French Yoga Community

The yoga towel is very useful! Thin and light , you will have no trouble taking it with you, especially when you travel. Used in the practice of yoga for its non-slip qualities, it generally measures 172 cm in length and 60 cm in width.

What is the yoga towel used for?

The yoga mat towel has three main functions:

• It is an anti-slip for people who sweat from their hands during their yoga practice,
• It can be folded to serve as a knee cushion ,
• It helps keep your carpet clean .

It is essential that you do not slip on your mat, firstly to avoid injury, but also to hold your asana, in order to get all the benefits. Therefore, if you sweat, take a yoga towel with you.

This yoga towel is not a yoga accessory as such. What I mean by that is that it will not help you perform postures and it is not there to correct your position. However, this object will be especially useful to you so as not to slip on your mat if your hands sweat.

How to take care of your yoga towel?

Yoga towels have the advantage as a yoga accessory of being very easy to wash. A spin in the machine and it will come out all clean! You should still look carefully at the manufacturer's advice before washing.

Yoga towels available in the store

Yogitoes MANDUKA Yoga Mat Towel – €52

• Weight : 500 g
• Dimensions : 172 cm x 60 cm

This yoga accessory is made with 8 plastic bottles (50% of the fibers are recycled). That's 2/3 less energy to produce. You'll find 100% silicone spikes to keep the yoga towel in place on the floor or on a mat. Light, soft, hygienic and absorbent, its dye is guaranteed AZO-free, heavy metal-free and lead-free. Available in chakra, diamond, grace, groovy lorato, peacock, thunder and valor.

Discover yogitoes yoga towels

eQua MANDUKA Yoga Mat Towel – €41

• Weight : 450 g
• Dimensions : 183 cm x 67 cm

The Manduka yoga towel is suitable for most yoga mats. Its microfiber technology allows for better grip and more efficient absorption/evaporation of sweat. The fabric becomes more and more non-slip when wet. This yoga textile is ultra light with exceptional durability. It can be washed countless times. Available in midnight blue, magic, thunder and fushia.

Discover the eQua yoga towel

MANDUKA eQua Yoga Hand Towel – €19

• Weight : 200 g
• Dimensions : 41 cm x 67 cm

A perfect yoga mat towel for your face and hands. Its surface is made of optimal microfiber for grip and hygiene. In addition, this yoga accessory is very light and ultra strong. The latter withstands a large number of washes. Available in midnight blue, thunder gray and magic.

Discover the eQua hand towel

A perfectly adapted women's yoga outfit . Have you decided to start practicing yoga? Very good decision! However, are you lost in the jungle of women's yoga clothes ? I advise you to opt for the yoga bra and leggings which are basics. But, each yogi has the possibility of choosing their women's yoga outfit adapted to their needs and especially in order to be comfortable. In this article, we explain everything to you!

Various women's yoga tops according to needs

Among women's yoga clothes you will find bras, tank tops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, etc. The all-encompassing and covering yoga bra is ideal for supporting your chest, so it is essential. On top, you do not have to wear a t-shirt or tank top. In addition, adapt your women's yoga outfit to the environment in which you practice. In addition, choose yoga tops that have good breathability (cotton or bamboo material if possible organic), but also fitted, without being too tight, to avoid them bothering you.

Women's yoga bottoms that promote movement

Women's yoga clothing consists of the famous leggings, shorts and pants/jogging pants. I recommend yoga leggings with elastic at the waist. More fitted, they will allow you appreciable freedom of movement, because they are made partly of elastane. Be careful, however, not to wear women's yoga clothes that are too tight. In addition, with loose yoga pants , be aware that you will have difficulty seeing and correcting your postures. Also, you may be bothered by folds when performing certain asanas. Just like tops, yoga bottoms must be breathable to retain perspiration. In case of high heat, opt for suitable yoga shorts .

Discover all the women's yoga outfits in the Tayrona store.

Lola Mallein is a qualified teacher and trainer of yoga teachers in the Rhône-Alpes region.

She comes from a family where the transmission of yoga shaped what would become her vocation. Trained in a traditional practice and initiated into meditation by her mother from childhood, it was natural for her to open up to the world to pass on in turn what she had received, and thus awaken the love that abounds in each of us.

She then followed several studies in India with spiritual masters and then a complete training in Viniyoga with teachers of the lineage of Sri TKV Desikachar. Having made her life a permanent practice, she has been teaching yoga since the age of 21, and has been training future yoga teachers since 2012 in her training center: Sadhana Life Center

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today.

