Yoga
Is an Exercise Mat the same as a Yoga Mat?
We normally get confused while buying a yoga mat that is an Exercise Mat the same as a Yoga Mat. Usually, mats look the same to a new person or beginner but in reality, a fitness or workout exercise mat has huge differences from a yoga mat in functionality and usage.
As per studies, a normal human (who is not suffering from diseases) requires at least half an hour of exercise daily to remain in shape and healthy. A healthy body has a healthy mind are crucial for success.
Various exercises are normally practiced for different purposes like yoga for mental and physical health along with inner peace. To achieve the goals, we require some equipment and the mats are one of them.
Is the mat necessary for exercise?
No matter which type of exercises you are performing like yoga, pilates, weight loss, etc the reality is the mats help us a lot with grip and protection which is required to perform well. Especially, if you are performing yoga, you need a non-slippery surface with a proper thickness level for cushioning and joint protection.
Secondly, the type of material through which the mat is built also matters a lot for a healthy environment. Apart from that, mats save us from direct contact with the floor which is necessary to stay safe from heat, coldness, or harsh weather. So, that’s why mats are necessary during exercises.
Workout / Exercise Mat vs Yoga Mat
Yoga Mat
A yoga mat is specially designed for yoga exercises with extra support and cushioning. Non-slip with a good level of grip to stay safe while performing yoga. Apart from this, a specific level of thickness for different purposes is crucial such as a high thickness level for those who are suffering from joint or knee pains and a low thickness level for travelers. So, thickness level provides a comfort level with yoga exercises.
Workout / Exercise Mat
Whereas, exercise mats are designed to support and protect the body during exercises. Exercise mats are built with thin material with a low thickness level which is why they are usually flat as compared to yoga mats. Because in a normal exercise, we don’t require much cushioning. On the other hand, yoga mats have a higher density level whereas normal workout/exercise mats are not much dense.
Can You Use An Exercise Mat for Yoga?
This is not preferable to use an exercise mat for yoga because both have a huge amount of differences. So, you should use the different mats for both.i
Is a Pilates mat the same as a Yoga Mat?
Pilates mat and yoga mat both have a lot of similarities but still, they are different.
Pilates Mat vs Yoga mat
First of all, if I talk about mat’s thickness level, pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats because we require extra protection to our joints during high-impact movements. Usually, a pilates mat is thicker between 10mm to 15mm.
Material: In the same way, If I talk about the material, the pilates mat is built with softer and more padded material whereas a yoga mat is usually built with more grippy material for better traction during performance.
Texture: yoga mats have different textures that increase the griping level whereas pilates mats have bit smooth surfaces.
Size: Both mats are different in size concerning the poses or exercises. A pilates mat size between 185cm x 60cm whereas a normal yoga mat comes in 180cm x 60cm.
Hot Yoga Mat vs Regular Yoga Mat
The main differences between a Hot Yoga Mat vs Regular Yoga Mat are:
Support & Thickness: A hot yoga mat is thicker as in hot yoga we need more support and cushioning. Normally a hot Yoga mat is around 5mm to 6mm thick and a normal recommended mat that can easily carry during transport is around 3mm to 4mm.
Grip: a regular yoga mat is less grippy as compared to a hot yoga mat.
Material: A hot yoga mat is usually built with material that has quick-drying properties to manage moisture during exercise.
Final Words
This is not recommended to use the same mat for different exercises. Always use the mat as per your exercise means if you are doing hot yoga, you should buy a mat built for hot yoga and the same for other exercises i.e pilates, etc.
Finalize your requirements before buying any mat then you have to choose a perfect one that fulfills your needs.
Anyway, I have tried to explain today’s question Is an Exercise Mat the same as a Yoga Mat? Share your thoughts in our comments section.
Health
Does Yoga Help with Digestion?
Does Yoga Help with Digestion: Yoga has been practiced for several years due to its numerous physical and mental advantages. A few people use Yoga for inner peace and few of them want to get some physical advantages like digestion. Yoga has a great impact on our digestive system.
Regular Yoga does not only tone up the muscles of your specific body part but also stimulates its growth by improving blood circulation. For example, if you are practicing regular face yoga it will not only improve your sagging skin but also tone up the muscles and as a result, we can reduce our aging factor.
In the same way, practicing yoga regularly will strengthen your abdomen muscles and even stimulate the organs (including the stomach, liver, etc) of the digestive system.
Apart from that yoga is the best therapy against stress which is also a positive sign for digestion.
How Yoga Benefits Digestion
Blood Circulation:
All of us know that yoga exercises increase blood circulation in the body so in this way, we can increase blood flow in certain areas of our body. By this, digestive organs get the fresh oxygen that is necessary for organ development.
Reduced Stress:
Studies show that if you are under stress, your digestion can be affected by it. So, we can release our stress and relax through yoga and in this way, we also get a positive impact on over-digestion.
Digestive Organs:
Through different poses twists or types of bending, we can easily increase the blood circulation in abdominal muscles to improve their productivity or functionality. These poses increase blood flow and improve the efficiency of organs.
Does Yoga Help with Constipation?
Yes. As yoga has a great impact on abdominal muscles it can also fix constipation. Stress, dehydration junk food, or poor diet are mainly the cause of constipation.
How Yoga Helps Relieve Constipation
Digestive Tract:
If we can increase the blood flow of our digestive tract definitely, we can cure digestion or constipation issues and a good thing is we can do it with yoga because it increases the blood flow to tone up the muscles.
Promoting Relaxation:
Stress or dehydration is a common reason behind constipation if you are not eating junk food or a bad diet so yoga’s relaxation techniques can give us relief from it.
Increasing Circulation:
We can fix our constipation issue through yoga as yoga increases the blood circulation in our body. So the specific poses that have an impact on our abdominal area can reduce our constipation.
Which Yoga Is Best for Digestion?
Let’s take a look at some of the best yoga to treat the digestion or constipation issue:
Hatha Yoga:
Numerous exercises contain Hatha yoga which works with digestion. Hatha yoga belongs to breath control.
Vinyasa Yoga:
Moving from one style to another style in Vinyasa yoga, is a good option to improve blood circulation in our abdominal area and improve the functionality of the digestive system.
Yin Yoga:
Concentration on long-hold styles in Yin Yoga is also a good choice to stretch our connective tissues to get the required results.
Restorative Yoga:
Concentrate on deep stretching to release stress. We release our stress or anxiety which is highly beneficial for the digestive process.
Let’s discuss some of the best yoga poses regarding the question Does Yoga Help with Digestion?
Best Yoga Poses for Digestion
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
Stretching spine and abdominal organs in this yoga pose. Using this pose we improve our digestive organ’s functionality and get also relief from constipation.
How to do it: Simply stretch your legs and sit on them then bend your arms and your upper body towards your feet and try to hold your feet or ankles. Stay hold for a few minutes or breath in the same pose.
Wind-Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana)
You can easily guess the benefits of this pose by its name Wind Relieving Post that is releasing gas from our abdominal area.
How to do it: After lying down bend your knees towards your chest. Hold for a few seconds to minutes and do the same for the other knee.
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
How to do it:
- Put your knees on the floor
- Bend your abdominal area down
- Lift-up your chest
- After a few seconds, move your abdominal area upwards
You will hold your knees on the floor after that you will start bending your lower back down and at the same time, you will lift the chest upwards, after a few couple of seconds move your lower back upwards when you are exhaling the breath.
Twisted Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)
How to do it: To do this stand straight and relax on your feet and then start bending your knees as normally we are sitting in a chair after this process start turning your hands to prayer form along with it turn your upper body to a side and place your elbow to the opposite knee.
Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
How to do it: After lying down on the floor expand your left arm to the left side and right arm to the right side then bend one of your knees and twist it on the other leg.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
How to do it: To do this lie down on your stomach on the floor with straight legs now place your both hands right under your shoulder point now start lifting your chest upward from the floor politely. Hold the position for a few breaths.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
How to do it: Simply put your hands on the floor and sit back on your heels now expand your arms and hands forward. Hold the position for a few breaths. In this way, we put pressure on our abdominal organs to stimulate their functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Drink Water After Yoga?
