What are /r/yoga's favorite Products & Services?

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page linking to the full study, not just the abstract

all of this is based on a 20 person study in 2008 of 10 self reported healthy individuals, and 10 self reported chronically unhealthy individuals.

blood, urine, and sweat concentrations of various elemental metals are measured before and after either exercise or sauna induced perspiration.

when reading the study, keep in mind that sweat elimination is measured in micrograms per liter, (a millionth of a gram per liter of sweat), and averaged out in the low to mid 100's of ug/l.... so you would have to sweat thousands of liters to remove half a gram...at nearly best case. still, it may be a bit more efficient than bloodletting or pissing. please remember that these are accumulative ~~"toxins"~~ elements, so the human body is terrible at disposal of them, otherwise they wouldn't accumulate.

so, from the study:

> Conclusion

>According to the findings of this study, sweat analysis provides an additional method for biomonitoring human levels of many potentially toxic elements. Biomonitoring based exclusively on measurements from blood and/or urine can provide misleading conclusions about the state of toxicant accrual and can underestimate the total body burden of xenobiotics. Furthermore, with the abundance of unsubstantiated information relating to detoxification, evidence from this research demonstrates that there may be a role for induced perspiration as a preventive and therapeutic measure to assist individuals and groups at health risk resulting from exposure to and bioaccumulation of toxic elements. Future studies should explore clinical health outcomes of induced sweating programs in patients with toxic element bioaccumulation.

That is a yantra, specifically what looks like a non-traditional cross between the Bherunda Nitya yantra and the Jvalamalini Nitya yantra.

Yantras are Tantric diagrams used to focus your mind in meditation and for decoration on walls and floors of temples. Some yantras are associated with specific gods and goddesses.

Edit - I did a quick search and there are yantra colouring books you can buy if you are interested in working with them in your practice. Here is an example: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Yantra-Coloring-Dover-Design/dp/0486470814

Wow, that sounds really intense. I would look into finding a therapist or counselor who does somatic therapy (here's the first article I found about it on Google). It's impossible to know whether it will fix your back issues, but I would guess it could be really helpful for working through your childhood traumas.

Many years ago I recovered completely from repetitive stress injury after reading The Mindbody Prescription by John Sarno and going through some intense self-therapy and journaling. I found the book a bit too Freudian for my taste, but the basic concept of some pain being psychosomatic struck a cord.

Foam rollers are great even if you don't have issues in the muscle you're rolling. In track, we'd all fight over the foam rollers and the "marshmallow sticks". I totally recommend these for anyone who has muscles, lol

More importantly, I'm so happy for you OP! I know that chronic pain can really hold you back and have you living on 75% as your max. This is going to be such a wonderful change :)

A yoga wedge under the hands during down dog can take a lot of pressure off wrists. Check this out on amazon:

Gaiam Yoga Wedge, Deep Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C45GH5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Z3EzCbEQNZE9A

Absolutely, one of my favorite instructor guides/yoga books is "Yoga for Everyone" by Diane Bondy, it includes images of adjustments that may help for different body types, including amputees.

https://www.amazon.ca/Yoga-Everyone-Poses-Every-Type/dp/1465480773/ref=asc_df_1465480773/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=335298220709&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17659693979158353899&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001093&hvtargid=pla-525398671883&psc=1

Most of modern postural-based yoga is based on Swedish gymnastics and British calisthenics from the early part of last century.

This book is incredibly well-written and well-researched/footnoted and should be required reading for anyone who practices postural-based yoga.

If you don't want to read an entire book then this short article is written by the same author.

Aurorae Yoga Multi Purpose Backpack. Mat Sold Separately (Snow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077SMD3P2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_A4EI4ENYgvSgZ

I bought this bag awhile back. I have a pretty big/think mat and it fits in the front as long as there isn’t too much other stuff in there. (Laptop and 1-2 textbooks should be fine). I really like the book bag and could be an option for you.

An old teacher of mine specifically focuses on trauma based yoga. Let me try and find what her book is called.

Edit : found it! here is the link to amazon.

Oh and since you asked about meditation, my favourite introductory resource on meditation has been "Mindfulness in Plain English". It's concise, thorough, and you'll learn the techniques as you sit reading the book. Priceless aid.

My posture has never been this good before the strap has made a huge difference. This is how we do it: http://myfiveminuteyoga.com/303/take-your-shoulders-back-with-a-long-strap/

When you remove the strap your body remembers and it gets easier and easier to stand and walk straight.

