After 10 years of owning a yoga studio, I can honestly tell you that I have been asked hundreds of times, how to pick a yoga mat, and which is the best yoga mat out there, and why.

Like any purchase, some of it comes down to personal preference, but there are some key factors that make certain mats stand out, for certain styles of yoga.

The following is my opinion/advice on yoga mats.

If you are just getting started on the yoga path and are about to purchase your first yoga mat, I would advise you to buy a really inexpensive mat from just about anywhere, Winners, Wallmart, etc.  Or better yet, borrow one if you can, either from your local studio (although, some studios charge an arm and a leg) or from a friend or family member.  Beginners may not realize that there are many different styles of yoga out there.  All these styles, vary in speed, intensity, temperature, etc.  To some degree, the style of yoga you will end up practicing, will play a roll in the mat that best suits your needs.

Starting off with an inexpensive mat allows you to see how a cheaper mat performs.  If you have chosen to practice Yin or restorative, for example, a less expensive mat could be all you require.  However, if you are sensitive to pressure, for example knees get tender, while kneeling, or tailbone get sore while sitting, then a thicker mat could be a requirement, even for Yin/Restorative yoga.  For the most part, gentler practices, such as Yin and Restorative, do not require a high quality (expensive) mat.  A cheaper mat will run you about $10 – $18.  A higher quality mat will cost anywhere from $75 to $150.

When exploring the higher quality mats, there are many to look at.  I have tried several over the past 15 years, and if I can, I typically try a mat out for a year, to see how it performs long term. I have spent some big money on mats, name brands that most  yoga students would recognize, and have been really disappointed!  I have found that the lulu lemon mats have a terrible odor.  In fact, if we have two or three ‘new’ mats in the studio at once, it is almost unbearable.  The smell tends to linger for several months, despite the claim that the scent will dissipate quickly.

Manduka was one of the most expensive mats I have ever owner, and one of the most ineffective as well.  This thick, heavy to carry mat, was by far the most slippery mat I have ever practiced on.  There are roomer online and in studios, that Manduka mats must be scrubbed down with sea salt…personally, if I pay that much for a yoga mat, it should be user ready.

While I could go on and on about expensive mats that were ineffective.  Instead I am going to give you my top two picks for yoga mats that will amaze you!

The following two mats are a tie for best mat, in my opinion.  They have both captured my heart in different ways…which is important because your yoga mat becomes an extension of yourself.  You learn, grow, sweat, cry and transform on your mat.

Jade Yoga is the first company I am mentioning, but not any closer to my heart than the second company I will mention after.  Jade is in my top two, because they make an amazing yoga mat, but also because they are an incredible company.  Jade is a family owned company, out of the United States, who began making yoga mats in 2000.  Their mats are tapped from rubber trees (renewable resource)  with no PVC’s, and are said to be “the first green and non-toxic mats on the market.”  I have owned a Jade mat for many years and while they are quite slip resistant (very important) and quite cushy and comfortable, the biggest thing I love about Jade, is that they literally do so much charitable work…it’s hard to even mention it all.  The main initiative they are involved with is the “buy a mat, plant a tree” campaign.  Jade and Trees for the Future, work together on this. Together, they are planing a tree somewhere in the developing world, with every single mat sold! To date, they have planted over one million trees!

I could go on and on with the charities they are involved with…literally, almost everything they produce is linked to a charity they support.  Extremely impressive!  My only complaint about the Jade mats is that, in my experience, they tend to break down, with high temperatures and high use.  Even still, that comment comes from someone who literally taught 30 hours of hot  yoga per week for three years straight…any mat is bound to show signs of stress in those conditions.  Jade yoga mats can be purchased online, https://www.jadeyogamats.ca/ or in select yoga studios.

The second company who makes an incredible mat (and we happen to sell at the studio) is B Yoga.  They sell the B mat!  The Bmat is the mat that I am currently using and have been rotating back and forth between a beautiful eggplant colour and a deep blue/green.

I have found that this mat is amazing for hot yoga, the ‘grippiness’ of this this mat is incomparable.  The Bmat is a cool hybrid of slip resistance, sturdiness and softness.  There is enough cushion to support your joints and bones while kneeling and sitting.  There is also enough sturdiness to the mat, that you won’t be wobbling all over, in balance postures.  I really do love the quality of this mat and what it brings to my practice.  The other thing I love about this mat is that the company who makes it, is a Canadian company…and the mats themselves are soon to be MADE in CANADA!   Early 2018. (currently manufactured in Spain.)

