Wellness

[Mmsfoxxie]

Well, I'm still not doing that great in the weight loss department but since May, except for my vacation week (7 lb gain), I've went to my fitness center 5 or 6 days a week. My shoulder almost never hurts anymore.  I can almost touch my toes again.  Less stiffness during the day although mornings still takes me a minute to lubricate, lol.  

My knees are better, too, but I've come to realize my left hip joint is weak.  It hurts doing movements for balance where I have to stand on my left leg alone such as for 8 to 10 doggy kicks with the other leg.

One of the classes I avoid is the flexibility class where you get on the floor a lot.  Getting down to the floor and getting up from the floor is a lot of difficult work and being on my knees feels like stinging pins.  One of the instructors of the class says I should come more regularly and it will get better.

As you can see I like to give back stories before I come to the point.

I've been looking for my own yoga mat because those at the facility are too thin for the comfort of my knees.  One with a carrier.  QVC has some but I want to make sure it's not thin as I've heard some are.  Amazon has some, too, but reviews are mixed and have obnoxious rubber fumes.  Anybody here familiar with a   good yoga mat that comfortable for knees?  Thanks a bunch.

[lolakimono]

@Mmsfoxxie

Have you looked at Gaiam.com?

[Annabellethecat66]

I don't know where you live but you can go to the various sports stores and look at them.  There are many different one's.

I gave each of my daughters one.  They all wanted different ones.  Two of them are ardent Yoga followers, the other one hasn't even looked at it.

I did Yoga for almost two years about 15 years ago.  I loved it!  However, I had to stop because I started having trouble with my knees.  I'd love to go back to it when I get my new knees.

It just makes you feel good.  The thing about Yoga, if you get in some good classes you can do as much as you feel like you can.  No one is screaming and yelling at you and it's wonderful and peaceful.  Then eventually you can do it at home just to relax.  I hope you get into it.

Go to different stores and pull them out, there are some neat one's with many different prices on them.  

[Lorik62]

I purchased a double thick yoga mat online from Best Buy. It is great if you want the extra cushion and I got a Gaiam carrier from Amazon. 

[Mmsfoxxie]

Thanks, @lolakimono.  I went on their site and saw a kit that interested me but the reviews talked about how thin it was.  I don't want to get one too expensive because I might not keep at it.  I hate exercising actually.  But I feel such as improvement since I'm been doing it.  Amazon has that brand as well.

[Mmsfoxxie]

Thanks, @Annabellethecat66, I just might have to do that.  So many sports stores have closed lately.  Sports Authority closed a few months ago.  Going to a store will at least give me a chance to check for obnoxious smells, won't it.   Maybe there is an Eddie Bauer fairly close.  Thanks for the idea.

[Mmsfoxxie]

@Lorik62, thanks much for the heads up to check Best Buy!  I never would have thought of them for a sporty item.

[KarenQVC]

Do not yoga through pain.  Use 2 or 3 mats on top of each other in class.  Fold one to go under your knees.  Don't get one of the expensive mats unless you know it won't be too heavy to carry.  You can use a headband around a rolled mat to carry it.  Try out props and look at them on websites.  I love my new knockoff balance pad for meditation pose and it can be used for bad knees.

Keep going and, basically, just breathe. 

.

[Mmsfoxxie]

You know, @KarenQVC, that exact thing occurred to me...to use two mats during class.  I've tried usin towels but although there are. Lot of towels available at my fitness center, I hate using so many.  Plus, there always seems to be a spot I have to maneuver to that the extra towel doesn't reach.  If I have my own pad, I can use one of their mats underneath my own.

And I hadn't thought about the weight of carrying a heavy mat.  Thank you.

[vickie25]

I bought this yoga mat from Amazon 6 yrs ago and Amazon still sells it, albeit at a higher price.

Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat

• Standard: 7.5 lbs; 71" x 26"; 6 mm thick
• Extra Long: 9.5 lbs; 85" x 26"; 6 mm thick
• Closed-cell surface to keep moisture and sweat from seeping into the mat and breeding bacteria (ideal for hot yoga)
• High-density cushion for unparalleled experience, joint protection, and versatility on any surface (carpet, cement, hardwood floors)
• Fabric-like surface finish for optimal movement between poses
• Sustainable engineering ensures high quality material will not peel, flake or fade. Product improves with use over time
• Proprietary dot pattern bottom to resist sliding

• OEKO-TEX certified, emissions-free manufacturing
• 100% latex free

At 7.5 lbs it is  heavy.  The mat is 1/4" thick.  Roughly the thickness of two average mats together,  It was recommended on a yoga site I was on.  I use it maybe 2x/week and has held up well.  

The matching travel bag is also still available.

Manduka MatSak Yoga Bag

• Made of 100% natural cotton
• Breathable mat compartment and side compartment with organizer pockets
• Solid construction and durable metal hardware
• Fits all sizes of yoga mats with widths up to 26
• Comfortable adjustable padded shoulder strap and convenient side handles

This is probably more mat than you'd want to carry and it is pricey.  Mat is $98 and carry bag $45, but I found them to be quality pieces. The yoga studio I go to is a 10 minute walk from my house and I bring this bad boy with me.