Amazon has them for a good price. https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Strap-Stretching-Instructional-Durable/dp/B00X7N1MRW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1472860435&sr=1-1&keywords=yoga+straps+for+stretching

You might look at downloading Yoga with Adrienne's "31 day Yoga Revolution" videos. A donation is required, but no fixed amount. I've run through about half of these and they are pretty good 30 minute sessions.

https://gumroad.com/l/yoga-revolution

Sun salutation is a good way to warm up and use the whole body, it is 12 or so poses and you can probably repeat 5-10x in that amount of time- https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sun+salutation DEFINITELY watch a few videos of people moving between poses to understand what the correct alignment looks like and avoid injury

My solution for this exact problem was to order a yoga rug off Amazon.

I lay it on-top of my regular mat. This is not 100% slip free but it's way better; downward facing dog is finally a resting pose.

Unfortunately, science only recently focused on the connection between emotions and the body, so there's not much factual evidence yet.

That said, there's been some interesting studies that show negative emotions like sadness, depression, and other items are stored in the lower parts of human bodies, including the hips. It is also suggested that trauma and other significant memories are stored there as well.

I've used the big Manduka, big Jade and big LuLu mats and the Manduka is my favorite of the three. There's a company called Yolaha that makes an 80" x 24" cork mat. I've never tried it, but I hear they make good products. HTH.

ETA: I realized all the ones I shared were pretty spendy. I did look at this one on Amazon, but it's not that long.

Yoga Direct Extra Wide Yoga Mat, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JMHWHA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_b7ryybPMYT15P

ETA v2: my phone corrected "Yolaha" to "Yolanda." Oops.

You could try David Swensons ashtanga book It goes into detail on each Asana with modifications, and gives you the full first and second series as well as some shorter series. Will link Amazon when I get home.

Here you go: https://www.amazon.com.au/Ashtanga-Yoga-Practice-Illustrated-Personal/dp/1891252089/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523437034&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=david+swenson+ashtonga

In the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, one of the things that all the Great successful entrepreneurs have in common was learning how to transmutate their sexual energy to achieve their desires for success.

I have the Mindfulness Bell on my phone. It dings periodically (you can set the interval) which causes me to take pause and recognize how I feel, how's my breathing?, does what I'm doing right now "fit"? I find if I'm stuck in a digital black hole (Reddit, Facebook, Youtube, etc) and the bell goes off, I'll usually think "WTF am I doing!?".. and then go outside.. LOL

Here's the Play Store link.. I'm sure Apple has something similar. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.googlecode.mindbell

Yes, I've absolutely experienced it! I wrote my M.A. thesis on this. It's a long read but would appreciate your feedback if you're interested. Happy to see other folks making the same connection. :) https://www.academia.edu/34905736/Classical_Yoga_and_Flow_Premodern_Perspectives_on_the_Psychology_of_Deeply_Meaningful_Experience

Here you go.

I can currently touch my nose to my toes but that's only one leg at a time. The full paschimottanasana is still a bit away :)

Yoga with Adriene just finished a 30 day yoga challenge that can be downloaded for just 1 dollar (or more, if you like). You can check them all out on her Youtube channel, to see if you like it. The downloadable files are then available on Gumroad. They're in great quality, too!

I think this is the one I use. I'm not sure but I got it on amazon.

Yoga Accessories(TM) Extra Wide and Extra Long 1/4'' Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat (Purple) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NFX96QI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RlXAxbF41EYGW

I use it along with a

THE XL YOGA TOWEL for XL yoga mats: 100% Microfiber, super-absorbent, enhances grip and protects your mat. Many colors to choose from. 26" x 85" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AZ5DDU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8mXAxbXKA1165

These towels have good length and if you get them a little wet they have pretty good traction.

It's hard to say, but there are some exercises for strength training that you can try and see if they help.
-Put a towel on the floor and a 1# weight on the towel (a can of soup, bag of beans, whatever). Put your bare foot on the edge of the towel and use your toes to pull the weight toward you. The towel will bunch up under your foot as you go. You can sit on a chair or the floor, which by the way shouldn't be carpeted or the towel won't slide.

-Spill a collection of river rocks on the ground in front of you, pick up the rocks with your toes and put them back in the box. Dump them out again and repeat for hours of fun.

-Sit and hold the ends of a long theraband in your hands with the ball and toes of the working foot in the loop at the other end. Ankle flexed (dorsiflexed). Curl your toes into the band as you apply resistance to the band with your hands. Do 20x or so. Plantarflex your ankle (point it) and repeat the toe curling against resistance. Theraband comes in many different tension levels so you can choose which feels right. Amazon has a variety pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LX4KRA/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_3MzZxbCJ1CB9C you would want the lighter-resistance selection so the red/yellow/green pack not the blue/silver/black pack.

-Once you gain some strength in the tiny intrinsic foot muscles, ballet exercises are absolutely awesome for foot strength. Learn and do tendues and degages. A real ballet teacher would be able to show you how to do them with good technique and we're always starving so we're not too expensive for a couple half-hour private lessons. Tell the teacher you just want to learn how to properly point your foot. The challenge is that with a bone spur I wouldn't want you to primarily haul up on the calcaneus with the Achilles, but it would be valuable to learn to reach out and down through the foot to point.