How did you get into taking care of yourself?

Time is as precious as gold, all our actions have an impact on the world and others. When we practice yoga or meditation daily and eat properly, we find peace. From then on, this peaceful state infuses our body and mind, we are happy, so the practice takes care of us.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I practice daily before sunrise. I connect to my spiritual master, to the Self, to the whole through thought, this happens as soon as I wake up.

What do you get out of it?

A connection to what is deepest, this inexhaustible source of love and joy that is present in us. This allows me to be fully present throughout the day, for my family, my students and for those around me.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

Little in the end, I only need to access my breath, everything is with and in us. I always carry with me a small photo frame of my spiritual master.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

I am a big fan of malas. They are excellent meditation aids. My mala allows me to stabilize my thoughts and connect to the heart at all times.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

Don't give too much importance to your negative thoughts, cultivate simplicity, contentment and of course, gradually install the practice of yoga in your daily life. From this effort, you will reap wonderful fruits and fully use your incredible potential.

Where/how do you practice?

I get up every morning at 5am for my personal practice (postures, breathing techniques and meditation). But the practice of yoga continues throughout the day, in our exchanges with our family, our friends, our daily relationships... Life is a practical experience. For the rest, I give about fifteen group yoga classes per week in Isère and regularly organize yoga or meditation courses all over France, mainly in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. I also receive at my home for individual consultations. Trained in yoga therapy, I offer personalized sessions according to the needs and specific orientations of the people. Each practitioner then leaves with their session designed to allow them to practice at home and at their own pace for a given time. And then there are also the yoga videos that I publish every week on my YouTube channel so that everyone can try yoga or extend their practice at home. Finally, I lead the yoga teacher training sessions for the Sadhana Life Center school, of which I am the main trainer. This training is structured around a complete program of 500 hours spread over 3 years. The school and the program are officially recognized by FFY and lead to an internationally recognized certification.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

For me everything is just Love so I would say: "Just Love"

You can find Lola on her personal website and on the website of her Training Center . And also on her social networks: Youtube , Facebook and Instagram .

Men's yoga clothing for a comfortable practice. More and more men are starting to practice yoga. Today, according to the National Federation of Yoga Teachers, they represent 30% of yogis. Yes, it is not a discipline reserved only for ladies! Just like women, gentlemen also have their share of yoga clothing . Even if there is less choice than for the opposite sex, in terms of the diversity of types of textile, choosing your men's yoga outfit can be just as difficult. Don't panic, we explain everything in this article.

Suitable and aesthetic men's yoga tops

Yoga tank tops and t-shirts are the men's yoga tops . I advise you to buy a yoga tank top , because you will have better freedom of movement. They are quite loose (without being too loose) while being breathable to retain perspiration, because they are made of cotton or bamboo. Instead, opt for organic textiles for an eco-responsible and ethical choice. In addition, prefer more elastic materials such as elastane. The little extra is that these men's yoga clothes can also be worn on a daily basis.

Very comfortable men's yoga bottoms

Among the men's yoga bottoms , discover yoga pants and shorts . The latter are more practical because they allow you to move more easily. But, it's up to you to adapt your yoga clothes to the indoor or outdoor temperature. Some clothes are more fitted than others. The advantage? The yoga teacher will be able to correct your postures more easily. However, even if they remain loose, they are suitable so as not to hinder the practice and encourage movement. Be careful, opt for elastic materials (such as spandex) in order to have better comfort and reproduce the asanas with greater ease. Also, choose quality men's yoga clothes to prevent them from tearing when performing certain postures.

Discover all our eco-responsible and quality men's yoga clothing .

Yoga clothes for a practice that lets go. Just as the floor mat is adapted to the discipline, yoga textiles are also suited to the performance of dynamic asanas. In addition, yoga clothes must meet a certain number of criteria allowing a more zen practice and to better enjoy the multiple benefits of yoga. In this article, you will discover the 6 criteria for choosing your yoga outfit .

Comfortable yoga clothes

What's worse than clothes that don't feel comfortable? This practice requires that you wear comfortable yoga clothing so that you can focus on your postures. Made partly of elastane or spandex, yoga clothing is perfectly suited to performing movements without being bothered. However, yoga textiles should not be too tight either. Loose or fitted, the choice is yours. Fitted, they allow a better overview of your asanas and they will bother you less.