The one thing that is a touch disappointing about this company, is that there really does not seem to be much charitable or “give back work” being done. I searched their website for any signs of it and came up empty.  While this company is fairly new, when comparing to other mat companies, they definitely fall short on giving back to their community and environment.  That said, have the mats manufactured in Canada, is HUGE!  Paying proper wages to workers and ensuring that all staff are being treated in a way that all of us consumers can be proud of.  Bmats can be ordered online, or purchased at our studio (shameless plug!)

Happy mat hunting!

Jana, the modern day yogi.

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On Saturday, Aug 19th, Renee is hosting Free ReSoulution Yoga in Rotary Park in downtown Bowmanville. This free event is open to anyone wishing to join in the fun – whether you are a beginner or seasoned yogi! The class will begin at 9:30 am and wrap up at 10:45.

Rotary Park is located in downtown Bowmanville (see map below) – only blocks from ReSoulution Yoga & Spa.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates as we keep an eye on the weather: https://web.facebook.com/resoulutionbowmanville/

#Yogainthepark #communityevent #Resoulution

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It’s that time of year again! The time when everyone wants to be outside! But don’t forget your sunscreen. The suns rays are the number one cause of skin ageing.
Though a great deal of sun damage happens before age 18, that does not mean that you are safe from the sun. Whether you are wearing natural or regular sunscreen, just make sure you apply them liberally and frequently while enjoying the sun.

Apply liberally you say?

Yes! A shot glass amount of sunscreen is what is recommended to cover your entire body. And also remember that the SPF in your makeup isn’t providing you with adequate protection unless you cake it on and cover your entire face. Don’t forget to apply to the tops of your ears and the backs of your hands as well.

Natural or regular sunscreen, what should I choose?

Natural sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in order to protect the skin by deflecting the suns rays away from the skin. Both are excellent protectors, however they can look white and chalky until thoroughly blended into the skin.
Regular sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that create a chemical reaction on the skin and change UV rays into heat that is then released from the skin. Be sure to apply 15-20 minutes before heading out into the sun.

What level of SPF should I use, the highest I can find?

The simple answer is higher doesn’t equal better. For example SPF 30 will protect your skin from approx. 98% of rays, whereas SPF 60 will only protect you from approx. 98.5% of rays. SPF 60 would also wear off before its recommended reapplication time. It is better to be more diligent with reapplication every 2 hours than to have an extremely high SPF.
*the FDA has ruled that no SPF can be rated higher than SPF 50*

Don’t forget to check that expiry date!

Because sunscreen is a chemical compound (yes, even the natural ones) they break down over time. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your SPF make sure you use it before the expiry date.

I can hear some of you ask… “I have darker skin, do I still need SPF?”

Absolutely!! Although the melanin in your skin will protect you somewhat, you can still burn, and scar easily. And it may be more difficult to tell when moles have changed.

http://www.medicaldaily.com/do-darker-skinned-people-need-wear-sunscreen-250841

What if I can’t wear sunscreen?

There is clothing on the market with built in UV protection, some of you may know them as “rash guards” These articles of clothing have been tested for the optimal protection, just be sure to read the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) number. Why can’t I just use a regular cotton t-shirt? Cotton doesn’t provide enough barrier against the sun. For example: cotton has a UPF 5, so it will let in 1/5th of the suns rays, a rash guard can have a UPF 50, so it will only let in 1/50th of the suns rays. These shirts are perfect for sports such as snorkeling where sunscreen would normally wash off.

I went “pretanning” won’t that protect me?

I get this question quite often. No, it will not protect you any more than tanning in the sun. UV rays are UV rays, whether they come from a tanning bed or the sun, they are both equally damaging.
A lot of people believe that a “base tan” is protective. This is not true. A tan is your body’s response to injury from a radiation (UV rays) burn. Another myth that people believe is that controlled indoor tanning is safe because you only tan for a few minutes. Indoor tanning exposes you to intense UV rays, which increase your risk of melanoma. www.cancer.org

Have a skin safe summer!!

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How will massage change your life? From the elimination of pain, and improved joint mobility to improved circulation and reduced muscle tension. Just imagine being able to wake up with no more pain!

So you’ve decided to try massage therapy! That’s fantastic! Now how do you decide who to see for a treatment? One of the most important things to ask is “are you registered?” This means that the therapist has completed all their schooling and has passed their licensing exams, and will be able to provide you with a receipt for your benefits. Also, ask your friends and family, everyone loves to give a recommendation.

