Fitness

Yoga mats under 500: Affordable picks for beginners – Times of India

Published

2 years ago

May 13, 2023

Yoga has gained tremendous popularity in recent years due to its numerous physical and mental health benefits. Whether you are an experienced yogi or a beginner looking to begin your yoga journey, a quality yoga mat is essential. A yoga mat provides stability, support, and cushioning during practice, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. However, finding an affordable yoga mat that doesn’t compromise on quality can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of yoga mats under 500 that are perfect for beginners. In this article, you will learn about some of the best affordable yoga mats on the market that are suitable for beginners. From eco-friendly options to mats that offer extra cushioning, this article has covered a range of yoga mats that fit within a reasonable budget. We understand that as a beginner, you may not be ready to spend a fortune on a yoga mat, but it’s also important to have a reliable and durable mat to support your practice. We’ve taken into account factors like grip, durability, material, and price to create a comprehensive list of yoga mats under 500.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the affordable yoga mat options under 500 that are available to you online and be able to make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.
Here’s a list of some of the best yoga mats under 500 available online:

Boldfit Yoga Mats

The Boldfit yoga mat under 500 is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a versatile and durable yoga mat. This yoga mat is suitable for women, men, and children and can be used for a range of exercises, including yoga, Pilates, and other home workouts. The non-slip surface provides excellent traction and stability, so you can hold your poses without worrying about slipping. Made from high-quality materials, the mat is thick and padded, providing ample support and comfort for your joints. It is easy to clean and store, so it can be used both in the gym and at home. Choose from a range of colors and patterns to find the perfect Boldfit Yoga Mat for your practice.

Serenity Everyday Yoga Mat

For those who are looking for a high-quality yoga mat that is not too expensive, the Serenity Everyday Yoga Mat under 500 is the ideal choice. This mat provides a cozy and safe surface for your yoga practice, as it is made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials. The thick material provides ample cushioning for your joints, while the textured, non-slip surface ensures stability and grip. This yoga mat is ideal for use in studios and at home because it is lightweight and portable. Available in a variety of bright colors, the Serenity Everyday Yoga Mat is a fantastic value for both new and experienced yogis.

Vifitkit 4mm Anti-Skid EVA+TPE Yoga Mat

If you are looking for a sturdy and adaptable yoga mat, you should consider the Vifitkit Yoga Mat. This yoga mat under 500 provides a comfortable and safe surface for your exercises, as it is made from a blend of EVA and TPE. You can easily hold your poses thanks to the textured, non-slip surface that provides a firm grip. The mat is lightweight, water-resistant, and folds easily, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The included carrying bag also makes it easy to store and transport. The Vifitkit yoga mat under 500 is an affordable and useful solution for anyone looking to improve their yoga practice and is available in a variety of colors.

Lifelong LLYM93 Yoga mat

The LLYM93 yoga mat under 500 from Lifelong is designed to enhance your workout experience with its excellent features. Made of high-quality EVA material, this 4mm thick mat provides optimal cushioning and support for your joints. The sea blue color adds a refreshing touch to your yoga practice. The non-slip surface offers a firm grip and provides stability during various exercises. The lightweight and portable mat is easy to carry and store. Whether you are a woman or a man, this yoga mat from Lifelong is a reliable choice for your workout at the gym, your yoga classes, or other fitness activities.

Amazon Brand – Symactive 4mm Anti-Skid Yoga Mat

An excellent choice that combines usefulness and practicality is the Amazon Brand – Symactive Yoga Mat. This 4mm thick LDPE mat under 500 provides great cushioning and support for your yoga practice. The non-slip surface ensures a firm grip and prevents slipping during postures. Its light weight makes it easy to transport, and its water and stain-resistant properties ensure durability and easy maintenance. The included carrying bag allows for storage and transportation. The Amazon Brand – Symactive yoga mat is an excellent option for your yoga exercises, both indoors and outdoors, thanks to its appealing blue color.

OJS Yoga Mats for Women & Men

OJS yoga mat is the ideal partner for indoor and outdoor workouts. This yoga mat under 500, comes in 4mm and 6mm thickness and offers the best support and comfort for both men and women. They provide excellent cushioning and ensure a firm grip thanks to their non-slip properties, as they are made of high-quality EVA material. The included carrying bag makes it easy to transport and store the mat. These OJS yoga mats are not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing thanks to their sleek gray color. Designed to enhance your yoga practice, they are an example of fine Indian craftsmanship.

