Posts Tagged ‘Full Length’

Gaiam Coreplus Reformer

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Gaiam Coreplus Reformer




Flatten your abs while getting a total body workout with the Coreplus Reformer. Mari Winsor (of Winsor Pilates) takes the lead in this full-length program that replicates the movement of a Pilates Reformer class. Lose weight and tone muscle faster by adding resistance to your Pilates practice. The CorePlus Reformer is a new and innovative fitness tool with a four loop design that engages your entire body. Versatile, lightweight and east to store, the CorePlus Reformer is the perfect weight loss and toning fitness solution.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Bands or Tubing Can Get the Same Work Done
I saw the article previewing this in Pilates Style magazine and anxiously awaited its arrival in the market. But the exercises are nothing more than doing Pilates with a strong C curve and rubber tubing. I was hoping this would be a great workout and it is a great idea to create a “portable” reformer, but it is nothing different or innovative! Try any band/tubing workout out there. They are just as effective.

3 Stars Ok but there should be an intermediate DVD available
It’s an interesting intro to the Coreplus band and it would be great if once you did the DVD a few times you could advance on to a real workout.

Also, by the end of the DVD I thought I’d scream if Mari Winsor said “Beautiful” one more time. She’s not the most dynamic instructor, and repeatedly saying beautiful, argh, didn’t help.

I’m in it for the pilates though. I will watch the video a few more times, write a list of what is done in the DVD, do it on my own and add repititions.

The concept of the coreplus band is a good one–they just need to do something more with it.

4 Stars Quite a challenge
The CorePlus Reformer is quite challenging, even for those proficient in Pilates. The DVD workout is helpful, but it was a bit difficult trying to watch the DVD while performing the exercises. The grips seemed to slide around somewhat, which was distracting and made it sometimes difficult to execute the exercises correctly. I would definitely recommend it but would caution beginners to go easy.

4 Stars Takes Pilates to a new level
This routine works every part of your body and it definately takes Pilates to a new level. Pilates is very good for toning and stretching the muscles and this reformer adds more challenge to the routine which makes it more fun. The reason I gave it 4 stars is that I find myself getting my feet caught in the cords during the changes to the next exercise and that is kind of frustrating. We aren’t all graceful dancers so sometimes I have to stop the dvd to get situated for the next exercise. I expect that over time I’ll get better at it but I’d rather be focused on practicing my Pilates moves and not have to stop to get my cords right. I’ll keep working on it though because I like the way the Reformer challenges the muscles.

4 Stars LOVE this workout
I have been doing pilates religiously for over two years and swear by Mari Winsor’s workouts. This one is definitely challenging and the fact that she always has a modifier for each exercise is great but I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who isn’t familiar with pilates. Also, even at my skill level, the section that focuses on the legs and lower body is tricky- b/c the band sort of slips off your feet if you aren’t paying attention. After doing this a few times now I really like it.

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Gaiam Tree of Life Yoga Mat

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Gaiam Tree of Life Yoga Mat




Midwest Sports Tennis Outlet offers yoga mats by Gaiam in numerous colors and designs.

Tree of Life Yoga Mat

Cushion | Traction | Comfort

Durable and chic, Gaiams printed Tree of Life mat provides a stable, non-slip surface for your yoga practice. Perfect for home or studio use, this mat ensures the safety and comfort you need to enhance proper alignment and maintain poses. Ideal for everyone, from beginners to seasoned yogis.

Spot clean with GAIAMs Mat Cleaner or damp cloth with cold water and mild detergent. Dry flat. The mat may fade and become brittle and unusable if exposed to the sun for extended periods of time. We recommend storing your mat in a mat bag when not in use.

FEATURES:

  • Textured non-slip surface
  • Provides cushion for your body
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Solid construction
  • DIMENSIONS:24W x 68L x 1/8Thick(61cm x 172cm x 3mm)
  • THICKNESS METER:3mm

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars great purchase
loved it! arrived very quickly and i was very happy with my purchase. very comfortable and can’t get enough of it.

5 Stars Not THAT stinky
I just wanted to say that if you’ve ever used a Gaiam mat before, or any other mat made of this material for that matter, the smell is no different. It just has that “new” plastic smell. I’ve had mine now for a couple of months, and the smell has all but disappeared. It was only noticeable if my face was especially close, but nowhere near as offensive as the reviewer below found it. So I wouldn’t let the smell deter you from purchasing such a beautiful mat.

