Rehabmart offers many different types of yoga equipment at discount prices. Visit our yoga equipment page to view the different products we have to offer!

 September is National Yoga Month

Yoga, which is a Sanskrit word, is literally translated as "yoke".  The root word of "yuj" means to join, to unite or to attach.  As a term for a system of abstract meditation it was introduced by Patanjali in 2nd century BC.  Patanjali compiled previous yoga information together and with more than a few of his own revisions created the Yoga Sutras, an important collection of aphorisms concerning yoga practices.  This is also known as Raja Yoga to distinguish it from later schools such as Bhakti Yoga and Hatha Yoga, which were both introduced during the medieval period.

The goals of yoga are varied and range from improving health to achieving Moksha, which is liberation from all worldly suffering.  Hatha Yoga is a particular system of yoga described by Yogi Swatmarama who compiled the Hatha Yoga Pradipika in the 15th century.  Hatha Yoga differs substantially from the Raja Yoga of Patanjali in that it focuses on "shatkarma", the purification of the physical body as leading to the purification of the mind ("ha") and vital energy ("prana").  Compared to the seated asana, or sitting meditation posture/pose of Raja yoga, it marks the development of asanas into the full body "poses" now in popular usage.  Hatha yoga is the most commonly known yoga in the West and the style that many people associate with the word "yoga" today.

Many people today are practicing yoga for health reasons.  Modern science has now confirmed that yoga does indeed help all kinds of health issues including decreasing stress, lowering blood pressure, enhancing flexibility and movement, increasing and normalizing brain function, lowering cholesterol, aligning the skeletal system and strengthening bones and joints, improving respiration, increasing circulation, providing an easier transition through menopause and encouraging weight loss.  But yoga isn't just a physical exercise program, it is a scientific system designed to generate greater clarity and harmony in your life.  Through regular practice you will notice that you are stronger, slimmer, and more flexible.  But you will also find that you are more patient, mentally sharper, more relaxed and better able to handle stressful situations.

The best part about practicing yoga for me is that everyone practices at the level of their own comfort and current flexibility and it is not competitive.  Many health and fitness programs are difficult to maintain because they are rooted in an overall negative attitude-that you are inadequate and need to "fix" yourself-no wonder many of us want to quit!  Negativity is a lousy motivator.  Yoga, on the other hand, meets you exactly where you are and does not judge.  By practicing yoga you have the opportunity to gain greater health, flexibility and strength through powerful positive means.  This allows you to get healthy by honoring yourself, not forcing yourself.  The beauty of yoga is that anyone, at any age, in any body can begin practicing it.

Rehabmart also honors the practice of yoga by offering some wonderful and unique yoga equipment.  The Exertools Eco-Smart Yoga Mat will enhance your practice by keeping it clean and green.  
              

This mat is made from an innovative material (PER) that is safer for our shared environment and your own health than yoga mats made from standard PVC foam, and it does not contain harmful phthalates or toxic chemicals.  This mat comes in many different sizes and soothing color patterns to suit every natural taste.

The Exercise, Yoga, Pilates and Flotation Mats are a great choice for those who participate in different forms of exercise, and also for Yoga Studios, Therapy Clinics and other Fitness Facilities that require very durable and lasting mats to offer to their students and patients.  
                       

These awesome, lightweight mats are available in a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes and are completely latex-free.  They are made from closed-cell foam with an integrally molded skin for extra toughness and durability.  A transverse ribbing pattern is molded into the mat to resist tearing and to give the mat enough flexibility to be rolled up for carrying and storage.  The coolest thing is that they float, making this the perfect choice for therapists who work with patients in water, and for those individuals who exercise in water.

Need a bag to carry your yoga mat?  I recommend the Exertools Hemp Yoga Mat Bag made from environmentally friendly and sustainable hemp, a strong and durable plant material. The stylish and extra roomy design accommodates all sizes of yoga mats and the double zip opening provides plenty of room to get your mat in and out of the bag.  
     

It even features an outside zipper pocket for small articles such as keys, wallet or cell phone.  Part of the Zero Impact Program, this biodegradable bag is phthalate and PVC free, yet strong and durable and designed to last for many yoga-filled years to come.

The Bamboo Yoga Block is another eco-friendly yoga tool available from Rehabmart.  
      

This lightweight block is a very helpful tool for adding support during transitions and asanas/poses.  The six sides offer three different sizes that allow you to use the side that helps you meet your needs and goals.

Another very helpful tool for practicing yoga is the Exertools Hemp Yoga Strap.  Also part of the Zero Impact Program and constructed from eco-friendly hemp, this strap helps you to hold poses longer, ease into stretches and provides extra support to help maintain proper body alignment.  
       

It is particularly useful in bound poses/asanas where hands or feet cannot be reached.  Available in three different natural colors, this strap also includes super durable D-ring buckles and comes with an exercise instruction chart.

So take advantage of National Yoga Month and find a yoga studio or fitness facility offering a free week of yoga classes near you...don't delay in learning yoga today! Your body, mind and spirit will thank you for many happy and harmonious years to come.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO