Kakaku:108 saved$1.08
Hugger Mugger
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Love the length, nice construction, still slippery) 『I love the extra length of this mat, and it is a sturdy well made mat. I've washed it a number of times and have been using it regularly for the past 2 months but still have some serious slippage issues when my hands or feet get a little sweaty. The parts of my body that are not sweaty stick to the mat just fine (almost to a fault - so when I'm moving into my upward facing dog from chaturanga the mat sticks to the tops of my feet and slides up with me as I try to push my chest through, or in dragging my foot through for pigeon, I end up with a bunched up mat underneath me.) I think it would be my first choice mat if I didn't have issues with sweaty slippage and sticking too much when not needed. Just don't expect to take it right out of the box and be perfect for use. I'm sure as this mat gets older it will actually get better.』 『Considered the most valuable tool for hatha yoga, the Original Tapas Mat provides a stable, non-slip surface for your practice. We designed this mat to be lightweight and durable. It offers insulation from cool floors and can be rolled or folded for use in poses. Washable.』
『This soft, lightweight pima cotton wrap is a versatile must-have item. Wear it either tied in the front or loose and open, depending on your mood. It's lightweight and perfect for layering. Plus, its modest price is hard to beat for such a high-quality piece. Trust us - you'll love this beautiful wrap! 100% pima cotton. Available in dirt (kind of like a mauvy-brown) and vintage black (like a slate grey).』 fetish『 Family Yoga 』
Kakaku:998 saved$9.98
Yoga.com
『Acclaimed yoga instructor Rodney Yee brings his wife and children into the act for a practice session that the whole family will enjoy. Fun and skills-building for every age group, from child to pre-teen to adult. Includes: sun salutations and standing poses to establish a rhythm and introduce alignment, flexibility and strength; backbends and arm balances to build confidence; and sitting and relaxation to enjoy the silence together.
Kakaku:1995 saved$19.95
Center of Balance
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (At Last! More than 'fluff'.) 『At last I have found a real instructional video using progressively more challenging, yet attainable positions. I am guilty of purchasing not once, but twice (!) that 'W' pilates system. Once when it was quite new and I went away shaking my head wondering why anyone would let themselves in for major lawsuits because of wrecked backs due to such poor instruction. And a second time, wanting the perceived benefits, but finding a lot of money spent on a lot of fluff. Then too, there was all that chatter. The McCook video shows an expert at his art. Why else would an individual want to see anything else? All I need do is look in a mirror and easily see someone who can't do the position. And I don't need to see all those who can, without a prayer and recipe on how to get there. The McCook video is very well explained, but not directed to a kindergartner. It is specific and to the point. One can go as far as they wish, stop the tape and begin again on another day. Each day tempts you to go further and further, and each day that you do 'whatever', your conditioning and body image grows 'better and better'. Awesome job! 』
(Perfectly balanced, well done.) 『I am fairly new to both pilates and yoga. I have been alternating videos or doing one then the other. This video melds them together beautifully and his instruction is the best I've seen at adjusting your movements while flowing through them. Also he takes just a few very important minutes at the beginning to go over some very important points on form and breathing. I was very impressed and the voice over was perfect. I think that with the alternate movements he gives most people could do this video. 』
(Challenging yet restorative!) 『This is a great workout designed by Tom McCook, whose talents as a Pilates and Yoga teacher really show! By the end of the 45 minute flow practice, I felt like I got a super workout and at the same time felt physically and mentally restored.
I like the way the exercises are sequenced, beginning with warm-up stretches and Pilates movements, then leading into flowing Yoga poses. The Pilates exercises really help establish a good mind-body connection and get you into your core. So the Yoga poses feel safer on the back and joints. I find I can go a lot deeper into the Yoga postures without creating strain.
There's an instructional Basics section prior to the Flow portion of the video which explains proper body positioning, breathing, weight bearing prinicipals - these are a good prep for the Flow.
Overall, Tom McCook gives excellent instruction with a calming and pleasant voice. This video gets better each time I follow it!』
『All the benefits of Pilates and Yoga in one invigorating workout!
Your health is in your hands. The answers are in your body. Follow the flowing movements of this complete and energizing workout and gain greater flexibility, strength, and balance.
Begin with Pilates exercises to develop core strength and spinal flexibility. Move into Yoga postures to link the power of your breath to your body.
Combining Pilates&Yoga for Balance will re-educate your body so you can tap into the deepest sources of your body’s natural intelligence. As you learn to move correctly, you’ll experience the benefits of reduced stress and enhanced awareness in every facet of your daily life!』
『The prAna LoLa Sport Top adds a touch of elegance to your climbing or yoga wardrobe. With thin crisscross straps and slightly gathered material at the chest, pair this prAna top with a cute skirt for a night out, or throw it on with some stretchy capris and hit the rock. The slight v-neck and built-in Coolmax shelf bra creates a supportive and stylishly-vibrant front. Made from wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking Meryl fabric, the LoLa keeps you comfortable in any situation.