Its about time someone made some mats with personality!

5 Stars I Love My Yoga Mat!
I’ll be honest this is my very first yoga mat but I can’t believe I waited so long to get one. This mat is good and sticky. It really helps me reach my full length in various poses such as downward facing dog and even bending forward in cobbler’s pose etc.

I have noticed a smell of plastic when my nose is pushed up to the mat but no other time. I do not have any sensitivity to chemical smells but I do live in a house with someone who does and he can’t smell a thing. I have only had it a few days; however I expect the smell will eventually be undetectable even up close, much like a new car.

The color is very pretty, a soothing green with a light greenish-yellow tree. The tree is screened on. Some people may feel this is a bad thing as screened on images sometimes begin to peel off. This image appears to be very secure to the surface and I have no such worry.

1 Star This Tree of Life is Losing its Leaves!
I have had this mat for three months, using 3-4 times a week for a 1 hour class, and it falling apart, coming into pieces all over, and now on my clothes. I have never had this happen with a mat, and I have three other ones I still use that are nearly 5 years old. But this was a gift and I guess I broke it in! And I am only 158lbs and not used in a power yoga class…just a standard Astanga.

4 Stars works great
Works great for what I need. I am very new to yoga so I am not entirely sure what you look for in a mat. This one works great for me. I use it at home mostly on a carpeted floor. It does move sometimes and I have a hard time if my hands get sweaty. It seems a little thin for harder surfaces. But all in all a great mat. Very pretty, never noticed any of the smells that I have seen other people put on here.

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Gaiam Bamboo Moon Fashion Yoga Mat Bag

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

Gaiam Bamboo Moon Fashion Yoga Mat Bag




This smart and elegant mat bag features a pocket for an MP3 player, a large pocket for a water bottle or block, full-length zipper and a comfortable shoulder strap.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Unique, sturdy and spacious
Overall a quality bag at an affordable price. Unique design and color ( I bought the orange one). Like nothing I’ve seen in countless yoga classes I’ve attended. 4 stars would be 5 stars on my rating if it had an adjustable shoulder strap which would make it just perfect. Ample room for 1/4″ mats, small towel, keys, water bottle, ipod, etc. Nice job, Gaiam!

5 Stars Gaiam fashion Yoga bag
This bag is fantastic. It is sturdy and convenient. As a teacher the bag enables me to transport my mat, music, water, business cards to class with me right on my back! Love it and highly recommend it!

4 Stars Great yoga bag.
I love this yoga bag. I searched for sometime before deciding on this one. The other reviews really convinced me to get it. I got the russet one. I have a thicker yoga mat and I do need to roll it up tightly but it fits fine. The strap not being adjustable is not a problem for me. I love all the pockets, I am able to take everything with me I need. I have received compliments on it and people want to know where I got my cute bag.

5 Stars Fantastic Bag!
I have had a few different mat bags over the years but this is by far my favorite. I love the 3 outside pockets (2 small & 1 big) and that the zipper runs the entire length of the bag. I have a Jade mat which is fairly thick; it fits in the bag just fine. The strap is a good length - works over the shoulder but also slings nicely across my body.

4 Stars Good value
This is a convenient way to tote around one’s yoga mat, especially when it gets yucky at the Bikram studio. Has small pockets for keys, money, cell phone. Only complaint is that it loves lint and calls for all lint within a 50 mile radius to cling to it. But with a lot of scotch tape, I can handle it.

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TaylorMade Classic Cart Bag

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

TaylorMade Classic Cart Bag




The TaylorMade Classic Cart Bag features the following:

  • 6-way velour-lined top
  • Full-length dividers
  • Water-repellent 420-denier Propex construction with 1680-denier polyester accents
  • Velour-lined valuables pouch for wallet and electronics
  • Specially designed cart loop
  • Backward design for easy accessibility
  • Front lift handle
  • Umbrella holder with sleeve
  • Rain hood
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    TaylorMade Tourino Stand Bag

    Saturday, December 19th, 2009

    TaylorMade Tourino Stand Bag




    TaylorMade Tourino Stand Bag : Get a sleek, modern look and all the organization you need to keep it together on the course with this TaylorMade Tourino Stand Bag . Features: Satin finished polyester with 420 propex accents Seven-way micro mesh color top with full length dividers Three pockets with integrated velour valuables pocket Integrated stand system Water bottle holder TPR rubber logoed zipper pulls Rainhood Weighs 5.8 lbs

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