-This little book will help! https://amzn.com/0984372415

I know you said one, but I'm going to recommend two books as a totally comprehensive study. The first is Light on Yoga because it's a complete compendium of all the asanas you'll ever want to do with step by step instructions. However there a no modifications in the book itself.

For that, I highly recommend Your Body Your Yoga by Bernie Clark. (https://www.amazon.com/Your-Body-Yoga-Alignment-Skillful/dp/0968766536/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486140527&sr=8-1&keywords=your+body+your+yoga) It's an extremely thorough explanation of body mechanics and is enlightening for figuring out how and why your body moves and how to listen to make sure your modifying asanas so they work best for you.

Between the two, you'll have an understanding of asana and how to make them work for you. If you're savvy, you should be able to get both books slightly used, or even new for about $20 (check abebooks.com and amazon 3rd party sellers).

Lastly, if you're truly on a budget and can't afford to get both at once, or want to preview the books before you buy, check out your library. Even if they don't own the books, you should be able to request them through interlibrary loan. This is what I did, I think I borrowed over 20 books over the course of 3 months and eventually settled on the two I mentioned above as a "complete" home yoga library that I use regularly.

Depends on the license, actually. I'm not sure what these were licensed as, but a CC BY license allows for use but requires attribution. There's a lot of variety

I read Eastern Body Western Mind, and it is from the view of a psychologist (or psychiatrist). I found it very informative and easy to read. It might not be super science-y but a lot of the stuff just makes sense.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/576362.Eastern_Body_Western_Mind?from_search=true

There are thousands of transalations. Most with many pages of interpretation by the translator per each original line. I like this book. It had many different translations for each line but no additional interpretation. It's concise yet allows for the reader to compare the translations of a number of scholars, in just moments.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008E52GGE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you! And yes - totally a litter box; very favorable to my cats.

I got it from Amazon

:) After looking at the promo pics, I realize the branches and leaves have gotten a bit janky over time. I'm brainstorming how to replace, which should be fairly easy. I'm feeling inspired to get all sorts of fake foliage now.

Yaaay! Happy for you 😊 I own this one too (got it when I began my 200-hour teacher training) and I read it front to back and honestly, it was a rough ride. I had to go back a few times to reread some parts and was still left wondering what I was reading!

I highly, HIGHLY recommend Nicolai Bachman's "The Path of the Yoga Sutras." It's a much easier read and he puts everything in such an easy to understand way! It's a great accompaniment to this and a great starting point for those who find this one as tough as I did!

Oh, and here's the Amazon link to Bachman's: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1604074299/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HbVOCb4FFTFPP

Sorry, I don't know a fancy way up link it 😁

🙏🏽

I have a cork mat but I’m not familiar with that brand. I’d say for a good yoga mat plan to spend around $80 if you can. There are a lot of shitty mats out there and having a good one makes a huge difference. I had a friend ask me this same question apparently the brand I have (GaiaGuy) doesn’t exist anymore but it was very similar to this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076JLCTG5/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_cO6-EbNX12WY4

There’s a cork yoga mat factory right down the road from my house called Yoloha Yoga but I’ve never actually used their mats before

Also, interested.

I picked up a couple of books at the library that I have been meaning to get through. Only partially started one...

Genuine Happiness: Meditation as the Path to Fulfillment, I just started this one...

And this is the other I am going to be getting to: Wherever You Go, There You Are

> Is learning Ashtanga difficult?

No - easy, and it is very difficult - nearly impossible all at the same time. There is only one way to find out. Purple Valley Ashtanga beginner - Bing video search

If you have other questions go ahead and ask. Those crazy Ashtanga people are fanatics and will offer plenty of advice.

That's one pose that I have no idea how to get there. I can't even get anything close using the wall. Some practice shoulder taps.

But someday we will get it. I remember Chakrasana, the flip not Urdvha Dhanurasana. For a long time I thought I should be able to do it except I couldn't. Then one day I adjusted my hands near my shoulder a little and all done.

Not to worry once we do the one hand handstand that is just the beginner version of a whole series of one hand balances . Skinny little girls can do them! I am not sure that is really traditional yoga, haha.

'Yogas of the Bhagavad Gita' by Ram Dass, 1974.

It's an 18 part series, kind of tough to find the complete set online but definitely worthwhile. It's out there as a zip archive if your google-fu is sharp enough. Chapter 5 - Jnana Yoga is my favorite, the speaker leads the audience though a variety of mental exercises which demonstrate various yogic meditation techniques.

edit - download link here: Make sure you virus scan the files to be safe. I didn't have any issues when I grabbed 'em but it is a good practice anyway.

> Friday teacher at my studio is so unfit she cannot do crow,

And you know this how?

https://instagram.com/mynameisjessamyn

If she subbed a class or came on as a new teacher @ your studio, and all you saw was her body when she walked in the room, would you think for a second that she can take scorpion? Or would you just stay home and assume she's not fit enough that you can learn something from her?

Hi there, I'm 5'4" and I use this 13" yoga wheel that I got from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/GreEco-Pilates-Roller-Strength-Backbends/dp/B019JHSD9Y

When I do the press, it looks something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARnRQ2ODYpw

I have the purple one since it matches my mat. =)

It seems to be the perfect size for me.

I prefer fitted tops for yoga as well, because having the shirt fall all over as I move is super annoying.

As a fellow busty gal, my solution was to use /r/abrathatfits to find a good sports bra, and then I picked up some of the Merona tanks from Target for when I want sleeveless, and these long-sleeved tops from Amazon for when I want sleeves. Those tops from Amazon run a bit small, so as someone who normally wears a small-to-medium I ended up ordering a large, but they are super comfy and fitted without being constricting. Since they are activewear, I also find that they retain warmth well without making me overheat (note, I do not do hot yoga so YMMV.)

I ordered this one on Amazon and have been very happy with it.

For a starter on just meditation, I recommend the book Wherever You Go, There You Are . It is very accessible to anyone (religious/spiritual or not, yogi or not, practiced in meditation or not, etc), the book is comprised of loads of small sections that can be read at will or all the way through at once, includes "TRY" to exercises to guide practice. A quick but impactful read.

My yoga instructor borrowed my copy of Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh and loved it. She used the passages during shavasana in our classes and it really added to our practice. I would recommend it to anyone, but I definitely think it would be a meaningful and practical gift for a yogi.

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/0553351397

Hi - I'm not David or Fiji, but just wanted to share this resource with you: Headspace

For me personally, it is by far the best resource for beginner meditators that I've used. The free beginner programme Take10 leads you through ten guided sessions of ten minutes each and offers a friendly, practical and accessible method of sitting your first few meditations.

I went on to a full-year subscription after completing Take10 because I found it so useful, but if the paid option doesn't appeal to you, you can easily use Take10 as a framework to build your own practice moving on. I would also recommend reading the Get Some Headspace book.

To offer some perspective, Headspace doesn't always appeal to everyone because it is completely secular (the founder is an ordained Buddhist monk, but his goal is to de-mystify and make meditation as accessible as possible to most people). If you are keen to approach meditation from a more spiritual side, perhaps reading the wildly popular beginner's guide Mindfulness in Plain English would be more beneficial for you.

These have been helpful for me:
The Sivananda Companion to Yoga - Its old (copyright 1983) but it has a nice "basic routine" that can be modified and added to according to your needs. Yoga Mind and Body - Is also covers Sivananda style yoga and is more up to date. Both books overlap and cover much of the same material. I find the Sivananda is gentler than Ashtanga. Not as much jumping into vinyasas and so on. Also, from what I gather, Sivananda is pretty "traditional"
For a more spiritual side, Google "Divine Life Society" which I think is a group more interested in Swami Sivanandas spiritual teachings. Lately, I've been practicing Vipassana meditation. "Mindfulness in Plain English" is perhaps the best book on meditation that Ive read and it is available for free on the internet. I hope this helps. Namaste

The alomoves app is $20 a month, ad it's worth every penny if you'll actually use it for your at-home practice. A lot of farmer's markets have free yoga classes offered on the weekends, ad if you check out meetup.com, you could probably find some free yoga classes in your area. A lot of free yoga is offered because yoga teachers like to hold a class for their community or newer teachers are looking for practice. Not sure where you live, but where I'm at, if I'm willing to drive 20mins or so, I can usually find a free or inexpensive class.

I'm not sure how you define "hatha yoga," but it seems to have a limited definition in the West. Here is a good article... https://www.academia.edu/25569049/Let_the_Sādhus_Talk._Ascetic_practitioners_of_yoga_in_northern_India

Thank you InkSweatData. You response reminded me of a recent paper about Sadhu-s (yoga ascetics) and how they define hathayoga. The Saucha (cleanliness) in their case would be in the form of some type of tapas or daily penance (not my favorite word to describe this, but most fits the Western concept of this behavior). Applied to this line of thought, if a sadhu in this tradition were to do a juice clense, they would would do it daily for 10 years do bring about siddhi-s which have nothing to do with the body or health reasons. Here is a link to the paper if you are interested...https://www.academia.edu/25569049/Let_the_S%C4%81dhus_Talk._Ascetic_practitioners_of_yoga_in_northern_India

Whatever you do: if you use eyedrops, be absolutely positively sure you are not letting the tip of the dropper touch anything else. The eye dropper nozzle must be kept untouched/sterile. Not a fingertip, not an eyelash, nothing but the inside of the dropper cap.