Yogarise 4mm Anti-Skid Yoga Mat with Carry Bag

For your yoga and fitness exercises, the Yogarise yoga mat under 500 is a reliable and adaptable choice. The 4 mm thick mat offers the ideal combination of comfort and sturdiness. You can focus on your poses without worrying about slipping, as the non-slip surface ensures a secure grip. This waterproof mat is suitable for various situations and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Its lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry and store. The Yogarise yoga mat is a sturdy and useful option that will enhance your practice whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner.

Fitness Mantra EVA Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap

The Fitness Mantra EVA Yoga Mat under 500 is a comfortable and adaptable option for both yoga poses and gym sessions. The mat offers excellent joint support and cushioning with a thickness of 6 mm. You can fully concentrate on your poses as the non-slip surface ensures stability during your exercises. Thanks to the included carrying strap, the mat is easy to transport and store. The vibrant blue color makes your workout routine even more fashionable. The Mantra EVA Yoga Mat under 500 is a reliable partner that will enhance your overall exercise experience, whether you are a man or a woman.
DISCLAIMER: The Times of India’s journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change with offers given by Amazon.

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Fitness

Lower your blood pressure by swapping just a few minutes of sitting for exercise

Published

2 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Press Room

Lower your blood pressure by swapping just a few minutes of sitting for exercise

Adding short bursts of exercise to your daily routine, such as cycling to the shops for 15 minutes or taking the stairs, lowers blood pressure, a study has found.

Increasing exercise habits – instead of say, watching a bit more TV or extending a snooze – is good for the heart, researchers said.

However, they warned that people may need to do more than simple walking to really see changes.

Published in the scientific journal Circulation, the study emphasised that everyday activities that raise the heart rate, such as cycling, climbing stairs or short bursts of running, have the biggest benefits.

Led by scientists from University College London (UCL) in Britain and the University of Sydney in Australia, the research looked at data for 14,761 people who wore activity trackers for 24 hours in a bid to explore the relationship between daily movement and blood pressure.

On average over the 24 hours, people spent around seven hours asleep, 10 hours in sedentary behaviour such as sitting, three hours standing, one hour slow walking, one hour fast walking, and 16 minutes taking exercise that increased their heart rate, such as running and cycling.

The study found that an extra five minutes of exercise that raises the heart rate, such as stair-climbing, running or cycling – in exchange of any of the other behaviours – could lower systolic blood pressure by 0.68 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure by 0.54mmHg.

Systolic is the “top number” in a blood pressure reading and represents pressure when the heart pushes blood out around the body.

Diastolic is the “bottom number” and is the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

At a population level, a 2mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure and a 1mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure is equivalent to an approximately 10% reduction in the risk of heart disease, the researchers said.

To achieve such clinically meaningful improvements, people would need to reallocate 20-27 minutes from other behaviours to proper exercise for the top number, and 10-15 minutes for the bottom number, the study found.

For example, with systolic blood pressure, swapping 21 minutes of sedentary time, 22 minutes of standing or 26 minutes of slow walking for exercise such as cycling or jogging, would have this effect.

For diastolic blood pressure, the benefits would arise from swapping 10 minutes of fast walking, 11 minutes of sedentary time or 13 minutes of sleeping for proper exercise.

Study first author and UCL Department of Targeted Intervention senior research fellow Dr Jo Blodgett said: “Our findings suggest that, for most people, exercise is key to reducing blood pressure, rather than less strenuous forms of movement such as walking.

“The good news is that, whatever your physical ability, it doesn’t take long to have a positive effect on blood pressure.

“What’s unique about our exercise variable is that it includes all exercise-like activities, from climbing the stairs to a short cycling errand – many of which can be integrated into daily routines.

“For those who don’t do a lot of exercise, walking did still have some positive benefits for blood pressure.

“But if you want to change your blood pressure, putting more demand on the cardiovascular system through exercise will have the greatest effect.”

Consistently high blood pressure is one of the biggest causes of premature death globally and can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney damage.

The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation.

Its chief scientific officer Professor Dr Bryan Williams said: “We know that exercise can have real benefits for your cardiovascular health and also helps to lower blood pressure.

“We recommend doing 150 minutes of physical activity each week, and this interesting study shows that incorporating just a few extra minutes of physical activity each day could help further lower your blood pressure, albeit by a modest amount.