A yoga outfit according to the season

I think you agree with me, you don't wear the same clothes in summer as in winter. Well, in yoga, it's the same! In winter, you prefer warmer yoga clothes : pants, jogging, leggings, sweatshirt, sweater, t-shirt, etc. In summer, it will be shorts, bra and yoga tank top .

Yoga clothes that don’t fear sweat

When practicing certain styles of yoga, especially hot yoga such as Bikram, it is not uncommon to sweat a lot. The solution to avoid discomfort? Breathable yoga outfits to stay dry. Some materials have the ability to retain perspiration such as bamboo and cotton, organic if possible.

Eco-friendly yoga clothing

More than a practice, yoga also conveys a whole philosophy of a more respectful life. Choosing eco-responsible and ethical organic yoga clothing means saving the environment, but also jobs.

Aesthetic yoga textiles

It is true that you practice yoga because you get several benefits from it, but you can combine utility with visual pleasure. Chic yoga outfits are always more pleasant to wear. Moreover, with the multitude of yoga clothing offers on the market, you can really create a unique style for yourself. From bright colors to real design, you can sometimes even put your original yoga clothes into your daily life. Also know that colors have an impact on your mood:

• Hot and dynamic yoga (like Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa or Ashtanga): prefer red or orange colors for bikram yoga clothing ,
• Gentle yoga (e.g. Hatha Yoga): opt for pastel colors,
• Kundalini Yoga: choose white (be careful, it gets dirtier).

Good value for money yoga outfits

Often when you start practicing yoga, you have all the equipment to buy, including yoga textiles . Depending on your budget and the regularity of the sessions, you do not choose the same yoga outfits . If you practice little, opt for cheap yoga clothes . However, if you take classes more regularly, I advise you to purchase more expensive clothes that are of better quality and durable. Are you looking for quality and eco-responsible yoga clothing ?

On the Tayronalife store you will find a wide selection of Manduka, Yoga Searcher, Ana Heart and Ohmme yoga clothing .

A journalist and author specializing in fitness and well-being, founder of the 100% female platform TrucsDeNana , and more recently of the LifeCoaching program on Messenger Objectif Super Nana, Justine is a fit-mum through and through.

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today.

How did you get into taking care of yourself?

I come from a family of sportswomen so I have always more or less taken care of myself. I have always practiced a sporting activity. As a child, classical dance, as a teenager, hip hop, then I got really into fitness… And now, I juggle between Pilates, Fit Ballet, without forgetting of course Yoga…

What practice for your well-being?

The practices listed above, I like to vary! The more I vary, the less I get bored, and the more harmonious and fit my figure is.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I like to practice in the morning by doing my sun salutations, on an empty stomach. My moment to myself. My moment of well-being. And go to the studio, once or twice a week, when I have time to improve my technique and vary the sessions.

What do you get out of it?

Well-being! And energy ;)

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

A soft and pretty outfit, an elastic band, a towel!

What is your favorite object/accessory?

My yoga mat, precisely!

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

Vary your practices and never stop training!

Where/how do you practice?

At home or in my favorite studios. But what I like most is in the middle of nature, on the beach or on vacation at sunrise, that's what I prefer.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

Get up on the right foot or the left foot,

we don't care, as long as we're standing!

Justine loves to share her tips and favorites on her Instagram , so don't hesitate to subscribe to her account.

The History of International Yoga Day

International Yoga Day is the day when yoga is celebrated all over the world. It is thanks to the initiative of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi , supported by 175 nations, that the UN adopted resolution 69/131 which celebrates on June 21 , this discipline that is yoga and makes known its multiple benefits.

The resolution highlights: "the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyles that maintain good health."

A World Yoga Day? Why?

The motivations for recognizing this day of June 21 as that of yoga were to "make known the benefits of yoga " throughout the world. It is therefore a good way to popularize this practice and its virtues, both for your body and for your mind, such as letting go .

Indeed, 4 years ago, yoga was a little-known discipline and still confined to the hippie stereotypes that we know it for. World Yoga Day aims to raise awareness among the general public about this ancestral discipline and to emphasize its many positive benefits and allow everyone to discover yoga , to tame it and to be passionate about it.

Yoga is more than just a physical activity

Indeed, yoga, in view of your hectic daily life and the stress generated by your lifestyle, yoga acts on your health and well-being . This can only have beneficial repercussions on the world, human beings and the universe.

According to BKS Iyengar , the originator of Iyengar Yoga , "Yoga cultivates the means to maintain a balanced attitude in everyday life and develops the capacity to be more efficient in our actions."

