Archive for the ‘Yoga Gear’ Category

 

Skins – ICE vs Sport

October 23, 2008 at 2:27 pm in Yoga Gear | Please subscribe!

Some exciting news to report:

You may remember my post, “I’m just not ready for marble smugglers” in the search to find suitable yoga wear to replace my old bike shorts. During research, I read some interesting info about Skins and their BioAcceleration Technology.

Basically, it’s body moulded, compression clothing that helps you reduce fatigue and muscle soreness while aiding faster recovery.

Impressive reading, so I sent off a quick email to Skins asking if they could recommend a product, suitable for the high heat environment of Bikram Yoga.

I received a call the next day! Although they had not conducted any product testing in a controlled 40 deg Celcius heated room or similar environment they offered me the opportunity to test their Skins ICE half tights and short sleeve top (free of charge) and provide some constructive feedback.

I was curious to find out how the Skins sport range would also perform so I offered to trial both the Skins ICE and Sport to see if they are suitable.

I usually just wear bottoms, so why a top?

Good question. It’s so hot I’m not sure I want to wear anything on top and to tell the truth, I feel a little self conscious wearing a high tech, full Lycra get up. But if I’m going to test something, I want to do it properly – even if I invoke a few chuckles along the way!

Plus, Skins claim to “focus muscle power and dramatically reduce muscle vibration”. I’m curious to test this out, for example, in some postures, especially Triangle, my muscles sometimes shake uncontrollably as I stretch my arms apart. If Skins help, then I may be able to focus on taking my posture deeper rather than fighting to control it.

Products under test:

Skins ICE half tights, short sleeve top.

Skins Sport half tights, short sleeve CROM top.

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I’ll be testing Skins over the next month and will let you know how they perform. If you have any experience with Skins and Bikram Yoga, I’d be very interested to hear your story.

 

I’m just not ready for marble smugglers!

October 2, 2008 at 2:45 pm in Yoga Gear | Please subscribe!

I started practising Bikram Yoga in my surfing boardies. I definitely wasn’t comfortable rocking up in marble smugglers (Speedo style costume) and I really didn’t own anything else. It wasn’t long before I was feeling restricted in my postures. Yes my board shorts are baggy but when they get soaked, they cling to you and hinder fluid movement, especially when getting down to some serious triangle action.

I self consciously started wearing my old bike knicks to give me the freedom of movement. They do the job pretty well, especially when I can ride to class and go straight in, although riding home in soaking knicks in winter really wasn’t that enjoyable. I also get some strange looks as bike knicks can be pretty lairy!

So I’m on the search for yoga wear to give me freedom of movement, is light, easily washable, looks decent and will last the distance.

Before the comments start, NO I will not do the rabbit in the Borat mankini!

Is there a superior product on the market for us yogis? Stay tuned and I’ll see what I can find…