“Anything that gets your heart rate up can help.

“Incorporating short bursts of activity, such as walking while taking phone calls or setting an alarm to get up and move around every hour, are great ways to start building activity into your day.

“These small changes will help get you in the habit of living a healthier, more active lifestyle.” – By Jane Kirby/PA Media/dpa

Fitness

Men over 50 told 3 exercises to improve fitness – 'it builds and maintains muscles'

Published

9 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Press Room

Men over 50 told 3 exercises to improve fitness – 'it builds and maintains muscles'

There is no secret to the physical and mental benefits that exercise and staying active can bring to people.

For older men, the importance of this becomes critical and for at least 10 minutes a day, men should be doing an activity which moves their body such as going for a walk.

However despite it being crucial for men to keep active, many are unsure as to where to start.

Liam Grimley, a personal trainer with over 20 years of experience, spoke to GB News and shared his three best physical activities for men.

Liam Grimley is a personal trainer with over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry

432 Fitness

Resistance Training

The expert said: “Lifting weights builds and maintains muscles [which helps] protect against injuries.” He added that it also benefits men’s self-esteem and confidence.

Walking

What may seem like an obvious one can go unnoticed. Liam recommended 15 to 45 minutes a day to provide a powerful health boost.

Yoga/dance/tai chi classes

The PT said these classes are great “for stability and agility” which helps men with posture and reduces the risk of falls or problems with major joints. The classes have a great social element too with communities attached to them.

Alternatively for men, Liam provided suggestions for some sports they could participate in if they wanted another option.

Boxing

The expert said: “You don’t have to fight or even spar, the training is amazing for all-round fitness. It works all your body, improves strength and endurance and boxing clubs tend to centre around positive culture of respect and self-improvement.”

Padel

Originating from Spain, this sport is one of the fastest growing in the UK. The expert said it is excellent for: “Hand-eye coordination, decision making and multidirectional fitness.” He suggested trying out the sport for the social side and the enjoyment it provides.

Ballroom Dancing

Liam said: “Dance in almost any form is guaranteed to strengthen the entire body, boost your balance and give you stamina and agility in equal measure. You will tone and challenge your brain and body and meet new people.”

Personal Trainer Liam performing a squat

Resistance training is great for men over 50

432 Fitness

Liam also recommended retaining a healthy lifestyle and taking care of your mental health.

He said: “Prioritise seven to nine hours worth of sleep a night to maintain your mental and cognitive health. You’ll feel amazing and massively cut your risk of dementia.

“Cut your risk of diabetes and heart disease by cleaning up your diet. Minimise ultra-processed foods, eat lots of vegetables and prioritise protein in your diet.”

The expert advised those who are too busy to commit to a sport or an activity to spend 10 minutes a day walking with a 7lb backpack which will strengthen your muscles and improve your endurance.

Fitness

Jonathan Daviss Trains With Big Weights to Get ‘Outer Banks’ Ripped

Published

17 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Press Room

Jonathan Daviss Trains With Big Weights to Get ‘Outer Banks’ Ripped

JONATHAN DAVISS IS not the type of guy to go light. When he showed up to the MH Fitness Hub to show off his workout, he didn’t need to stack weight plates on the bar to recreate a working set of back squats. But the 24-year-old star of Netflix’s hit Outer Banks series—who introduced himself simply as JD on camera—didn’t even think about slacking, even though he was only demonstrating his routine. He threw 315 pounds on the barbell, stepped up to the rack, and repped out his set.

That willingness to load up the weight might just be because he has a different mindset than the norm. “I’m one of the weird ones,” Daviss said. “I actually prefer doing legs over arms.” He called out squats, hang cleans, power cleans, or deadlifts as his favorite exercise, depending on the day—all major movements that will build up leg strength and power—mostly because he knows he can use heavy weights for those movements.

Daviss has built a workout with trainer Rhys Athayde that allows him to push big weights while also prepping him for his Outer Banks role as Pope Heyward—who, as the pair joked, has his shirt off for a lot of the series. The combination of heavyweight lifts, jumps, and dedicated core work help him to look the part. It also helps that the actor has an athletic background: He played two years of varsity football in Texas, and he credits his training knowledge on that experience.

Check out Daviss’s workout, which challenges the actor to harness his power and strength to build up his body for Outer Banks.