Because for yoga, everything is energy . The latter is present in each of you and it only asks to circulate freely to release vital energy and thus connect to the world, to others around you and to the universe.

Where to celebrate International Yoga Day?

International Yoga Day in Paris

June 16, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Triangle Meadow – La Villette

You can register at http://journeeinternationaleduyoga.com/

Yoga Day in Versailles

At 7:00 p.m. for a yoga session in its gardens to the sound of a harp.

On the theme of peace.

At the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace

10 euros per person.

All information: http://trianonpalace.fr

World Yoga Day in Belgium

Bois de la Cambre – 10:30 a.m.

Crossroads of the Harnesses

Charity action with the sale of limited edition T-shirts for the benefit of an educational project in India.

Website for registration: http://brusselsyogaday.be/

Yoga Day 2018 in Nantes

June 21, 2018 from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the roof of ENSA (National School of Architecture)

All program information on the site: http://www.navayoga.fr/journee-mondiale-yoga/

International Yoga Day in Chambéry

Saturday June 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Place of the Dukes of Savoy

All information on the site: https://festival-yoga-Chambery.fr

Some impressive photos from the 2017 Yoga Day around the world

New York – United States – 2017

Ahmedabad – India – 2017

Jaipur – Rajasthan – 2017

Discover the many benefits of yoga on the Tayronalife blog.

Sources:

• http://www.yogadaycelebration.com/international-day-of-yoga.html
• http://www.internationaldayofyoga.com/fr/commemorations/2002-setubal
• https://www.dharmalyon.com/la-journee-du-yoga/
• http://www.nouvelobs.com/galeries-photos/photo/20170621.OBS1046/la-journee-internationale-du-yoga-en-14-photos-impressionnantes.html

Kundalini Yoga doesn't ring a bell? For the uninitiated, perhaps not, but this style of yoga is taken from the word Kundalini , a vital energy present in each of you and one of the bases of the practice of yoga. It is symbolized by a sleeping snake located in the first chakra Muladhara , in the sacrum. Experiences, such as yoga, can awaken this animal and straighten it, causing awakening and blossoming. It is a very complete type of yoga, coming from afar, master to develop this Kundalini energy , what am I saying, this powerful energy that we have in each of us.

The History of Kundalini Yoga

The practice of Kundalini, which is several thousand years old, appeared in India and was transmitted from yogi to the most experienced yogi (the Sidhas) in pure secrecy, seeing in it a nugget of gold for fulfillment.

This is without counting on Carl Gustav Jung, the famous psychologist, who in 1932 orchestrated conferences on Kundalini Yoga at the Psychological Club of Zurich (Germany). However, the teaching remained theoretical.

But then, how did the practice of this discipline reach the West? In the 60s, Yogi Bhajan, then an Indian master, born in 1929 and died in 2004, arrived in America from India. He judged that it was time to transmit this knowledge to the West and thus broke the chains of tradition. From 1969, he taught kundalini yoga asanas in Europe and the United States, first to drug addicts to help them get off drugs and then to the general public for 35 years.

A yoga practice that releases Kundalini energy

For beginners, a little explanation is necessary. Kundalini is a vital energy circulating along the 7 chakras (from the sacrum above the head along the spine). These are energy centers that help to keep the body healthy. If one of them "breaks down" then a physical symptom could appear.

This is where Chakra Yoga comes in. It allows the awakening and release of Kundalini energy , but also the harmonization of the 7 chakras of healing . But, it is also useful for the awakening of self-awareness. A real program for body-mind harmony.

Kundalini Yoga is more than just a way to gain vitality, it is also a way to alleviate stress, control negative thoughts and emotions, stretch the capacity of the lungs and gain self-confidence.

How is Chakra Yoga practiced?

Are you made for this type of yoga? I reassure you, Kundalini Yoga is accessible to all. It combines the realization of immobile or dynamic kundalini yoga exercises (asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama), the recitation of mantras and meditation. We can say that it is quite complete. Here are the steps of a Kundalini Yoga session lasting about 1h30:

• First, the recitation of a specific mantra (about 15 minutes),
• Then, the realization of dynamic and fixed kundalini postures (called Kriya) integrating a practice of Pranayama (slow or fast) and chanting. A series for a vital function of the body (about 50 minutes),
• Afterwards, a kundalini relaxation to let go (about 10 minutes), – Then, a moment of meditation acting more on the mind and spirit (about 15 minutes),
• And finally, to come full circle, another mantra to chant.

Would you like to find out more about the 7 chakras ? We invite you to read our article on the blog to enlighten you.