Letting anything touch a multi-use eyedropper is running the risk of getting a bacterial infection in your eye. Not a good thing.

If that sounds too difficult for you, go to Costco and get the big single-use (enough for 1-2 drops in both eyes I think) eye drops. Refresh Plus®, 100 Single Use Containers.

I use a multi-use Refresh Tears (no preservatives, just basically sterile "tear" solution) for my dry/irritated eyes. Recommended to me by my eye doc.

Keep it simple.

Can you not just splash fresh cool water on your face after class to get the sting out?

There is an incredible book for anyone practicing yoga it's called "Anatomy of Hatha Yoga A Manual For Students, Teachers, and Practicioners." By H. David Coulter.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anatomy-of-hatha-yoga-h-david-coulter/1004551134?cm_mmc=google+product+search-_-q000000633-_-9780970700612pla-_-book_under5-_-q000000633-_-9780970700612&ean=9780970700612&isbn=9780970700612&kpid=97809707...

Yes it can harm you! Overheating is not good for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthermia http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/02/dangers-of-hot-yoga/index.htm

If it makes you feel bad, don't do it. Even if there was evidence hot yoga went above and beyond, who cares if you feel wretched?

Karnapidasana is an Asana (yoga posture). It is translated as Ear Pressure Pose

Usually the arms and shins are flat on the mat.

Yoga on the whole isn't a great fatburning or cardiovascular workout. The Sun Salutation, however, is the only thing that (has been scientifically proven that it) burns any body fat, but doesn't come close to running/hiking/swimming/biking etc.

Edit: read The Science of Yoga by William J. Broad for more.

I do a spin class just before Yoga, so I was generally very sweaty to begin the class.

Rather then switch my mat, I stated wearing gloves and I have never been happier. For the first 5-7 classes it was weird but I have been wearing for a year plus and now can't stand not having them on.

Hmm, I don’t know about that. I’d be concerned about it ruining your mat. Powdered chalk/resin is super easy to swipe off your mat after practice. This is what I use: AURORAE Yoga Non Slip Rosin Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003329SIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_A1FM7BMD8W7B7XX26GYM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Jivamukti-Yoga-Sharon-Gannon-anglais/dp/B000X6R9YQ

This is the DVD I always keep in my laptop. Very well rounded.

Only a tiny fraction are. Virtually all modern yoga poses are derived from the late 19th and early 20th century.

This book explains it all. Fully researched and footnoted.

This article by the same author is a concise version for those who don't want to read a book.

There are a lot more sources if needed. Maybe /u/Veritas_Certum can help out here?

I put my manduka in the washing machine with liquid Tide detergent once in a while, but in between I use this: ASUTRA Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner (Calming Citrus Aroma), 4 fl oz | Safe for All Mats & No Slippery Residue | Cleans, Restores, Refreshes | Comes w/Microfiber Cleaning Towel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQBHIHS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BVKM860Y9VPD4D2A5A31?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/petes-choice-Comfortable-Accessory-Flexibility/dp/B06W9K1W4F/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=yoga+wheel&qid=1609738341&sprefix=yoga+whe&sr=8-3

Not usually a fan of shopping on Amazon but my bfs mom gave me a gift card so I put it to good use

Not the OP, but Yoga Body by Mark Singleton is an incredible read on the origins of posture-based yoga.

I am surprised by the responses here (which I agree with). I figured people would say you have to practice at least an hour a day. A minute is better than nothing. I have a book by Godfrey Devereux called 15 Minute Yoga, which I recommend. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0722539665/ A search at amazon for 15 Minute Yoga brings up lots more books with similar titles.

I think this is what I use I can't remember but it was cheap and from Amazon

YogaAccessories (TM) Extra Wide / Extra Long 1/4'' Deluxe Yoga Mat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FLK6IY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L0l4xb0TAFQ0F

I then put a Yoga Rat Towel on top. The towel is long enough and the width is good. The width doesn't cover the entire XL mat so if you want to move a foot to the rubber for whatever reason you can very easily.

THE XL YOGA TOWEL for XL yoga mats: 100% Microfiber, super-absorbent, enhances grip and protects your mat. Many colors to choose from. 26" x 85" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AZ5B0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_51l4xbEAK7A9T

Source: 6'8"

Good for you! Many libraries participate in Inter-Library Loans, so I hope yours can find it for you.

BTW, Amazon has it for $6-$8; plus a PDF of random pages so you could get an idea of it. https://www.amazon.com/Light-Yoga-B-K-Iyengar/dp/0805210318

I think meditation and some good reading is a place to start. Practicing asana will help you get clarity of mind, breath of focus. You can even invite in healing and playfulness with your inner child for each session on your mat [ie, your intention will be to simply allow the inner child to be present]. Beyond that, I don't think you need to do anything more in your daily practice, although be aware that these emotions can bubble to the surface at any point. And when it does, allow yourself to feel them, experience it, breathe through it. Don't push it back down, even if you're in class. I've silently cried many times in studio classes, and it feels good to just let the tears flow as I hold the pose. Of course if you need to step outside to get your bearings, that's fine too.

