YogaDirect now has Yoga Mats for kids!

I HAD to write a post about these new mats because they are so adorable! Our new Kids Yoga Mats have been causing quite a stir parents are bringing Yoga into the lives of their children. Yoga is sooooo good for kids! And our new mats will make it fun for kids to practice. The new mats are shorter than regular mats - perfectly sized for smaller bodies. And they are brightly colored with images of turtles, butterflies, or suns on them. Take a look:

Our new Kids Yoga Mats

Also, here's a press release about our new Yoga Mats for Kids:

YogaDirect’s New Kids Yoga Mats Attract People of All Ages

Hartford, CT, May 7, 2009 --- YogaDirect.com, the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States, released their new line of Kids Yoga Mats for sale to both retail and wholesale consumers earlier this week. These new Yoga Mats are shorter in length than regular Yoga Mats, and have bright, fun designs printed on them; however, the real appeal of these mats is they encourage children to practice Yoga. Jason Nocera, the designer of these new kids’ mats states, “I created these fun mats in hopes adults would learn more about the benefits of practicing Yoga with their children.”

A recent report based on 1997-98 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states that approximately 1.6 million of American elementary school-aged children have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With a substantial amount of our youth affected by this disorder, it has become an increasing concern to find safe and effective alternative methods to help children feel like themselves again. Recently, parents have begun seeking Yoga and meditation programs for their children to serve as healthy activities they can practice to help them calm their overactive minds. Yoga has been shown to not only help treat children with ADHD and other related disorders, but it also increases a muscle flexibility and strength, helping children grow stronger physically.

By looking at the new line of Kids Yoga Mats at YogaDirect.com, one can see they were designed with children in mind. The mats are shortened to 60” long and 24” wide, and come in 3 different colors decorated with bright images of butterflies, turtles, and suns. The mats are perfect for organizations that provide Yoga classes for children in summer camps, as well as for schools and private studios with similar programs. These new mats not only provide an inviting way for children to feel more comfortable while practicing, but they also allow parents an easy way to introduce their children to the benefits of Yoga with a line of products they can call their own.

YogaDirect.com is the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States. Since launching in 1999, YogaDirect has taken great pride in its’ outstanding customer service, 100% satisfaction money back guarantee policy, low prices, and high quality. For more information, please contact Emily Nichols at 1-800-331-8233 or visit www.YogaDirect.com.

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I have a swollen foot...and a show to perform in tomorrow!

For the past 2 months I have been rehearsing with Soma Dance Company 5 times a week for our "Soma in Solo" Concert at the Wadsworth Athaneum on April 25th (tomorrow!), and it has really been stressing out my body. Soma Dance Company is mostly a modern dance company, but we also incorporate martial arts and athletic lifts and partnering. I feel I am strong enough to perform, but I also feel that my body is trying to tell em I have had enough. With my intense rehearsal schedule I haven't had any time to include Yoga into my routine, which would probably help me stretch out my aching muscles. And while I do some Yoga as warm-ups for dance, I haven't done just a full class...and I REALLY need to!

Unfortunately, about 3 weeks ago the ball of my left foot started hurting me. I thought it was just a stone bruise because it felt tolerable and I feel like I had hurt myself this way before. I looked it up on the internet and read that stone bruises take about 2 weeks to heal and there's really nothing you can do about them until they go away on their own. So I waited, and last week it felt like it had healed! However, two days ago, the pain came back and the swelling increased. I started icing it every day, but yesterday at rehearsal the pain was so bad I could hardly walk! I am really nervous I have done more than just bruised it, but our "Soma in Solo" performance is tomorrow and I will just have to suck it up. Of course after the show I am going to get my foot X-rayed. I have never broken anything in my body before and have always been really careful...but perhaps I am just getting too old :)

Earth Day was on Wednesday! At YogaDirect.com, we celebrated with a special sale. In fact this weekend only we are having ANOTHER sale. If you spend over $100, you will receive a free gift! We also added a TON of new Thera-Band® items to our stock, like Mats, Balls, Exercise Bands, and more.

Just in Time for Earth Day - Our New Charter Oak Brand Yoga Mat Cleanser!

I am so excited to announce that YogaDirect.com recently created a new biodegradable and eco-friendly Yoga Mat Cleanser and it is now available for you to buy - just in time for Earth Day! You can get an 8oz Bottle of our new Charter Oak Brand Yoga Mat Cleanser by Clicking Here!

Here's the press release announcing our new Yoga Mat Cleanser:


YogaDirect’s New Mat Cleaner Provides Greener Cleaner Workout

Hartford, CT, March 09, 2009 --- YogaDirect.com, the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States, unveiled its new yoga mat cleaner this week after an intensive 6 month product development period. Branded as Charter Oak Yoga Mat Cleanser, the pump spray cleaner is made of all natural ingredients and provides a new improved solution for avoiding infections commonly contracted by using insufficiently cleaned yoga mats or other gym equipment.

