video is easy to follow but unfortunately comes on a VHS tape rather than DVD. SPRI is a pioneer in rubberized resistance training and on the “cutting edge of today’s exercise trends.” Upgrading the video in this package to DVD format would help add credibility to that claim.

SPRI Pilates Portable Kit Product Details

Lightweight, versatile and comprehensive Pilates package
3 SPRI Xertubes (yellow, red, green)
Secure Door Attachment
Exercise Mat
Pilates Instructional Video (VHS)
Develop strong, stable core and tone upper body
Improve flexibility, posture, balance and strength

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Yogamatic Yoga/Workout Mat | Eco-friendly Custom Printed Mats with Inspirational Designs

Steve — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:02:40 +0000

Tired of your dull and uninspiring yoga mat? Here’s a unique fitness accessory that will add some creativity and personality to your workouts.

Yogamatic uses global artists young and old to design an array of expressive mats intended to reflect your individual spirit, taste and personal interests.

Each high quality image is printed edge-to-edge in vibrant color. The resilient high resolution Dri-Touch ink is solvent free, eco-friendly and will hold up to pressure and moisture. The bottom of the mat is lined with slip resistant tread to keep it securely in place during a workout.

Yogamatic is truly an environmentally conscious company. The sustainable natural rubber in these mats uses partially recycled materials and can be disposed of without harm to the environment. They will even pay shipping charges to recycle a worn mat for you with purchase of a new one. This may also be a financially motivated, cost-saving program for the company but either way it’s a win-win.

The mat measures 73″ x 24″ and is 3/8″ thick. It comes with a yoga bag for easy transport.

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Click here to see all Yogamatic designs

Stamina Pilates Magic Circle | Exercise Resistance Ring with Workout DVD

Steve — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:41:03 +0000

This versatile device, originally conceived by Joseph Pilates himself, is adept at toning, building strength and developing balanced, controlled body movements.

The Magic Circle will add variety to your resistance training as an alternative to using weights or a strength training machine. It’s durable and somewhat rigid, but includes soft, high-quality foam molded handles for comfort and added functionality.

The Magic Circle can be used for hundreds of exercises and is particularly suited for strengthening inner and outer thighs, upper arms, chest and core muscles.

The included DVD appears to be dated but does provide varied, easy to follow instructional routines to help get the most out of this product.

While the Magic Circle addresses strength, posture and flexibility, it doesn’t provide much of a cardio workout. For optimal results it should be used in addition to a regular exercise regime.

Stamina Pilates Magic Circle Product Details

Pilates Magic Circle – 14 3/4″ in diameter
Soft rubber ring adds resistance for faster, more targeted toning
Fits comfortably against body during a wide range of exercises
Professional grade, non-porous molded padding
Easy to use instructional DVD
Small, lightweight and easy to transport

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Stott Pilates Exercise SPX Reformer | Home Studio Core Training Machine

Steve — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:54:14 +0000

The Stott SPX is a professional grade, gym quality pilates reformer designed specifically for home use. It’s the highest quality pilates machine we’ve reviewed.

The goal of this exerciser is to develop strength without building bulk. It provides finely tuned resistance allowing precise routines that develop good alignment, core strength, and flexibility.

Using proprietary floating wheel technology the SPX delivers an ultra smooth ride on a sturdy full-length 97″ frame. It includes four 100%-tension reformer springs and an extra fifth 50%-tension spring to help customize your workout.

An adjustable foot bar and carriage-stopping system control hip and knee joint flexion, making this machine appropriate for users of widely varying heights and abilities. If you have not already used a reformer we suggest taking a class or using one at a gym before purchasing.

The package includes the SPX Pilates Reformer, Padded Platform Extender, Professional Reformer Box with Foot Strap, and a set of Double Loop Straps. You also get the At Home Reformer Workout DVD with bonus safety segment and an Easy Start exercise poster.

The package is large and heavy but comes 90% assembled and takes about 15 minutes to setup following a simple six step process.

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Savasa For Women Yoga/Pilates Core Fitness Kit | Ball, Mat, Strap, Block & DVD

Steve — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:17:23 +0000

The Savasa For Women Yoga Fitness Kit includes all the basics to begin practicing at home and will appeal to yoga and pilates consumers of all levels. It packs together an extensive set of yoga tools at a much lower price than if purchased individually.

The kit includes a core strength exercise ball, a yoga mat, a yoga strap, a yoga block (or brick), and a DVD with body ball and yoga workouts.

The body ball workout is in-depth and addresses the entire body. The instructor is motivating and the workout is comprehensive. You’ll definitely feel the burn in your arms, legs and abs.

The Vinyasa Flow yoga workout is appropriate for beginners but includes enough advanced instruction to appeal to experienced yoga enthusiasts as well.

Savasa products feature color coordinated designs. All the components in this package are colored mauve, lending an attractive and soothing aesthetic.

The Savasa product line is designed specifically for women and endorsed by the Wellness Advisory Council, a proprietary panel of recognized yoga and pilates instructors. The products are manufactured using environmentally conscious alternatives to cancer causing plastics.