I highly recommend reading Thich Nhat Hanh's book on healing the inner child. Here it is on Amazon. Also, seeking out some therapy is always a good option, especially for this kind of stuff. Wishing you the best, let me know if you have questions.

Kelly Starret has tons of videos on mobility, correct walking stance etc. Here is one. His book on Amazon is also pretty good.

Yesterday (laundry day) I wore spandex capri pants around the house, got way too hot and uncomfortable. Today I went back to my regular loose cotton yoga pants and they are much more comfortable AND much cooler despite being full length pants. The cotton seems to breathe better and thus stay cooler. The pants I’m referencing are the Danskin bootcut yoga pants from Amazon. I have two pairs and I love them (despite that the “petite” are basically regular length.)

I can't speak to longevity because I've only had it around a month or so, but I'm really happy with my Jade Harmony so far. It took a few uses for the rubber smell to start wearing off, but it was sticky right from the beginning. I use for my PiYo classes too and have no issues when I get really sweaty. I walk to class, but one of my teachers said hers is ok in the car as long as it's out of the sunlight. I feel like it has plenty of cushioning, but I don't have troublesome knees so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But personally I'd rather err on the side of a slightly thinner mat and just throw a blanket or mat pad under me if I need more cushioning on my knees.

Another possible option (if you're looking for one) is the Rumi Sun. It's not quite as strong a grip as the Jade mat, but the surface is a little smoother - I know some people don't like the texture on the Jade one. It's a smidge longer too, 71in vs 68. Either way IMO buying from amazon is the way to go because they have such a good return policy. I tried a couple of cheapish TPE mats before the Rumi and Jade ones, and they were just awful.

Yeah. Better grip when things get wet on the rubber (in my opinion). Personal preference? Cheers.

Piggy backing on another comment here-- you never get "pools of sweat" with the GRP. It absorbs everything. And at worst, there's just a partially slick surface that is damp.

Edit LINK

I love Aurorae mats. Fit your description, plenty cushiony, pretty designs, non-stick both for sweaty hands and hard floors (I use it often on tile and have no issues), and about $40 on Amazon. My first one lasted me through five years of INTENSE daily use (like 5+ hours a day, I'm a full time yoga teacher trainer) and would still be going strong if my cat hadn't clawed it up (gifted it to my mom and she's still using it despite the claw-holes). Bought a new one in a different pattern and don't think I'll ever use a different brand.

"Yoga for beginners" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.downdogapp.intro) and it's sequel "Down Dog" are excellent apps to get you started on your journey. Very intuitive apps that take the leg work out of planning your practices.

There are some great YouTube yoga channels that offer excellent instructions for folks just beginning their Yoga journey which are worth exploring, IMO- Yoga With Adrienne, Yoga TX, Fightmaster Yoga and Psyche Truth to name a few.

It's great that you've come here for pointers on how to best continue on your yoga journey- the hard part is over!

Not directly yoga related, but a nice compliment to the practice: Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh is a favorite of mine.

Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed reading about it, and I'm happy to hear you liked The Power of Habit--I've heard a lot of great things about it and have really been wanting to read it myself. I personally have seen how yoga has transformed my life, and you really describe that well as it's WAY more than just physical benefits. Sure, I couldn't touch my toes before I started yoga, but I also had significant anxiety, stress, and other issues that it's helped with tremendously. My next challenge is to start building up a better mediation practice--that's still tough for me! Thanks again for sharing your experience :)

The non-physical benefits of yoga are the same as meditation, provided you are not off in la-la land while going through your stances.

Meditation does have the benefit of not taxing the body physically so much, and requiring no teacher, class, set schedule, place, or equipment.

So I would say in your case meditation is probably the more useful practice. But certainly yoga can be something you do as well.

As far as positivity is concerned, meditation (and by extension yoga) can help, though it depends what kind of meditation you do. Any method will lower stress which will allow you to be more positive, but a greater change in positivity comes from realizations about the world and changing your perspective on life.

Insight meditation (vipassana), and dharma talks (lectures) can help. Alan Watts is a particularly good introduction I think, to at least get you thinking about these things, even if you do not agree with his perspective or ideas.

As for meditation, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" is often recommended, by Shunryu Suzuki. I would also recommend The Blue Cliff Record (Cleary translation).

My home practice took off when I started using Jon Kabat-Zinn's CDs. He has two gentle 45 minute practices from his Full Catastrophe Living book. The CDs go with the book. Online they go for $25. The illustrations in the book helped me understand the poses he was cueing. I did that practice nearly every day for 9 months and it really changed me.