Yes, but don’t take too much water otherwise it will create different problems for you like it will interfere with your digestion processes. If you take a limited amount of water it helps you to reduce dehydration in your body after yoga, as we normally sweat a lot in some certain poses. So, a small amount of water or sips are a good option especially when you are taking a bit warmth water.
How Long After Yoga Can I Eat?
You can take your meal for at least half an hour to an hour. This is ideal to wait for an hour. This thing will allow the body back to a resting state which leads to a better digestion of your food. Your body requires some time to turn it back or a normal functioning situation before eating.
Conclusion
Does Yoga Help with Digestion? Yes, Yoga is a very powerful exercise that can not only improve your digestion but also eradicate or fix your constipation issue. Only consistency is required. If you are not suffering from digestion or constipation issues you can use yoga to eliminate the stress or anxiety to live happy and healthy.
Stay happy and healthy and share your thoughts regarding Does Yoga Help with Digestion in our comments section.
Accessories
Are Leggings Still in Style in 2024?
The answer to the question are Leggings Still in Style in 2024 is Yes as none of the signs are appearing of its slowing down. Leggings are widely used not only as an activewear outfit but also as a causal due to their Versatility and comfortability.
Designers introduced a lot of new designs materials and different patterns in leggings to cater to the tastes and lifestyles of leggings lovers. A wide range of leggings are available in the market from very basic to bold prints in different fabrics. So, the leggings are still a key factor in the fashion world.
From different types of leggings High-waisted leggings are more popular than others in the market due to their comfort level and flattering fit. It is a versatile option whether you are using it for yoga or other workouts, lounging and jogging, etc.
Are Shiny Leggings Still in Fashion?
The shortest answer is Yes shiny leggings are still in style. Metallic Material and Faux Leather leggings with a bold edge turn a classic legging into a most fashioned outfit.
Shiny leggings are normally paired with oversized sweaters or jackets by girls or women. Few women also prefer to wear metallic legging in different tones especially in gold and silver to increase the daring style and also count as an ideal for making a statement.
Best Tummy Control Leggings UK
Are the leggings still in style? After the shiny high-waisted leggings, another popular type of leggings among people is Tummy control leggings due to several reasons like the flattering fit and a supportive design. Let’s take a look at some of the top picks and best tummy control leggings in the UK:
Sweaty Betty Power Leggings
These leggings are high in demand due to their sculpting fit and supportive waistband. You can use it as activewear even during intense workouts and also as casual wear.
Lululemon Align Leggings
Lululemon is the biggest brand in yoga accessories also offering Align leggings. These leggings are light in weight and highly liked by women due to their buttery-soft feel and flexibility. Lululemon Align Leggings are a perfect option for lounging and yoga. We feel comfortable during exercise due to the high-waisted tummy control feature.
Gymshark Flex Leggings
Gymshark’s Flex Leggings are well known due to their compressive fit and perfect design, so it’s also good. We feel comfortable with its high-rise waistband that looks good tummy and ease of movement due to its soft, seamless fabric in the gym or yoga studio.
Nike One Luxe Leggings
All of us already know Nike’s quality so the Nike One Luxe Leggings are a perfect choice not only for casual wear but also as activewear due to their soft flexible and tummy control features.
What Are Yoga Pants?
As the name shows these pants are designated for practicing Yoga and are an excellent option for a wide range of events like exercising, lounging and even as casual wear. Yoga pants are easily breathable and made with stretchy fabrics to provide maximum comfort level during yoga.
During the random movements of yoga, we required a pant that should be high in the waist, so the pants can stay in place. This feature makes it ideal for yogis because it provides full comfort and coverage during twits stretching and posing.
Yoga Pants vs. Leggings
A question normally asked by people that Are leggings and yoga pants the same? Let’s try to go deep to see the differences and similarities in the Yoga pants vs. leggings:
Material
As we have to perform different poses and twists during yoga, yoga pants are normally made with thick material to increase their durability whereas, on the other hand, normal Leggings are made with lighter and more flexible materials such as nylon or polyester.
Design and Fit
If I talk about fitting, most yoga pants come in different styles like straight-leg, flared and bootcut whereas leggings are sculpting fit. Secondly, yoga pants are high in the waist because we have to ensure that the pants will not slip down during yoga and this thing is not necessary in leggings.
