Rubber Yoga Mat

You can structure a sixty minute class like this:

Welcome and Introduction (10 minutes):  Discuss some of the questions above.

Kids Teaching -  Warm-Ups (15 minutes):  choose 4 kids who want to teach a warm up (give examples of your favorite warm-up if they can’t think of a warm up)

Kids Teaching – Yoga Poses (20 minutes):  6 kids teach their favorite poses, usually about 3 – 4 minutes per child.

Relaxation (5 minutes):  ask one child to lead a meditation (it’s so sweet to hear their version of the meditation you give) or play some soft music.

Game (10 minutes):  Here’s  a twist on Marco Polo, a call and answer game, called “Downward Doggy.”   The caller, with eyes closed and hands out, walks around saying “Downward.” The rest of the kids, moving around in Downward Dog, must answer “Doggy.”  Using the sound the Caller has to find someone.  Whoever they touch is the next caller.

I taught this game yesterday in two classes each with about twelve kids aged 5 – 7 years.   The first group moved quickly with people getting found in about 10 seconds.  But the kids didn’t mind and we kept going till everyone had a turn to be It.

In the second group, the kids were more competitive.  They took much longer to get caught and you could tell many of the kids were peeking because they knew where to go without saying anything.  They needed many reminders to call out Downward Doggy.  Plus the kids were crawling instead of doing Downward Dog which made them faster and harder to catch so they had to be encouraged to stay up.

Lightweight, durable sticky mat with a cushioned, non-slip surface. Measures 24 inches wide x 68 inches long. Washable.

I find this dark plum-colored mat attractive, sticky and a stable source for downward dog poses, upward bow variations, shoulder stands and everything else. It’s long enough for me to keep my entire body on the mat when lying down (I’m 5′4). It’s a good, basic product. The mat didn’t even have a strong “new mat” smell when freshly opened, which was a plus.

My husband uses the mat for more conventional workouts – as a base for crunches and push ups. We’ve even used it for tai chi and qi gong.

At a good price point, this product’s usefulness lies in between a light traveling yoga mat and a thick plush one. I found it too big to fold into my suitcase when I took a flight (actually, it could have been squished down to fit, but took up more room than I had to spare). So I do have to travel without a mat when I fly.

On the other hand, the mat is on the thin side when using over a bare, non-carpeted flooring. I have tried some of my friends’ thicker mats, and those are much more comfortable on the heels of the hands in sideways planks and frequent knee-bearing transitions.

In a way, it might be better to have two mats – one light, thin one for traveling, and one thick, plush one for home use. I have actually ordered a second mat for my husband that I plan to use when he is not, doubling up on the mats for extra cushy comfort.

However, if you are limited in space or budget, or otherwise only need one good fitness/yoga mat, this mat is a solid choice.

Recommended.

this mat is sufficient for doing yoga. however, your hands slip a lot while trying to hold downward dog… which being one of the main poses… poses a problem. i just grip with my fingers harder on the mat and it works. it’s my own fault for buying the cheapo mat… but otherwise it’s fine. thickness is good for me, i don’t like super thick mats. length is good. but the biggest problem is the slippage. i mean your hands and feet can’t help but get at least a tiny bit slippery from sweat which leaves you sliding. this mat = bad call. go for more expensive, better quality. if you can buy one in person so you can feel it. probably a much wiser decision.

