Yoga exercise balls are constructed from soft PVC and elastic and filled with air. The diameter usually ranges between 14 to 24 inches. They are similar to medicine balls, however, they are much larger and far lighter. These yoga exercise balls can be inflated or deflated by removing a valve stem and adjusting the air pressure.

Yoga exercise balls are also known as stability balls, exercise balls, Swiss balls, gym balls, physioballs, Pezzi balls, sports balls, Swedish balls, therapy balls, birthing balls, fitness balls, pilates ball or gymnastic balls.

An Italian manufacturer named Aquilino Cosani first developed the stability ball in 1963. He was able to develop a process whereby plastic balls were molded to become large and puncture-resistant. First called Pezzi Balls and Swiss Balls, these exercise balls were adapted by a British physiotherapist, Mary Quinton, for use in treatment programs in newborns and infants in Switzerland. Dr. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach, who worked as the director of a Basel, Switzerland school for physical therapy, found that yoga exercise balls were beneficial for neuro-developmental treatment. She found that the exercise ball was highly beneficial for treating adults with orthopedic and medical problems. This is known as functional kinetics. A number of physical therapists from North America began to utilize the stability ball in their own physical therapy programs. Athletic training now uses exercise balls as part of a standardized fitness routine. Other forms of exercise such as yoga also use the stability ball as an incorporated factor in the program.

Using an exercise ball has a number of advantages over direct exercise on a hard flat surface because the body is forced to remain balanced despite the instability of the ball. This utilizes a number of muscles not normally worked in standard exercises, primarily abdominal and back muscles.

Yoga exercise balls can be used instead of a chair. This has become very commonplace in offices, for example. The proper posture needed in order to make this happen constantly works the back and abdominal muscles. Many physical therapists recommend the use of a stability ball for patients that work in sedentary jobs.

These yoga exercise balls can also be used in the birthing process. They aid in the process whereby the fetal head descends into the pelvis. Being seated in the upright position is also more comfortable for a woman during the childbirth process as it helps with fetal positioning. This is usually accomplished by having the woman sit on the exercise ball. She places her arms on the bed or table and rocks her hips. This has been found by natural physiologists to assist during the contractions and overall aid in the process of birth.

SunShineYoga.com is an excellent place to buy Yoga Balls at a discount.

Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats

It is important to consider the materials one consumes, particularly when considering how to live in a more sustainable way on our planet of limited resources. Yoga, while a great form of exercise, also is useful in developing respect for one’s body and the space one occupies, leading to an increased awareness of the need for sustainability and responsibility with one’s resources.

Ironically, most commercially-produced yoga mats are made from PVC, hardly a sustainable or organic material. There are, however, a wide variety of organic and eco-friendly yoga mats available. The cost of these mats is well worth it, given the lesser impact they have on our planet’s health.

Natural yoga mats are those made primarily from plant or animal sources, but are not necessarily produced according to organic standards of no pesticides or chemicals. Organic yoga mats are entirely produced without any chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or dyes. Sustainable yoga mats, or eco-friendly yoga mats, can be produced from a variety of materials, but must be either made from renewable resources or be completely biodegradable.

Often, eco-friendly yoga mats are made from natural rubber, or from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a biodegradable type of plastic. Natural and organic yoga mats are usually made of jute fiber, hemp, or cotton. Sometimes, those wishing to use a sustainable yoga mat use an organic cotton towel instead of a mat, or layer a natural yoga mat on top of a standard one for extra padding and traction. Consider whether you are going to practice yoga on a carpeted surface or a smooth floor, as some natural mats can be slipperier than others. Eco friendly yoga mats made of natural rubber or TPE will provide better traction than those made of cotton.

An important consideration in choosing an organic yoga mat or an eco friendly yoga mat is the environment in which you will be practicing yoga, as well as the type of yoga you wish to practice. Sometimes natural yoga mats can be slipperier than their PVC counterparts, despite the many benefits of pvc free yoga mats. Organic cotton yoga mats are often filled with cotton or wool batting to provide extra cushioning and support. Jute or hemp yoga mats have a much different feel than a standard yoga mat, but their weave is better for more rigorous yoga, as it will prevent slipping even if one is sweating.