Purpose
Yoga pants and leggings both are used for different purposes. So, they are also designed to keep in mind their purpose for example the main thing in Yoga pants, is their flexibility, comfortability as well as full coverage for yoga and Pilates-type exercises.
Are Leggings and Yoga Pants the Same?
The answer is No. A normal question comes into our mind that is WHY? And its simplest answer is the usage. Yoga pants are designated to fulfill the needs of random movements during yoga or other workouts whereas leggings are used for different purposes. Both have also some similarities like both are a comfortable and snug fit but for different purposes.
Best Yoga Leggings UK
Let’s take a look at some of the best yoga leggings in the UK that must be comfortable, stretchable, and durable:
Lululemon Wunder Under Leggings
Lululemon Wunder Under leggings are designated with a fabric that is sweat-wicking, which means we feel comfortable during intense exercise or hot yoga in which we sweat a lot and maybe this is the reason behind its popularity. These are supportive and comfortable along with a high-rise waistband offering great tummy control and the leggings remain in their place during yoga sessions.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Leggings
Those who are going to practice hot yoga or intense exercises prefer these Leggings due to their sweat-wicking fabric and comfort. These leggings are cost-effective and are still in demand.
Fabletics Define High-Waisted Leggings
Fabletics leggings are made with intense exercise or a yoga point of view, the brand is also famous among yogis due to its affordability and wide range. These leggings are high in the waist as usual and built with stretchy material to fulfill the needs of yoga.
How Do You Wear Leggings?
Choose a nice pair of color combinations that fits your personality and comfortably. Leggings can be worn in various ways and purposes so let’s take a look a little deeper
Casual Look
If you want to wear your leggings as a casual you can pair them with an oversized sweater or hoodie for a relaxing feel and a better look. You can wear some sneakers with it. This outfit will give you a perfect outlook for running or lounging at home.
Layered Looks
If you want to make a layer look with Leggings, you can wear your leggings with a long coat. Just put it on under the coat along with a jacket combo and knee-high boots. This outfit combination will give you a cozy winter look.
Workout Ready
During the workouts we sweat a lot, so you can make a pair of your leggings with a moisture-wicking sports bra.
Conclusion
Both the items yoga pants and leggings are still in style in 2024 due to their usage comfort and versatility. A wide range of options are available in leggings such as tummy control leggings, shiny styles and a lot more, and are still in use for different purposes like activewear and casual wear. A few people also buy such leggings that can be used for workouts and casual wear and this is possible, you just have to pay attention to its material and high waist with stretching features.
Stay in touch and keep happy and healthy and share your thoughts regarding are Leggings Still in Style in 2024 in our comments section.
Health
Face Yoga vs. Botox: A Guide to Anti-Aging Techniques
Face Yoga vs. Botox: All of us, want to be young with the age which is not easy to achieve. People do a lot of activities such as a perfect diet, regular exercises like face yoga, consumption of different creams and serums, and even advanced medical treatments like Botox injections.
Face yoga & Botox injections are gaining popularity these days to prevent aging factors. Today we will discuss a detailed comparison between face yoga vs Botox along with their advantages and disadvantages.
So let’s move on to exploring
What is Face Yoga?
It is a bunch of exercises from yoga that are designed to stimulate the facial muscles by increasing blood circulation and enhancing collagen production to prevent wrinkles and aging factors from our face. This is a natural way to maintain the aging factor instead of different surgeries injections or other types of medical dangerous treatments.
What is Botox?
Botox is an advanced medical treatment in which a doctor injects botulinum toxin into specific parts of our face to prevent aging factors. Through this process, we relax the muscles for a specific time (3 to 6 months) causing wrinkles. In this way, we can delay our aging factors. Botox is an FDA-approved medical procedure and maybe this will be a reason for its popularity among people to temporarily reduce aging or wrinkles.
Is Face Yoga Really Effective?
Nowadays, Yoga Expert’s debates are going on the impact of face yoga on aging. A few studies show that face yoga helps to tone up the facial muscles and improve the elasticity of skin but scientific research is limited on this matter.