Read "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Bhante G. He explains meditation so in depth and it's very very beginner friendly. There's a website you can read it online for free. If you want it, let me know, and I'll PM you the link.

As a yoga instructor, I suggest, as others have, that you start going to classes. Asana (poses) are really intended to prepare the body and mind for meditation, so that is the first step. A good teacher will also introduce you to pranayama, or controlled breathing. Pranayama is absolutely a necessary precursor to mediation because it trains the mind to develop single pointed concentration, which is the whole idea of meditation. A good book for beginning meditation is "Peace is Every Step" by Thich Nat Hahn. I find that many books about Yoga I read seem to be pretty technical, so it's probably best to go out and learn first hand from a (yoga alliance certified) teacher before delving into study. Keep in mind that it might take going to a few different teachers before you find someone you really connect with, but that's part of the fun :) Namaste!

/r/meditation and /r/ buddhism have lots of info. Essentially the practice boils down to sitting in a comfortable but upright position and observing your breath and your body in the present moment. Just sit and breathe. It's much more frustrating at first than it sounds, but don't give up. Everyone struggles at first. You'll likely spend a while sitting and thinking about what the best way is to watch your breath, then remembering not to slouch, then thinking about how to watch your breath, etc. Rather than thinking about it, just sit and breathe. You can watch your breath at the nose, or in the throat, or in the torso, or just watch the whole body breathe. This will develop concentration as well as an ability to be in the present moment comfortably without trying to get somewhere or do something.

After you have developed some concentration, then you can move towards insight meditation if that's your inclination. Inquire into the nature of the self. Who is noticing the breath? Who is noticing the noticer of the breath? Try to find a division in your direct experience between the object of focus and the subject who is focusing. There are many other types of insight meditation, such as metta meditation (cultivating universal compassion), meditation on impermanence, and meditation on emptiness.

If this interests you, I can recommend a few books on various styles.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind - Zen (concentration and insight wrapped into one practice)

Mindfulness in Plain English (can be found in pdf on google)- Vipassana

I wear regular gym shorts with boxer briefs underneath.

I don't like tight fighting clothes, but recently I started wearing a nike dri-fit shirt one size smaller than I normally would. I tuck that in to my shorts and I don't have to worry about my shirt riding up.

I'd go barefoot. Don't worry about your psoriasis. You'd stick out more with the socks on.

Also, messing with a mat towel can be a pain in the ass. Bring a towel to dry your head/hands/feet and get a mat that gets better when it's wet. My wife is the sweatiest person I know. I got her this mat, and now she loves yoga:

http://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Sol-Dry-Grip-Yoga-Mat/dp/B00EANPGRA?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJM4NKIQGABP2PIRA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00EANPGRA&tag=thesweethome-20&ascsubtag=SH11989

Yoga is a part of my spiritual practice. If you want to start to learn more about the ethical arm of yoga, try reading the very accessable Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele (http://www.amazon.com/The-Yamas-Niyamas-Exploring-Practice/dp/0974470643)

this book:http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Anatomy-2nd-Edition-Leslie-Kaminoff/dp/1450400248/ref=pd_sim_200_17?ie=UTF8&dpID=51DdsNtGRRL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR113%2C160_&refRID=1WE9SZXV3ZNNX4SFA3BC

Yeah, totally. I bought these Pillar men's shorts from Amazon in grey and black and they've lasted over a year with no wear or tear. I rinse them after class, let them dry in the shower, and wash them in the washer every week. They hold up in heated and non-heated class, are comfortable, and in the liner they have enough... room... for everything. Unlike my lulu yoga shorts, no pilling.

Eh, no need to waste so much money on a matt.

Plenty of really nice ones on Amazon.

Recently picked up this guy... and has been great.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DV4NMPC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

If you haven't bought a mat, these Aurorae mats are excellent and on sale right now. My wife and I both bought one, and we both love them. Had them for several years now. And, they're half the price of the Manduka.

Aurorae on Amazon.com $35

I'm new to yoga as well, and have found that Desikachar's "Heart of Yoga" (http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Yoga-Developing-Personal-Practice/dp/089281764X/) and Iyengar's "Light on Yoga" (www.amazon.com/Light-Yoga-B-K-Iyengar/dp/0805210318/) are both good starting points.

Micro-fiber yoga towels! I do hot vinyasa and by the end of the class I'm practically slipping around on my mat. These are suuuuuuper lightweight and compact. They cover the entire mat and they suck up sweat like it's nobody's business. I've never used a towel so absorbent - which is crazy given how thin it is. I wash my towels (cold water, hang dry) almost very two days and months later they're still good as new. I'm glad I didn't drop a ton on the Yogitoes everyone else is using.

Sometimes I get repetitive strain injury flare-ups in my wrists if I work long hours, and then my wrists can hurt even more if I try to do yoga.

