yoga question

[nursewife]

I've never tried it, but want to start. Since my pain has settled down, it's easier for me to get moving. What should I look for in a yoga mat? I'm pretty clueless about what to get.

ETA- I'd prefer a thick mat since my joints need something with a bit of cushion.

[nursewife]

Apr 24, 2015 23:53:42 GMT -5 mooselovah said:

Check out winners-- they always seem to have a huge amount of cheap good mats. I would go with a bit thicker one if you have a lot of pain/joint issues.

I've been doing some googling. Do you have any experience with Manduka mats? I sweat so, so much, so want something that grips well too. I'm hoping when I switch my HRT meds it lightens up. Menopause sucks!

[nursewife]

Another dumb question. When I do, do I wear shoes, socks, or bare feet?

[MrsAxilla]

Bare feet. Some people have special yoga socks, but I'm not that advanced and I do just fine. I have a cheap mat from TJ Maxx, but it's not thick enough and I slip sometimes, so I'll be watching for recs, too.

It's fun and relaxing! Don't worry too much and just jump in. I've seen people wear jeans and use the crappy gym mats and no one judges.

[nursewife]

Apr 25, 2015 0:18:02 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

Bare feet. Some people have special yoga socks, but I'm not that advanced and I do just fine. I have a cheap mat from TJ Maxx, but it's not thick enough and I slip sometimes, so I'll be watching for recs, too.

It's fun and relaxing! Don't worry too much and just jump in. I've seen people wear jeans and use the crappy gym mats and no one judges.

I'm looking forward to trying it out! I'm glad I've been feeling a bit better lately and want to try to get out and do stuff again. I'm interested to see how it will help my pain over time.

[winecat]

I've been researching yoga mats. Some people think the thicker ones make it more difficult to balance. My studio uses Manduka mats. I've heard good things about Jade mats. You can also get a yoga towel to put on your mat.

[franklin]

The link below is to one of a couple that I have. I feel like the one I linked is in the middle regarding thickness, I have another gaiam mat I got from target and it is thinner the this one. From what I've gathered you were in an accident so you have to be cautious, if so, I would maybe recommend using a foam yoga block to start so you don't over extend your self.

www.gaiam.com/s/gaiam/citron-sundial-yoga-mat-(5mm)/05-61333.html?code=PSFST100&extcmp=pla_froogle?adpos=1o1&creative=46685139669&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CNy1qb3hkMUCFQwzaQodWHcAcg

[AuntFlo]

I have a Manduka mat and I don't love it. I have had it for almost two months now and I use it at least 3 times a week and it STILL isn't broken in. I do like the thickness though. I think my next mat will be a Jade mat in the extra long length. I like the room to spread out when I am teaching.

If you are just getting into yoga I recommend A gentle Hatha class or maybe a Yin class. Just make sure that the class is an all level class, and let the teacher know you are a beginner.

Good luck and if you have any questions let me know!

[LLL]

I love my Gaiam mat

[venice2007]

Be careful of too thick mats, they can throw balance off
I like my The Mat from LLL. I tried the manduka and hated it.
Don't use yoga socks. You need to learn hand and foot placement with your own body. The socks and gloves grip
For you which leads to your body never learning how to.

Try yin, basic, beginning flow or hatha or a private yoga session or two to get stated. Know the first few sessions will be weird. You'll be rubbernecking it and looking around to see what to do the whole time. Don't worry how adv or beg the rest if the group is. Just do what your body can. As long as you are yoga breathing, that's all you have to do. The rest will come. Give yoga at least a month til you decide if you like it or not. Learning the verbiage, movements, teachers, etc takes time.

Fitted or more fitted workout tops and pants/capris are best to wear. Bring water and a towel

Good luck. You'll love it! I started yoga all because if an injury from a car accident and here I am 4 years later! :-)

[auntie]

I have a couple cheapie mats from Five Below. Sometimes I fold a second mat under me for seated poses. My studio has blankets for this as well.

You can make an inexpensive slick mat stickier if you wipe it down with some soapy water, rinse and finsih with cider or distilled vinegar. Then let it dry. Wipe after each use.

I do bare feet. My studio offers a gentle and restorative classes which can be a great introduction after an injury or break from yoga. Let the teacher know you are new and if you have any health issues.

[HiC]

I love my Manduka mat. The thinner mats are too harsh on my knees. You can always use a blanket (they should have them at the studio) to put under you if you find your knees need a little extra cushion. I would probably first borrow a few mats from the studio and see which you prefer. Then go buy it. If you find your hands are too slippery on your mat, buy a small yoga hand towel and use that at the top of your mat. Have fun.

[Deleted]

I had a Jade and loved it, but it seemed to wear out quickly. I'm now using a Manduka Eko. It's cushiony but firm, but not quite as grippy as my Jade was.

[dirtyred]

Apr 24, 2015 23:34:50 GMT -5 nursewife said:

I've never tried it, but want to start. Since my pain has settled down, it's easier for me to get moving. What should I look for in a yoga mat? I'm pretty clueless about what to get.

ETA- I'd prefer a thick mat since my joints need something with a bit of cushion.

I can't do the thin yoga mats, so I bought a regular exercise mat at Target (1" thick) for about $20.

[mcc]

If you're just starting, pick up a cheap mat at Five Below or Target. I've used Jade and Manduka and love my Jade, but it's not worth spending $60+ unless you're going to stick with it. Manduka mats are heavy, which is why I chose the Jade. Jade mats are natural rubber so if you're going to practice outside or in direct sunlight, don't get one.

I would stay away from the thicker mats because they're bad for balance and form. If you have issues with joints, you can use a towel on knee-down poses or simply fold the side of your mat over to give you more cushion. You could also layer two thinner mats. It feels hard at first but your joints get used to the poses and if you're doing them correctly, you shouldn't be putting a lot of pressure on them anyway.

Most people think that yoga is tough on the wrists or ankles but they're likely just doing the pose wrong - engaging your core, keeping your shoulders/shoulder blades down, externally rotating your hips, and engaging your legs by squeezing your inner thighs together take the pressure off of joints and allow your body to be properly aligned in each pose (obviously, which thing you do depends on the pose).

[mcc]

Apr 25, 2015 0:18:02 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

Bare feet. Some people have special yoga socks, but I'm not that advanced and I do just fine. I have a cheap mat from TJ Maxx, but it's not thick enough and I slip sometimes, so I'll be watching for recs, too.

It's fun and relaxing! Don't worry too much and just jump in. I've seen people wear jeans and use the crappy gym mats and no one judges.

If you slip (assuming it's your hands) make sure to check your alignment. Engaging your legs by trying to squeeze the yoga mat between your feet and positioning your arms so that your biceps/inner elbows are turning toward the front of your mat (hands forward) is the proper position and will lessen slipping. Sometimes shortening the dog by stepping your feet/hands closer together helps too!