Studies
In 2018, a study was published by the journal JAMA Dermatology that shows regular face yoga exercises for 4 months have a great impact like fuller cheeks and a younger appearance. All the participants performed face yoga daily for 30 minutes for over 4 months and most of them were satisfied with the results. But the bad thing is the study was small and tested on a small number of people that’s why it is difficult to finalize the same results for a wider population.
As per face yoga lovers, face yoga not only strengthens the muscles but also increases blood circulation as well as promotes collagen production. This thing will not only reduce the impact of aging but also enhance your appearance. So,
Does Face Yoga Actually Work?
The answer will be Yes, but keep in mind, that you can achieve these results slowly and gradually. As compared to Botox medical treatment. You can see the changes in your face within a few days through this treatment.
Face yoga is an option for those who are searching for a natural process and long-term results. It can help to reduce wrinkles or skin sagging but keep in mind, it will not work for severe aging. Secondly, you will not get results within a few couple of days as in Botox as well and you need to be consistent in your exercises in face yoga.
What is the Best Time to Do Face Yoga?
The answer to this question depends on your routine or lifestyle but I think the best time for face yoga is in the early morning or before going to bed.
Morning:
As we are normally fresh in the morning so practicing at this time can help to promote blog circulation in facial muscles a bit quicker and you will feel fresh and energized during the day ahead.
Before Bed:
After the hectic routine of a full day, practicing face yoga at night relaxes our facial tension and we get a healthier sleep at night.
After Skincare Routine:
A few people also prefer to perform the exercise after using their skin care products. That’s also a good option because, in this way, your skincare products can easily penetrate your skin more deeply and easily.
So, the best time depends on your lifestyle or routine. You should perform face yoga at least 20-30 minutes a day and at least 4-5 days a week.
Can Face Yoga Make You Look Younger?
Yes, it will help a lot to look younger for a limited time. And it works by improving blood circulation and collagen in facial muscles. It’s a slow long-term and gradual process.
Face Yoga Pros and Cons
Pros of Face Yoga:
Reduced Fine Lines:
Fine lines or small wrinkles can be reduced through face yoga regularly.
Improved Muscle & its Elasticity:
As we improve the blood circulation in our face it strengthens our facial muscles and improves elasticity which reduces the muscle’s sagging and as a result, we look younger than our age.
Natural Approach:
It’s a 100% natural process that we use to improve our appearance. We are not going to take any medical procedure with chemicals and surgical equipment.
Cost-Effective:
We are not going to use any expensive medical treatment so it’s a cost-effective process. You just have to invest your time and consistency unlike Botox or cosmetic surgery.
Cons of Face Yoga:
Time-Consuming:
As it’s a natural process, it takes time to show their results. So, we need to have patience.
Limited Scientific Evidence:
The scientific research and studies are limited in this case. A few studies are available.
Results Vary:
The results of Face yoga may vary depending on the routine lifestyle and the deficiencies of our body. It might be possible that someone requires more time to show results due to severe sagging or wrinkles.
Difference Between Face Yoga and Botox
In short words, face yoga is a natural process to reduce wrinkles and aging factors from our face, a long-term and time-consuming process and the results can also vary for all of us whereas if I talk about Botox, it’s a quick medical treatment in which dermatologist use different chemicals needles and surgical equipment during the process that can be harmful.
You can see results within a few couple of days and for a limited time.
Botox Injection Benefits
Immediate Results:
As I said earlier in the article that is a medical procedure so the results are quicker than the natural process.
Effective for Deep Wrinkles:
Face yoga is not very effective for deep wrinkles. Severe wrinkles can be moderated by the Botox process.
Temporary Commitment:
The results are for a limited time of 3 to 6 months but the good thing is you can repeat the process which gives us control over the treatment.
Conclusion: Which is Right for You?
The simplest answer to this question is it’s your choice. If you can be consistent and want long-term natural results you can move towards face yoga otherwise Botox option is also available for you.
Secondly, if you have deep wrinkles then I think Botox is the only option for you because face yoga will not help a lot in case of deep wrinkles.
So, both techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. We have compiled them all and mentioned them above in the article Face Yoga vs. Botox. You can read them and choose an option that fits for you.
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