Once you show up for your appointment, you’ll be required to fill out some paperwork and decide what your massage goals are. Don’t worry, the paper work is just some health history questions not short answer or essays. Massage goals are strictly what do you hope to accomplish during your treatments. Are you looking for pain relief? Are you treating a sports injury? (and yes, hurting your low back while sweeping counts as a sports injury) Are you looking to de-stress and relax? These are a few suggestions to get you started.

Allow me to introduce to you our fabulous massage therapists!

Krystle Simms: Krystle attended Sir Sanford Flemming in Peterborough where she learned specific techniques such as Swedish massage, myofacial release, neuromuscular techniques and sports massage. She hopes to educate her clients on the benefits of massage therapy as well as teach them how to stretch and strengthen their muscles.

Justine Brown: Justine attended Centennial College in Toronto for Advanced Massage Therapy. She also has certification in traditional Indian Head Massage. Her future plans include the study of Thai Yoga Massage, reflexolgy, and deep fascial release.

Amanda Pye: Amanda attended Trillium College in Oshawa, where she learned sports therapy massage.  Amanda also has her certification in Thai Massage.  She looks forward to continuing her education with different massage modalities.

Do you have insurance coverage?

That’s great! How do you use them? We will provide you with an emailed or printed receipt that you will send off to your insurance provider. Keep in mind that some providers still need a doctors prescription for massage so check your benefits to be sure.

Are you confused about what you can get with your benefits? While all providers are different, I’ll give you one example: Your benefits package says you get $650/year which is broken down by $75 per treatment up to $650 per year. That means that you can have 9 45 minute massages with the HST included or 8 60 minute massages and you cover the tax. How is that for a great benefit! Also: our annual members here at ReSoulution receive 15% off their massages!

What do you wear during a massage? Your therapist needs to get to the area being treated so the best option is no clothing. You will be covered by a sheet and blanket and your therapist is trained in how to drape the body modestly. However if you are uncomfortable with taking anything off the therapist will work around any articles of clothing.

So is it supposed to hurt; no pain no gain…right? Not necessarily! Some people get more relief when they get gentler treatments while others love a good ol’ elbow in their glutes! If you feel really sore for more than a day or two after your massage, ask yourself “was it worth it?”. If the answer is no, then try a bit more gentle next time! Remember it is YOUR treatment. If the pressure is too much (or too little!), your too hot or too cold, music is too loud just let your therapist know.

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Newbie…YOGA 101…huh, that sounds familiar! But I’m not here to talk about our recent name change from YOGA 101 to ReSoulution. I’m here to talk to you about being a newbie in the world of YOGA. With our “Newbie” course starting on March 16th, I thought that this would be the perfect time to answer all your questions; if you are anything like me when I began, there are many.

Why yoga? I don’t bend that way you may be thinking! Well…I thought that very same thing the first night I entered the studio. There are a number of reasons to start practicing, all personal to each individual, from wanting to start some form of physical activity to wanting to have a reason to be in the moment and reduce stress or just to see what all the hype is about.

I still can’t do some of the postures or poses perfectly, but I have shown vast improvment in many ways, including; balance, strength, flexibility and mental wellness which is why yoga is called a “practice”. The more often you practice, the stronger you become, both physically and mentally. The skill is learning to be within yourself; you are not competing with any one during your practice and are completely inwardly focussed. Each time we come to our mat, we strive to be in the present moment via breathing practices and mental focus. Though occasionally I am guilty of wondering “how DO they do that” upon noticing others…again it’s a “practice” not a perfect!

What do I wear? When I began I hadn’t any yoga buddies and therefore didn’t know who to ask. I searched and searched for the perfect outfit, but guess what? Yoga doesn’t have a perfect outfit! You can wear anything comfortable, and easy to move in. I would personally suggest a more fitted top so that it doesn’t fall up over your head while in the downward facing dog posture. So long as you’re comfy, you’ll fit right in! Oh, and no socks! The feet play a key role in the practice of yoga and teachers love to see your little piggies!

How to set an intention? Alright! So you made your way into a yoga studio and you’re totally paying attention! Wait, did the instructor just say “mindfully set an intention for the class”? “What does that mean? Like, I intend to finish this class?” Intention setting can be anything you wish, perhaps to just get through your first class, or to focus on your alignment for your postures, or to be mindful of your breathing or to keep a positive mantra (self talk) while in poses which challenge you. It can be anything; simply keep it in mind while you’re practicing. As for being in the moment … I have a huge chore list and work tomorrow, these are exapmles of the mind stepping out of the present! But here’s the thing, once you start following along with the breathing; that laundry list of to-dos just slips away, for a little while at least. The more we practice, the more mindful we become.