Professional natural rubber yoga mats and TPE yoga mats are much more similar to standard yoga mats, in their feel and design. They are almost always latex free, since many have allergies to latex, and TPE is a fantastic alternative for those who may have an allergy to natural rubber. These mats are produced without any toxic materials, and without releasing any toxins as by-products during production. They are sustainable, renewable, recyclable, and a great choice for practicing premium eco yoga.

Sunshine Yoga carries a selection of eco conscious yoga mats, including some made of natural rubber and TPE. These eco friendly yoga mats are a wise choice for the environment, and provide the same or better traction, padding, and support as a standard yoga mat. They come in standard sizes (72″ x 24″) and are available in a variety of thicknesses, providing the comfort and support you need for your yoga practice, without the toxins, allergens, and impact of a standard yoga mats. Eco friendly yoga mats, whether organic, natural, sustainable, or all three, will help incorporate your values into your yoga practice, for a more holistic and respectful experience.

Yoga balls are large balls made of elastic soft PVC, first developed in 1963 in Italy by Aquilino Cosani. Originally known as “Pezzi balls,” their original purpose was for physical therapy of infants and newborns, and later uses included using them to treat adults with medical or orthopedic problems. These balls are now used as part of a general fitness routine, or for specific types of exercise such as yoga or pilates.

One benefit of exercising with a yoga ball is balance. On a flat surface, fewer muscles are engaged, while using a yoga ball instead requires the body to remain balanced, using many more muscles than the particular exercise demands. In yoga, the yoga ball also provides stability and support for more complicated poses, allowing the user to develop flexibility and balance. Yoga balls can be anywhere from 35 to 85 centimeters in diameter; the size of the yoga ball may make a difference in some of the exercises done with it.

Many traditional yoga exercises can incorporate a yoga ball; for example, Warrior I to Warrior II can be performed by lunging, with the yoga ball underneath oneself for support, and then switching to a side pose, still with the front leg bent and the back leg straightened. The presence of the yoga ball assists not only with balance, but also acts as a stabilizer, helping prevent wiggles and wobbles.

The yoga ball also presents a stabilizer and a balance challenge in the upward and downward facing dog poses. Start with your legs on the floor and your hips centered on the yoga ball in front of you, pressing into the yoga ball with your hands, in a version of the upward facing dog position. As you exhale, roll forward and push your body into downward facing dog, an inverted “V” position. Use the yoga ball to support your chest and upper thighs.

Yoga balls can be incorporated into many other yoga exercises and poses, including Bridge, Child’s Pose, Seated Stork Pose, Scissor Kicks, and Quadruped. It is easy to use and integrate into your yoga routine, providing stability and challenging balance.

You can buy wholesale and discount Yoga Balls at SunShineYoga.com.

Yoga Blankets and Bolsters Yoga has become the fitness exercise of choice for millions of people around the world. People of all ages are benefiting from this ancient method of circulating positive energy throughout the body. Yoga puts us in a state of balance and the body aligns itself with the mind. While some people find Yoga poses exhilarating, others have a difficult time achieving the poses, so Yoga Blosters and Blankets have been created to assist those who need a little extra help.

Bolsters support the abdomen, spine, neck and legs during difficult poses. Yoga Bolsters are shaped cushions and can be used in different styles of Yoga like Ananda, Bikram and Kripalu. Yoga Bolsters act as a support to straighten the backbone. Yoga Bolsters come in the Standard Round, the Standard Rectangular, the Pranayama Rectangular and the Junior Round Yoga Bolster. Each style is unique and has a different purpose. Yoga Bolsters are portable, easy to store and are used for meditation as well. Yoga Bolsters can retail anywhere from $28 to $68. SunshineYoga.com has a great selection at special sale prices.