Product Features Flat Surface Perfect For Restorative Yoga Removable Cover Convenient Handle 6" x 12" x 25" Product Uses All types of yoga, especially Iyengar, Anusara and Restorative
Detailed Description A Hugger Mugger original design, this bolster gives maximum firmness
Its oval shape provides a flat surface for stability with curved sides for comfort
The zippered cover has a convenient handle at one end
Our standard bolster is used in Yoga Journal's "Yoga Practice Series" videos and Colette Crawford's "Prenatal Yoga" video
IPhone 3G used's review (KW Yogi) 『Don't be fooled by the photo, they look like they are cute, cropped and snug fitting but they are long, baggy and ugly. Returned them the same day I received them.』
(bunchy elastic waist) 『These didn't look as good in person as they did in the picture. They were a bit long, but what I liked least was the bunched up elastic waistband. Not flattering....』 『100% combed, ring-spun cotton jersey. Elastic waistband. Contrast color drawcord. Relaxed fit. 23" inseam. Box pockets and vented bottom hems. Please check out all the matching items we have on our Amazon site. Just click on the "Show only Reflex items" link to view all of our women's yoga apparel and fitness wear items. Don't forget, we have FREE SHIPPING for orders over $75.』
Kakaku:677 saved$6.77
Wailana
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (I like this kit and her teaching style) 『I got this kit around a year ago and I really like it. I've done yoga for years and am kind of picky about teaching styles. I like Wai Lana's method very much - gorgeous and peaceful scenery, energetic asanas, and stretching out on the ball is very helpful especially for back problems. My kit came with a DVD and I highly recommend it to either beginners or those already practicing yoga.
』
(Good ball, great exercises, terrible pump) 『Summary: Very good ball, great exercises, bad pump.
My pump broke on my first attempt to blow up the ball. I had to do it manually -- which I suppose was good exercise for my lungs! Fortunately, the hole is large enough to take the nozzle of our electronic air pump, which we use to blow up air mattresses. I've had my ball for about a year, using it fairly regularly and traveling with it, and it seems sturdy and mine has not burst as others have commented. I bought a Bally FitGear ball for my office as it was cheaper. That was very flimsy and it burst as I was sitting on it and the fall almost broke my neck! This ball is more sturdily constructed. The exercise book is very good, with lots of photos and the movements are very effective.
I bought this in a package that also came with her yoga mat and I would highly recommend the mat, too.』
(Very good set of exercises but a seemingly flimsy ball) 『This kit includes a medium-sized inflatable ball a pump and a book of 27 exercises. There is no video or DVD.
The ball is suitable for persons from 5'6" to 5'11" (I just managed to fit) and so if you are SHORT you need a smaller ball. When sitting on the ball, your thighs should be parallel to the ground, or knees slightly lower than hips. Also, the weight limit is 400 lbs. The ball seems flimsy, however, softish rubber. If you are big, I'd recommend a durable ball, one that is listed as resistant to bursting, especially if you want to do more on-ball exercises.
The booklet that accompanies the ball has 27 exercises and recommends 3 sessions a week, each followed by a day of rest. The exercises are geared to flexibility and building up strength, especially from using your balance.
You need adequate space (maybe 6ft by 6ft?) and possibly a mat or other surface. The surface should be level and smooth but not slippery.
The equipment
The yoga ball is smooth, has some concentric ridges and a very definitely tacky surface, for getting a good grip. The ball is heavy-gauge plastic and requires that you pump it up to partially full, allow it to stretch overnight, then pump it to full tautness the next day. Full means a finger can make a 1 inch dent or so. It's about 2 feet inches in diameter when fully inflated.
The pump is a double-action hand pump, as you'd use for a football. I instantly jury-rigged a foot pump instead to pump up the ball, as I find stamping on a pump easier than a push-pull type hand pump. This also means you will probably leave the ball inflated. So count on space for a 2-ft diameter ball somewhere in your apartment, house or dorm room.
The booklet has 27 exercises, illustrated in black and white line drawings, and some charts.
Strangely, the French booklet only has 24 exercises. Not sure why the Francophones are treated to three fewer techniques.
The Exercises
The beginners' exercises are primarily stretching exercises.
1. Rock lower back 2. Frog (hunch over ball) 3. Shoulder Chest stretch 4. Arm Raise 5. Calf Stretch 6. Leg Stretch 7. Double Leg extension (roll ball up wall, extending legs) 8. Tiger Pose (crouch over ball, stick leg out extended) 9. Bounce and relax
You aren't going to get fit doing the beginners' exercises, but you will get a good stretch and flex your back. If you have back issues, I'd show this book to your therapist or doctor first. No one wants to find you stuck to the floor on your yoga ball, back thrown out and you immobile! But it could happen, so do get advice if you have physical limitations. These are easy exercises, however, for most people, including the elderly. Oh, and did I say, you need a mat or a surface for this ball? You need something. A hard floor is not good--you could slip. Or your knees will object.