What is Savasana? Ahh…now for agruably the best part…savasana! This, I can do!! Lay on my back and think of nothing, I am on it! ….”I wonder what’s on tv tonight”…Oops, back to thinking of nothing…”take me down to paradise city, where the grass is green…” Ah! I did it again…here we go, back to nothing… This is something that I still struggle with during my own practice. How to just “be mentally still”. I do my best to lay back and think of nothing, but I admit, it is difficult some days.

Here are a couple of tricks that I have been taught. Sometimes the mind is busy, and it simply cannot be helped, but become aware of the quality of those thoughts. Become accutely aware of all of the thoughts that the mind wants to think while in Savasana. Just be “the silent wittness” of each thought without judgement, and try not to become wrapped up in the thoughts themselves. Since there is really nothing more ever present than our own breath, it can be very helpful to simply focus on your own breath as it enters and exits the body. You can even create a subtle visual to coincide, such as waves rushing into and out from a shoreline.

Now…take a deep breath in…and join us at the studio!

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Before I break into our very first blog post about winter skin health, allow myself to introduce myself (uh, not a great start…)…My name is Kristy and I am your local expert here at Resoulution.  I am also a yoga lover, self-proclaimed massage addict and a friend to all things furry; except spiders, no one likes spiders.  It is important to note that Resoulution is the new name for our yoga studio, formerly Yoga 101.  After 7 years in Bowmanville, we expanded and rebranded.  We now offer a full service spa, while continuing to bring yoga to the Clarington community.  We have you covered from soul to sole.  I would like to invite you twice a month to join me while I delve into all things health and wellness via our blog.  Feel free to send me comments or questions.

The topic for our very first blog post came about rather organically as I noticed my own dry hands while typing this intro.  With winter in full swing, we all get dry cracked skin.  Why is our skin like this?  Let’s take a quick look at our soap and body wash.  Bar soap and strongly scented body washes are very dehydrating to our delicate winter skin.  Why? They are both alkaline which means that they are much lower on the pH scale than our skin and this causes damage and dryness to our delicate tissues.  It is better for us to have less scent in our body wash than to smell like a pomegranate explosion and have the scales of a dragon.  hahaha!

For topical moisturizer, use something that contains shea butter, or cocoa butter as well as silicones.  The body butters penetrate deep into the skin while the silicones prevent water loss from the skin.  It is best to apply your moisturizer as soon as you finish drying off from the shower.  “But, how do I get the middle of my back?” you ask…unless you want to squirt moisturizer onto the floor and roll around on it, I suggest using the back of your hand.  Apply cream onto the back of your hand and reach your arm around your back, you’ll be surprised how well this works, or stay tuned for our next yoga blog

A big question we all want to know is “why does my skin sting in the winter?”  Well…I’ll tell you. It’s that dragon skin rearing its ugly head again!  As our skin gets dehydrated, the cells start to lift and create micro fissures.  This causes anything we put onto our skin to be absorbed too deeply and therefore we get irritation.  Stupid dragon skin!

So then what do we do to those scales? …That’s right, we over exfoliate! This extra exfoliation then in turn makes the dry flakiness even worse.  How, you ask?  The exfoliation removes those cells, but also the hydrating oils in our skin, so there is less oil to help repair the flakes causing more irritation and worsens the scales.  Flakiness–great in pastry, bad on your face.  We need to lessen the scrubbing and start the healing!  Here we need to add products with nourishing oils specifically designed for the face and ingredients like hyaluronic acids to draw the moisture back into the skin and heal those micro fissures.

What about our hands?  Our cuticles crack and bleed and they become raw from all the hand sanitizer that we use.  I say “let’s go back to the days of gloves!” No, I’m just kidding, honestly, do they even make fancy gloves any more?  If the skin around your nails and finger tips is cracking and seems impossible to heal, try applying some liquid bandage to keep the skin clean and dry.  The liquid bandage helps the cracks heal from the inside out, and prevents them from getting worse.

We need to add more hydration!  Water is a great hydrator for our insides but during the cold winter months, who wants a COLD glass of water?  Try having a cup of hot lemon water, it is both hydrating and detoxifing.

Thanks everyone for reading along and hopefully you’ve learned some new tips and tricks…be sure to follow us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/resoulutionbowmanville and twitter https://twitter.com/_ReSoulution_

love, Kristy

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