A 1:20 minute video about Reading Village’s hand-made yoga bags, who makes them, and the kids they benefit in Guatemala.

Back injuries prevent me from doing a lot of the poses. I can’t even do one push up. I’m 300 pounds overweight and suffer a lot of back and joint pain.

I can’t even do the child’s pose properly.

But I want to do yoga, and I’m so confused about the information out there.

Do I *really* need a mat? Do I *really* need those yoga blocks, and do I *really* need a yoga strap?

I’m not flexible or fit enough take a class. Besides- I feel stupid not being able to do half the stuff the rest of the class can. Last time I even tried to attempt downward facing dog I had a back cramp for a almost a week!

But like I said, I really want to do yoga, and start. But I’m overwhelmed with all the info out there and am clueless about where to start.

I’ve had people tell me I need yoga pants and a yoga top before I start yoga, but HA! No store sells them in my size-I need at least a 6x, and the stores only sell yoga pants/shirts up to a Large. 1 x if I’m lucky.

And straps, mats and blocks!!! I’ve been told I need them, and been told I don’t. My head is spinning. Do I start off with a book? Do I start off with a video?

Do I need a mat, a block and/or a strap? Will it help? Will it not help? And what are some good books and videos for someone who’s wanting to do yoga but is fat, overweight and has chronic pain issues that can’t even touch their knees, much less their toes?

Thanks!!

Yoga Paws, the yoga mat you wear. www.yogapaws.com Non-slip solution for a travel size yoga mat. Sweat absorbent liner, also made with TPE and natural rubber yoga mat material. So you don’t slip on your yoga mat or during yoga class. Great for Bikram yoga, heated yoga, or vacation yoga retreats. Find them in you local yoga studio. Great gift for all and kids sizes now available!

Yoga Paws, the yoga mat you wear. www.yogapaws.com Non-slip solution for a travel size yoga mat. Sweat absorbent liner, also made with TPE and natural rubber yoga mat material. So you don’t slip on your yoga mat or during yoga class. Great for Bikram yoga, heated yoga, or vacation yoga retreats. Find them in your local yoga studio. Great gift for all and kids sizes now available!

I was thinking about another one from Gaiam….just kidding….I’m ready to switch brands. What do you suggest?

Well last night my 2 yr old wanted to go see Gramma who was working out in her gym. When we got there, she was doing a yoga video. I tried to get my son to do it with me and Gramma and he was shy. I told him he could stay and watch her as long as he behaved.

I didn’t hear from my mother or my 2 yr old so I figured either he was totally behaving (??) or he was getting Gramma to be a pushover. Well my mother came in the house about 20 mins later and said that my 2 yr old was doing yoga WITH her. He took off his shoes, his socks, he used her yoga mat! And he was watching the TV trying to do the motions/exercises with her.

I found it hilarious but I also think it’s awesome!!

I know there are “Mommy and Me” classes out there but I’ve never done yoga myself nor brought my toddler into it.

Has anyone tried yoga with their toddlers? If so, how did it go??

www.yogawell.org kids yoga mats – a must

Balancing the mind and body isn’t just for grown ups, kids can join in the fun too at the Civic Center’s monthly Family Yoga classes. Certifies yoga instructor Jenn Cohen leads families through easy-to-follow moves that increase flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. From 10:00 am to 10:30 am on the third Saturday of the month, it’s just a family and mats are provided. Call instructor Jenn Cohen at (561) 309-4543 for more information.

Yoga school for blind and deaf orphans. Karur, Tamil Nadu, India 2006.

Thick and thin exercise mats are used for different activities, as thinner mats are best for yoga and stretching, while thicker mats are ideal for sit-ups and floor exercises. Use the appropriate exercise mat with advice from an AFAA-certified personal trainer in this free video on workouts.