Intermediate--require muscle strength, some flexibility--most people can do these, such as people who've been exercising in some sort of program for about three months
1.Ab Crunch--standard crunch while lying on the ball. 2. Reverse Crunch--lie on floor, legs on ball 3. Wheel (this is fun) sit next to ball, roll back, arching over ball. Uses abs and is a good back stretch. 4. Back extension--lift up using your small back muscles while lying prone on ball. 5. Arm and alternate leg raise 6. Incline pose (like a bridge) 7. Crocodile (kind of a push up while legs rest on ball, you lying prone) 8. Hip stretch (Lunge over ball) 9. Single Leg Locust (back leg curl while lying prone on ball.)
Advanced--require muscle strength, balance and flexibility. People who've been exercising over six months
1. Side plank --lie sideways on ball and hold oneself up with one arm. 2. Warrior Stretch--more advance lunge, from standing position. 3. Cobra stretch (hold back legs out in space, while prone over ball.) 4. Wheelbarrow (prone on ball, walk along on hands. Fun) 5. Kneeling Frog (inner thigh stretch over ball, works inner thighs, risk of overstretching here.) 6. Bridge--lie down, feet on ball, lift tush, not easy 7. Table. Like bridge but even more difficult (legs on floor, head on ball, body makes the "table." 8. Locust--double leg raise while prone on ball. 9. Plough--lie prone, roll legs back over head until resting on ball.
This is an inexpensive exercise program with possible benefits to just about anyone, but of course anyone with back or other health issues would need to consult a physician. The booklet is illustrated with about two pictures per exercise and some text. If you are an exercise novice, a video or class may be preferable. This is not exactly "yoga"--but some of the exercises are based on yoga poses.
Summary: This is a fun, relatively easy exercise program with challenges to shoot for. It's not aerobic (you'll need to incorporate walking or some other exercise for that.) There are some risks to consider if you have health problems.』
(Good size - but didn't last long!) 『I really liked the size and firmness of the rubber of this ball, but it stopped holding air after less than a month of ownership. And less than a dozen uses.』
(BOUNCE BACK TO SHAPE!) 『As I use the Wai Lana video tapes to do yoga exercise at home every day, I trust her products also, and decided to go with what I know, and buy my equipment from her label also.
The ball is firm for sitting on, and with just enough bounce. A perfect height for doing those back arch yoga exercises which you need some support in to get a really good stretch.
As I work on the computer a lot, I get a lot of lower back pain, and also tightness through my shoulder-blades; I find this ball and some of the suggested exercises, the perfect antidote. It's also great for the ab crunch&reverse crunch(and boy do I need them!)
The supporting booklet contains `ball assisted exercises' for Beginners, Intermediate&Advanced, illustrated with attractive&informative pencil drawings of Wailana doing the exercise, step by step.
It's a pretty handy little booklet and is a great daily workout.
Highly recommended. Some yoga exercises are improved by the use of aides, and this ball is very handy. When it's not being used for exercise my son loves to play with it - so far it's been incredibly sturdy and durable, especially considering what we have put it through!
Only note is - although the air pump works, it's a good idea to take it to a gas station&pump it up there, just make sure you use a manual airpump, not the type where you enter in the numbers (for obvious reasons, eg over inflating the ball).
Highly recommended Kotori 2004 - ojadis@yahoo.com 』 『Adding a Wai Lana yoga ball to your exercise routine helps you target new areas of your body and add balance challenges to your workout. Designed for yoga and other kinds of training, the ball helps improve coordination, increase flexibility, and strengthen muscles. Made from high-quality anti-burst rubber, it is durable and has a tacky surface for stability. Wai Lana’s largest size, this ball is intended for tall folks; if you stand less than 5-foot-11, you may want a smaller size. The kit includes a double-action air pump and a booklet of 24 illustrated exercises to get you started.--Emily Bedard』 『Adding a Wai Lana yoga ball to your exercise routine helps you target new areas of your body and add balance challenges to your workout. Designed for yoga and other kinds of training, the ball helps improve coordination, increase flexibility, and strengthen muscles. Made from high-quality anti-burst rubber, it is durable and has a tacky surface for stability. Wai Lana’s largest size, this ball is intended for tall folks; if you stand less than 5-foot-11, you may want a smaller size. The kit includes a double-action air pump and an instructional DVD to get you started.
『Lightweight and easily folded or rolled sticky yoga mat, and can be taken anywhere. The Travel Mat is a must for people on the go! Our Travel Mats are durable, with a smooth, non-textured, high quality cellular vinyl that gives it a soft cushion feel. They are hand-washable, contain no latex, and provide an extra-grip surface. CHECK OUT OUR OTHER AMAZON ITEMS AND SAVE!!!』