Savasa Yoga Fitness Kit Product Details

24″ x 68 ” Essential Yoga Mat
Core Strength Exercise Body Ball
Foot Pump
8-foot Yoga Strap
3″ x 5.5″ x 9″ Yoga Block
DVD: 45 minute Vinyasa Flow Yoga Workout and 30 minute Total Body Ball Workout

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Malibu Pilates Chair | Body Sculpting Fitness with 3 Workout DVDs, Makeover Manual & Eating Right Guide

Steve — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:23:20 +0000

This appears to be an alternate version of the Malibu Pilates chair sold through infomercials featuring Susan Lucci. This chair is similarly constructed but costs about 40% less.

If you opt for the Susan Lucci version be sure to read the fine print! The $14.95 + $29.95 shipping and handling is a “trial offer.” If the product is not returned within 30 days they charge six additional $49.95 monthly payments. Yes, this is stated on the order page — and it’s the buyer’s responsibility to know what they’re signing up for — but the manner in which it’s presented is misleading. Without a doubt there’s a percentage of buyers being duped into paying over $300 for a product they believe costs about $55.

This version of the Malibu Pilates Chair will sculpt the entire body by easily incorporating multiple Pilates and cardio exercises into your workout routine. It’s built with real springs for adjustable resistance and accommodates fluid, natural exercise to tone legs, arms, buns, thighs and abs. The chair is sturdy, safe, versatile and portable. The open frame style expands the range of motion and encourages innovative movements.

The DVDs include a 30 minute Sequencing Workout, a 20 minute Malibu Pilates Makeover Workout and a Slim and Tone Workout. Each begins with a 10 minute introduction that covers the essential exercises available on the chair. It also ships with a Malibu Makeover Manual & Eating Right Guide and a wall reference chart.

This chair is serviceable and reasonably priced. For a more effective, full scale Pilates machine check out the Pilates Reformer.

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Everlast Folding Exercise Floor Mat | Comfortable Thick Foam for Fitness Training, Yoga & Stretching

Steve — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:53:06 +0000

This Everlast exercise mat is among the highest-rated available, so we were interested in what makes it so popular.

The main attraction is the 1-5/8 inch bonded foam padding; thicker with more cushion than most mats, yet not too soft. In addition to comfort it provides insulation from cold floors.

The non-absorbent, easy to clean shell resists moisture and is perfect for stretching, yoga, Wii Fit or any DVD exercise routine.

It also absorbs noise which is ideal for those living in an apartment or condo with neighbors below.

The mat measures 24″ x 72″, folds smoothly to 24″ x 36″ and includes sewn-on handles for easy transport. Some prefer mats with two folds because they store more compactly. The advantage to one fold is more stability and comfort when in use.

This is not the most important exercise related purchase you’ll make, but it’s much preferred to cheap mats or exercising on carpet.

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Stamina Home Pilates Core Workout Machine | AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Reformer & Cardio Rebounder

Steve — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:58:32 +0000

The word "Pilates" has been attached to a broad variety of exercise machines with a wide range of price points — a basic home option can be had for a couple hundred bucks while commercial gym quality models may exceed $5,000. For those new to Pilates we suggest reading this excellent article from Wikipedia .

The Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Reformer is a mid-level machine that adds a unique removable Rebounder trampoline attachment. This hefty, well-built piece of equipment allows you to perform over 100 exercises, working the entire body with an emphasis on core and cardio. The workouts will improve strength, posture, balance and flexibility while contributing to an overall sense of relaxation and well-being that you might experience after a yoga session.

There are four levels of resistance available on an attractive and solid oak framework that is safe and even fun to use. The adjustable elastic straps and hand grips will accommodate all body sizes and the rails are relatively elongated to suit taller uses. Stamina has put an emphasis on comfort and smoothness with foam padded shoulder support and a fluent gliding carriage that will keep you motivated and even looking forward to your next workout.

The free-form rebounder component lets you do a "horizontal jump" that provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout while adding some excitement and playfulness to your routine.

The AeroPilates Pro makes difficult Pilates moves easier to perform properly and effectively while burning calories and firming and toning the entire body. The system comes with 2 comprehensive and straight forward instructional DVDs and a full color workout poster.

Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Reformer Features

Pilates Reformer with removable Free-Form Cardio Rebounder
Fun, safe and comfortable full body workout
Durable, heavy-duty, elastic cables provide 4 levels of workout resistance
15 inch elevation facilitates more challenging exercises and wider range of motion
Upscale, heavy-steel frame and oak-finished wood construction
Long rails, adjustable headrest, footrest, straps, and hand grips
Over one hundred exercises to strengthen, firm and shape muscles
Quiet, silky smooth rollers and gliders
Gentle on joints and connective tissue
AeroPilates Level 1 Workout DVD, AeroPilates 20-minute Cardio Workout DVD
Full-color exercise wall chart
Assembled size: 94 x 23.5 x 15 inches (LxWxH)