ReviewHip Tranquil Chick addresses that huge but unacknowledged demographic of fashionistas equally at home at Bergdorf’s and the yoga studio. The book is divided into two major sections that cover all bases for the style-minded seeker. “On the Mat” shares seven must-have modern-girl yoga sequences, such as “Healing Hip Openers” and “Negativity Releasing Heart Openers,” and explains yoga philosophy in hip chick language. “Off the Mat” showcases nine ways to become more fabulous and balanced by incorporating yogic qualities like introspection, strength, and flexibility into daily life. The nine lifestyle chapters reveal how to turn on-the-mat wear into on-the-town style, how to create soulful surroundings at home and work, mindful money management, finding a passion-filled career, how strategic soiree-throwing creates community, tips for practicing social consciousness, and more. Each chapter is accompanied by helpful “OMwork” to translate these concepts into reality. Abundant illustrations accentuate the text, and a “savvy sources” section encourages further exploration.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1. I see I’m going to rock the lovefest, but…. I like KW’s CDs, which is why I ordered this book – even though I didn’t really like the name. The reviews were all so brilliant too…. Maybe I’m just not its market, which seems to be – what? I don’t know. Very young girls? But she talks about work a lot, so it can’t be teenagers. It’s just a touch too shallow. By the end of the book, I couldn’t see the words kitten heels again without rolling my eyes. Basically, a hip tranquil chick should wear all black, kitten heels, sequinned hairbands, and have lots of leopard print or bright pink either on her or in her apartment. Tres chic, as she would say. The writer also seems to think that sticking in a French word every here and there makes for hipness…. overuse of tres does not automatically make for chic-ness.
2. The Hip Tranquil Chick is ostensibly a book about yoga and its affect and potential for multiple benefits “on -and -off -the -mat.” It is that… and so much more! Kimberly has some of the best suggested sequences and poses for creating a good practice with enough diversity for yogis at every level. I own over 25 books on this topic but this is by far the most user friendly, offering clear explanations presented in a charming and engaging manner.

Kimberly makes a regular practice seem more of a jaunty adventure then an obligatory exercise. The effervescent tone of this book does not forfeit important information or belittle yoga’s powerful and historical significances. It is solid in its recommendations and instructions and honors those who practice yoga. Kimberly’s passion is apparent and strengthens all aspects of her book. And her obvious delight in her own personal practice is at the heart of the book. Every chapter ends with suggestions and guidance for additional resources: recommended books, websites, cd’s and other authors and experts. That is unusual and incredibly generous of her to promote others in her own book ; but that exemplifies her attitude of doing good and doing well.

She is successful studio owner and markets a clothing line; but donates a healthy percentage of her profits to local charities, women’s shelters, transitional programs for for women entering the workforce and organizations that promote the arts – giving women the chance to work at their craft.

Despite the demands on her time, Kimberly teaches workshops, teacher trainings and some Yoga I classes all with the same bubbly attitude and attention to form.

The book is just like she is. Good for you and fun too.

It is a clever juxtaposition of a how-to-manual, motivational reading, witty essays and a tremendous amount of serious content. I have now read the book twice and look forward to many more readings. Every chapter asks some critical questions and includes some questions for journaling (nothing onerous). These have been especially valuable to me and may help me to make major life change as the exercises are designed to help determine if you are pursuing the dreams you once (or still) cherished. I am considering a career change but frankly even an attitude change would be a welcome change! And while I am a middle-aged suburban mother working in a very conservative field – I do think there is a “Hip Tranquil Chick” spirit within me. I would not have made that statement prior to reading this book. For all those who need advice, validation, compassion or a smile; this is a must read.
3. I found this book to be helpful not just to all the hip tranquil chicks, but also to the hip tranquil dudes! Kimberly is really speaking to anyone who is looking for meaning and balance in their lives – a particularly difficult struggle in 2006. I found the yoga sequences really helpful, as well as the tips and suggestions on taking the lessons from yoga into other aspects of one’s life. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to deepen their commitment to yoga in their life, or who is curious about yoga and needs an introduction. There is also a great CD that goes with the book that makes an excellent companion!

One of the most durable yoga mats available, Manduka’s black mat is made from high-performance material designed to endure a lifetime of yoga practice. The mat has a specific top and bottom surface. The top’s sticky surface keeps feet firmly rooted during balancing poses, such as Warrior or Downward Facing Dog. The bottom side remains stable on hard floors or carpet, and won’t shift or bunch up during movement. The mat’s 1/4-inch thickness provides superior cushion (more…)

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