Yoga Blankets are another item that enhances different poses. Mexican Yoga Blankets are versatile Yoga props. Yoga Blankets can be substituted for Blosters in some poses and are also great for providing a stable but giving surface for shoulder stands. Yoga Blankets can be used in restorative and Pranayama poses. They also provide warmth and relaxation for the body at the end of a Yoga routine. Mexican Yoga Blankets come in several colors and designs. The premium Yoga Blanket measures 76” long x 57”wide. It is machine washable, weights 3 pounds and is made in Mexico. The Classic Mexican Yoga Blanket measures 74’x 54” wide. It’s machine washable and is a blend of Acrylic, Polyester and Cotton. It weighs 2.25 pounds. Yoga Blankets retail for $16 to $30, but SunshineYoga.com has both designs and they can be purchased at special prices.

Yoga Bolsters and Yoga Blankets are two of the products that assist in achieving Yoga poses. Both of them can be used as tools to connect the body to the mind.

Many people associate Yoga with flexibility and watch the Yoga “experts” in envy, thinking they can’t possibly will their bodies to bend and stretch into these seemingly difficult positions. They quit before they even start. Are you one of these people who think about Yoga, then tell yourself that you are not flexible enough? Flexibility is not a beginner’s requirement. Yoga is first and foremost meant to strengthen the body, mind and spirit. Flexibility comes later. Or it can come sooner with the aide of our Yoga straps!

Our popular yoga straps are designed for comfort while preventing constricted circulation. Useful for the beginner, the intermediate and advanced Yogis alike, these straps help to lengthen the reach while maintain alignment in poses such as the Cow Pose, Seated Forward Bend and the Downward Facing Dog.

Our Yoga straps are made with comfortable, durable 100% cotton, designed to provide optimal support while stretching. Available in different lengths, these straps come in three buckle closure options; the d- ring, pinch and cinch buckles; all are easy to use.

Yoga straps are a highly beneficial prop allowing it’s user to hold a pose longer than they could previously, and is especially helpful for stretching in hard to reach positions. Even common stretches are easier to do with the Yoga strap. You will be able to pull yourself closer to the floor and deepen your stretches further than you thought possible.

Yoga straps are becoming more common as people realize their many benefits. If you are a beginner, these help with postures that you aren’t able to conform your body to on your own. If you are an experienced Yogi seeking a challenge, they are just the right prop for you too.

The Yoga strap has so many uses for Yogis at every level. Do your mind, body and spirit a favor; begin Yoga today; be more flexible tomorrow! You can buy yoga straps at a discount at SunShineYoga.com.

Yoga as we know is a wonderful way to connect to the energy that is in the body as well as to connect to the energy that surrounds the body. The ability to perform the exercises that make up the practice of Yoga can be difficult for many people because of injuries, pregnancy or weight gain. This art of expression has turned into a multi-million dollar business venture for many people, who want to assist in spreading Yoga’s benefits throughout the world. There are many products on the market that assist people who want to practice Yoga, but have difficulty performing the poses without help. Yoga blocks have been designed for those who need assistance.

Yoga blocks are used by people who aren’t flexible or are in the mid to late stages of pregnancy or have injuries. Yoga blocks align the body and help support the weight so various poses can be performed. A Yoga Block can be used under the heels in the Mountain Pose, so the spine is aligned properly. A Yoga block can support the sacrum and lift the pelvis by sitting on a block when performing twists. The Half Moon pose and the Triangle Pose can be performed if Yoga blocks are used as lifts for the hands, so that the full pose can be achieved. If you’re pregnant or injured, squats can also be performed using a Yoga Block by placing it on the ground on its side, so it can be used to support your weight and keep your balance. A Yoga Block can be placed under the head while meditating or while doing abdominal exercises.

The use for Yoga Blocks doesn’t end there. The bridge pose can be performed using two blocks. Yoga blocks help correct posture and they modify poses in the standing and seated position. Yoga Blocks can be used for a variety of poses depending on your physical condition.

Yoga has opened the door for a variety of Yoga Block designs. There is a cork block, a foam block, a handcrafted wooden block and wood Probrick block and all of them offer comfort, versatility and support while doing different poses. The typical size of a Yoga Block is 9 x 6”x 4” and weight about 2 pounds. They have beveled edges, so they can be packed and stored easily. Yoga Blocks generally cost around $7 each depending on the material and come in several different colors. SunShineYoga.com is a great store to buy Yoga Blocks and Yoga Products at a discount.

