Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » 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.

More Info & Price Comparisons

Jillian Michaels Fitness DVD | Yoga Meltdown Workout 2010

Steve — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:03:08 +0000

The latest DVD from Jillian Micheals offers a fresh approach to Yoga by incorporating repetitions and circuit training with hard-core Yoga power pose sequences. It’s unlike any other Yoga workout.

If you’re interested in learning about traditional zen Yoga, breathing and meditative elements, this is not the DVD for you. If you like the high-energy style of Jillian’s other workouts and want to incorporate more Yoga into your routine, give this a try.

While this is not traditional Yoga it does involve many common poses including the downward and upward dog, warrior series, plank, and triangle while using your body weight to burn fat and build lean muscle.

Yoga Meltdown includes two complete 30-minute workouts — Level 1 focuses on quickly flowing Yoga sequences to burn mega calories and Level 2 adds twists and balance poses for an even greater burn.

More Info & Price Comparisons

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.

More Info & Price Comparisons

Fitness News: Studies Provide Evidence that Exercise Helps Fight Depression

Steve — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:21:46 +0000

People suffering from depression often become sedentary and avoid engaging in normal life activities, contributing to further isolation. Exercise can jump start an upward cycle that inspires people to return to work, reconnect with friends and family and become more active.

Many scientists and physicians believe that exercise increases levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter thought to be linked to mood regulation. Improved levels of serotonin can shift a person’s state of mind and contribute to a more fulfilling lifestyle

A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine followed 202 men and women with major depression. Each were randomly assigned to participate in a supervised exercise program in a group setting, do home-based exercise, take an antidepressant medication or take a placebo pill. After 16 weeks, 41% were in remission, meaning they no longer had major depressive disorder. Those who were in the exercise and medication groups tended to have higher remission rates than the placebo group.

“On its own, exercise does appear to have significant effects in terms of elevating mood,” says Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Physical activity, he adds, is often used to augment treatments such as medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. “If people are on medication or in treatment and haven’t had a complete recovery from depression, exercise is useful in getting them all the way there.”

Yoga in particular is effective at managing mood disorders. In addition to a strong mind-body connection yoga can be modified to suit individual activity levels and be continued into old age.

Patients in treatment should not consider exercise as a substitute for medication or therapy and should consult a physician before starting an exercise program.

Learn more about depression at the WebMD Depression Health Center and Science Daily.com.

[Source: LA Times]

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.

More Info & Price Comparisons

Click here to see all Yogamatic designs

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

More Info & Price Comparisons

Fitness News: Paula Abdul, Natalie Gulbis endorse “World’s First Self-Guiding, Eco-Friendly Stretch Mats”

Steve — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:11:21 +0000

G2 Fitness has released a line of unique fitness mats with each essential stretch position for a given discipline displayed right on the mat. The diagrams are tastefully displayed for easy reference so you’ll never forget the next stretch or need to refer to other material during a routine.

File this in the “Why didn’t I think of this?” folder. Inspiration and motivation are key to maintaining any fitness program and these mats are an effective tool to help keep you on track.

The instructional mats are physician-certified, portable and 100% recyclable. They can be used at home or easily folded and taken to the gym. The thick, comfortable cushion design includes a bacteria-resistant, washable non-slip surface to increase the life of the product.

G2 Fitness Mats available now:

General Stretch Fitness Program
Golf Stretch Fitness Program
Back Stretch Fitness Program
Yoga Pose Fitness Program
Maternity Stretch Fitness Program
Pilates Personal Fitness Program
Ab-Fit Exercise Program

[Source: Business Wire]

LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretching Machine | Chiropractor Recommended Muscle Isolation Exerciser

Steve — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:36:30 +0000

A device with the sole function of helping you stretch properly may seem like an unnecessary luxury, but the LifeSpan Fitness Stretch Partner is worth consideration for active fitness enthusiasts and athletes.

By isolating and properly leveraging the muscles this device allows for improved control over the effectiveness and intensity of each stretch. Using your own body weight to stretch helps build strength and flexibility while improving posture and preventing the susceptibility to injury.

In general, stretching develops body awareness, enhances physical fitness, increases mental and physical relaxation and reduces muscular soreness and stiffness. See this comprehensive guide on the benefits and importance of stretching. We recommend using this as a supplement to or instead of a stretching machine for those who can’t afford one.

The seat on the Stretch Partner rotates on a smart pivot system to create a fuller and more effective stretch. The included 30 minute Flexibility for Life training DVD and illustrated flip book show all muscle groups and demonstrate proper technique for each stretch.

This device is now being used by PGA/LPGA golf coaches and tennis and baseball coaches to improve range of motion, flexibility and athletic performance.

The sturdy steel construction accommodates users up to 300 lbs, measures 48″ by 37″ and includes transport wheels for convenient storage.

More Info & Price Comparisons

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)