A recent report from The New York Times claims some doctors have seen a 50% spike in the number of patients developing athlete’s foot and plantar warts. It’s been determined that the likely culprit is exercising on unclean yoga mats or other fitness equipment. Yoga mats are particularly prone to harvesting harmful bacteria, as the surface is porous and often left damp after usage. This allows the mat to become a breeding ground for millions of bacteria, which can cause infections such as staph, warts, and even life threatening MRSA. Working out on a clean yoga mat is a crucial step to helping prevent such ailments. “We were unsatisfied with other mat cleaners currently available on the market and we feel preventing the spread of such afflictions is of utmost importance. Therefore, we made a huge commitment to our customers by spending over half a year perfecting our Charter Oak Yoga Mat Cleaner,” stated account representative Susan Volenec.

Beyond offering the perfect formula for safeguarding yogis, YogaDirect.com also wanted to offer a truly environmentally friendly product. Therefore, Charter Oak Yoga Mat Cleanser is made from 100% natural and bio-degradable ingredients. “YogaDirect’s new mat cleaner is the smart choice for you and the environment!” continues Volenec. Even though the cleaning agent is composed of all natural ingredients such as citrus oil and coconut oil, the all-in-one cleanser is versatile enough to be used for daily cleansing or thorough occasional use.

YogaDirect.com is the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States. Since launching in 1999, YogaDirect has taken great pride in its’ outstanding customer service, 100% satisfaction money back guarantee policy, low prices, and high quality. For more information, please contact Shelly Ouellette at 1-800-331-8233 or visit www.YogaDirect.com.

YogaDirect will be exhibiting at the 2009 Yoga Pilates Conference in Toronto, ON!

Here's the latest press release about our upcoming exciting trip to the Yoga Pilates Conference:

"Hartford, CT, March 30, 2009 --- YogaDirect.com, the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States, is attending the 2009 Yoga Pilates Conference and Show in Toronto, ON. The conference, which is North America’s largest yoga event, will be running April 2nd through 5th in the North Building of the Metro Convention Centre. YogaDirect will be exhibiting at booth number 421 to a crowd of over 10,000 anticipated participants from all over Canada, the United States, and abroad.

YogaDirect will be showcasing their custom printed yoga mats, blocks, bags, t-shirts, and monogrammed straps. “With the success of our custom printed equipment, we’ve seen an increased demand from new customers located outside the United States,” says account representative Emily Nichols. “This encouraged us to exhibit in Toronto. Also, at YogaDirect we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of customer service and attending this conference presents the opportunity to meet some of our international buyers in person,” continues Nichols.

YogaDirect.com is the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States. Since launching in 1999, YogaDirect has taken great pride in its’ outstanding customer service, 100% satisfaction money back guarantee policy, low prices, and high quality. For more information, please contact Shelly Ouellette at 1-800-331-8233 or visit www.YogaDirect.com."

Earth Hour!

I just wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow from 8:30pm-9:30pm is Earth Hour. Be nice to the earth and sit in the dark for an hour tomorrow night. Maybe take that time to meditate :)

Namaste!

Spring = New Plants, New Soap, New Yoga Kits!

Yesterday I went to the store and bought some tomato, pepper, okra, and basil seeds and planted them. I am pretty excited about growing them because I have never planted anything before. I have the perfect apartment to do it in too because my back porch is always in the sun. It will be great to have fresh vegetables and spices!

Speaking of things that are fresh, I recently have been on a pesticide and additive hating kick. After discovering that some of the bath products I have been using contained WAY too many chemicals for my liking, I discovered Castille soap. It comes in a bunch of different natural scents (I chose lavender) and it can basically be used to clean just about anything! I have been using it as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face wash for the past 2 days, and I feel soooo clean! I also think it is cleaning my bathtub every time I shower as well because it leaves the room smelling so clean and wonderful when I am done showering.

And Spring is finally here! In a few weeks I will be starting a springtime fruit and vegetable fast. I did it last spring and it really got me in the mood for Spring cleaning :)

At YogaDirect, we've got these great new kits in. One is geared more for beginners and the other is for use with a Yoga Ball, but the best thing about these kits is they come with everything you need!

You can choose from either the Beginner Yoga Mat Kit with DVD




Or choose the Yoga On The Ball Kit with DVD

Getting Sick...and How to Get Better

It's official, I am getting sick. I am not sure if it is just a sinus infection or if I am getting a cold, but I am not feeling well. Either way, I have been upping my vitamin C intake and using my neti pot more often to keep my nasal passageways moist. My apartment has really dry heat pumping through it in the winter and I'll bet that is something that caused me to feel bad. Irrigating your nasal passageways with a neti pot is so good for you. You can get your own Neti Pot from YogaDirect.com



Another way you can help battle winter colds is to eat a proper diet full of fruits and vegetables, and taking a good multivitamin really helps as well. As a vegetarian, I have found that I don't get sick that often, and when I do, it isn't for that long. And though I still haven't set foot in an actual Yoga Studio in a while (for shame!) I have been keeping up with my postures in my home. I find that the cold weather in winter makes me so unmotivated to step outside, so practicing in my home has really been the only option for me these days :) But stretching and toning your muscles with Yoga also strengthens your immune system, so Yogis are less likely to get sick! Although if there is an illness going around in your family or in the place where you work, there's really not a lot you can do about it. For me, I'll just keep doing what I am doing and hope I start feeling better soon!