When practicing restorative yoga, one or more yoga blankets are employed as props, to be used under the neck, and/or under the knees. Some poses may call for several yoga blankets, folded in thirds, to raise one up high enough to sit upon, with the feet on the floor. Yoga blankets are an integral part of restorative yoga.

There are several properties one looks for in the ideal yoga blanket. When practicing yoga, especially a long held pose, one does not want to be distracted by an itchy blanket, or a blanket that is bunched up under us. Look for a blanket that is soft, with no extending fibers. Many people find a cotton Mexican style blanket is ideal. Find a blanket made of soft, absorbable cloth, one that is easily washable. Look for pliability – a cloth that will hold its shape when folded. Finally, try to find a blanket that won’t slide about when placed on the floor.

Learn to fold your yoga blanket. The yoga instructor can show you how, or you can search online for yoga blanket folding videos. The trick lies in folding the blanket so it is smooth and wrinkle free, and maintains its shape while being used. Start the fold, being sure to have each end meet evenly. A two or three fold method is used, depending on the use. For a pranayama fold, start with a blanket folded in half. Starting at the long end, fold the blanket 3-4 times, draping it into an accordion style fold, making the bottom layer the widest. With each layer, make the fold a bit narrower, so the blanket is wide at the bottom, and narrower at the top.

When finished, if the blanket does not need to be washed, the storage fold is employed. Open up the blanket, and fold it in half. Fold in half again, ensuring there are no creases, and the ends are even. Fold in half one more time, short end to short end. With this fold, several blankets can be stacked on a shelf, neatly and without tumbling over. You can find an excellent selection of Yoga Blankets at SunShineYoga.com.

Yoga products

The word yoga means the discipline for union of the mind, body and spirit through meditation. It commonly means the practice of postures or poses. Many believe that yoga is all about stretching but is actually finding the balance in the balance with strength and flexibility. Even though this practice is not attached to any objects, there are some things that will be useful. The essential yoga equipment or products include yoga mats, props like blankets, straps and blocks.

The yoga mat is usually the most important product and may be the first thing you purchase. It is very common to see mats in both gyms and yoga studios. The mat is used to create your space, provide traction for both feet and hands and give a cushion on the hard floor.

A folded blanket can be used during yoga as a prop to lie or sit on. They are commonly used under your sit bones to raise the hips above the knees. A blank can be used for many different things while practicing yoga.
Straps are in important for those poses that you need to hold on to your feet but cannot reach them. They can also be used for bound purposes when your hands cannot reach each other.

Blocks are used much like blankets in helping you be more comfortable and improve the alignment of your body. Blocks are also used in standing poses where your hands do not reach the floor.

A yoga exercise mat suited for your workouts will make the biggest difference in the quality of your practice experience. Yoga mats vary and several considerations need to be given when choosing the right mat for your workouts. Making an informed choice in the selection of the yoga mat will be the first step in a successful yoga exercise program.

Attention needs to be given to the thickness of the yoga mat. An exercise yoga mat should have ample cushion depth to eliminate any discomfort while practicing. The mat needs to give firm support for ease with all the yoga postures and movements. Having fluid movements are essential during yoga practice. The mat you choose needs to have a grip firm enough to prevent any slipping and possible injury.

The yoga mat you use needs to be large enough so that the edges are not felt, causing distractions while practicing. Feeling the edges of the mat is uncomfortable and will make the resulting benefit of the yoga exercise less than desirable. Choose a durable yoga mat that will sustain machine washings or easy wipe offs.

Choosing an attractive yoga mat with a pleasing color will make your exercise more peaceful and enjoyable. Select the mat that is convenient, handy to transport, and one that is lightweight and easy to roll up. The quality of your yoga practice will be maximized with the right choice in a yoga mat. Check out SunShineYoga.com for a large selection of Yoga Mats at a discount.