Have you tried wearing a wrist brace at night? This is a good one for smaller hands if a woman. It helps me heal enough to not wear it during the day.

I also bought this to wear during class based on good reviews, but I only wore it a few times since the wrist brace at night was effective enough.

Oh no apologies necessary! I got these for my birthday this year and they really have worked wonders. Lacrosse balls are a bit too hard for me but these are really great, I've even had to relinquish one to my dad as he has big arthritis in his knees and they help so much! A bit more expensive than a foam roller, but totally worth the investment!

Raja Yoga and A Seeker's Guide to the Yoga Sutras: Modern Reflections on the Ancient Journey

I can't find the exact ones but

https://www.amazon.com/Mokermi-Harem-Waisted-Sweatpants-Pockets/dp/B09P55F4BT/ref=mp_s_a_1_9_sspa?crid=3DMZ2315GY7GS&keywords=harem+pants+for+women&qid=1671084983&sprefix=harem%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-9-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdG...

They're loose and the shorts style harems are great too (closed leg opening so you're not flashing anyone)!

The philosophy of Yoga is embodied in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. My Teacher, David Garrigues, recommends the translation by Barbara Stoler Miller and the translation by Vyaas Houston. Barbara Stoler Miller's translation uses vernacular wording and explanation. Vyaas Houston is a Sanskrit scholar. His Translation is more literal.

Our minds are embodied in physical containers. I find that postural yoga helps my seated meditation practice both by making it easier to sit without bodily aches and because it improves sensory clarity.

Maybe you should try meditation class. There are free online videos for Shinzen Young's Unified Mindfullness core class. I've also found The Mind Illuminated to be a very good.

1. If you eat “wrong” for your genes, you’ll gain weight. I recommend using A) intermittent fasting, and B) “Eat Right 4 Your Type” by Dr. D’Adamo. https://www.amazon.com/Right-Your-Type-Revised-Updated-ebook/dp/B00256Z2HI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3KJZO4ZR76EF0&keywords=eat+right+for+your+blood+type&qid=1670945066&sprefix=eat+%2Caps%2C220&sr=8-1

2. I recommend pushups, pull-ups, pike-ups, and deadlifts. Adding each of these to my regimen has multiplied my efforts to look better.

Nope, it's still in print

I think it was called Sexy Yoga - This one has the right cover so should be it. It's been a while though so I could be wrong haha

I joke yesterday. If you want something more work on leveling the shoulders and straightening the legs. Then Koundinyasana

And you can try jumping into them as well, maybe.

> What explanation does science have for emotions?

. > I'm pretty sure science has a lot to say about emotions, actually.

There's an easy way to find out. Just copy that into search and see what happens. Bing It's from universities.

"To date cognitive science does not seem to have provided any..."

"Although everyone experiences emotions, scientists do not all agree on what emotions are..."

> Yoga with Adrienne

That's a good place to start. If you want to sit in Lotus then sit in Lotus as much as possible. Sit on the floor, use props to make it comfortable. I got rid of my chair at the computer and have a bench at seat height, I'm sitting in Lotus right now. I really like it. Much better than a chair.

Here are some Ashtanga videos, you can probably follow along Purple Valley Ashtanga beginner - Bing video search

The yoga mat type yoga is recent in India. 30 years ago there were no yoga mats or that type of yoga. This type of yoga was a very small new invention Krishnamacharya, Jois, Ramaswami Iyengar - Bing search If you see enough of these pictures you can see that when the Westerners started showing up at their classes that is when the mats showed up. This idea was controversial and upsetting when the secret first started to become known, maybe still is. I think it is more widely accepted now.

I never wrote gymnastics invented handstands. That is were the biggest resources are for handstands and that is where yoga got them from.

I should have added this in an earlier comment. Yoga has given us some tools to help us figure these things out, keep us straightened out. Svadhyaya, self study. Pranama (other words as well), what we know to be true for ourselves outweighs all other knowledge.

> "that one arm balance" in my head. I still cheat with two arms, though.

I am sure Koundinyasana - Bing image search is always two arms. In the 5th picture the woman has her back foot on the mat to make it even easier to get started.

I didn't have any difficulty getting started here's the search link for images. I just couldn't find the part about the big toenail besides labeled cerebrum. But I am not sure if that is right because I think the focus is the bottom of the foot.

I actually have really great mobility in my shoulders due to being an aerialist and also from all the PT exercises I did after my shoulder injury last year. I just did the test you described on the wall and had no problems (here's a video. I positioned my shoulders multiple ways since I didn't quite know what you meant by "in their sockets").

I wonder if in my case I'm used to bending my back a lot for aerial tricks. Usually the bendier the better, so that's my default now. Although my headstand is perfectly straight, so I don't know what the deal is there.

Ashtanga Practice Manual