Discover a yoga mat suitable for Kundalini Yoga

Today, I have the pleasure of presenting you the interview with Claudia, yoga teacher and creator of the blog Yoga Passion , who has just published her book "Yoga for children".

Patricia: How did you come up with the idea/desire to write a book about yoga and children?

Claudia: The very first Yoga classes I gave after obtaining my Yoga teacher diploma were classes for children! In fact, I taught in nursery schools and leisure centers for 2 years, with children aged on average 4 to 7 years old.

This transmission of Yoga to children has always been close to my heart. I find that Yoga is a wonderful gift that we can give them to give them simple and concrete tools to guide them towards daily well-being.

Hachette contacted me in June 2017 to propose that I write a book on Yoga for children. Personally, this period was full of changes for me because I had just met my new lover, already the father of a little girl of 4 years, of whom he has custody full-time. So I experienced something very new, for me, by moving in with them both. And I must say that it is a great and beautiful transformation to suddenly live with a child at home :-)

I took care to read a lot of books on parenting, on positive education and on blended families, in order to take on, as best I could, my new role and be up to the challenge...

If you are interested in these topics, I invite you to read my article: “Gentle parenting in 8 keys”

So it was with joy that I accepted the project of writing the book and threw myself intensely into the preparation of the book's outline, then into the writing. In all, I worked for 6 intensive months on the book.

Patricia: I imagine that you practice yoga as a family, can you tell us more?

Claudia: I practice Yoga on my mat almost every day, usually in several sessions :-)

Often, in the morning, I start the day with a few sun salutations. Then, I usually plan a longer session before lunch. I also often practice a few postures, especially stretching, when I get home from my classes. This allows me to create a pleasant transition between my work day and my romantic evening. Indeed, when I get home, Margot, my boyfriend's daughter, is already in bed...

At the moment, Margot and my partner see me practicing and observe… Sometimes, Margot gets on the mat with me and she imitates me. Sometimes, she even gets on top of me when I'm in downward dog or child's pose hahaha!! I also try to introduce her to meditation and the importance of breathing. Sometimes, I see that she tries it.

I also have my goddaughter Aelys and her sister Katel who have been practicing Yoga for some time :-)

I sincerely believe that it only takes one person practicing Yoga in a family for it to have very positive effects on all the members of the family .

Indeed, the practice of just one person can already change the atmosphere, the overall ambiance of the home, and bring calm, gentleness and kindness.

As children learn a lot by imitation , when they see one of their parents or step-parents or even both practicing, then I think it inspires them and it plants seeds. So, when they want, they can set up an independent practice and take care of themselves.

Patricia: What are the 3 main tips you give to mothers to practice these 7 minutes of daily yoga?

Claudia:

• Always offer the practice as a moment of pleasure, as a game. Never impose, never force
• Choose a place in the house and dedicate it to the practice. If possible: always practice at the same time of day . This helps to establish a ritual.
• Observe how your children are also your best teachers, your little Zen masters , and how they make the practice inspired, creative, fluid and spontaneous.

Bonus tip: Find a medium that “speaks” to your child for practice. Some children prefer to read, and in this case, a book will be perfect. Other children are more receptive to video format.

It is also to meet the different needs of children that I created, to accompany my book, a video program of Yoga for children that you can discover

Patricia: What are the benefits for the child? And for the mother?

Claudia: I will mention 5 essential benefits for children:

1. Refocus
2. Calm down
3. Relax
4. Better understand and know your body
5. Gain self-confidence

In my blog post , I cite even more benefits of Yoga for children.

The mother benefits from the same benefits as her child.

In addition, she will be relieved by the calm and relaxation that the Yoga session can induce. And she will undoubtedly be amazed by the transformation that she will see appear, little by little, in her child, who will become a little yogi or a little yogini :-)

Patricia: And finally, I love the illustrations. How did you collaborate with the illustrator to stage the chapters of your book?

Claudia: Thank you Patricia, I also think the illustrations are superb. They were made by the talented illustrator Marysia Machulska . I chose photos or made drawings myself for each Yoga posture. Marysia then drew and colored each of the techniques presented.

We are delighted to have staged a little boy and a little girl, to allow children to identify with the little characters. And also to have found a playmate for children, in the form of the little yogi cat! The cat represents, in our opinion, the very archetype of the yogi, both fast and precise, like a cat chasing a piece of string, and at the same time very Zen, very fluid, who takes the time to live, by allowing himself beautiful naps and regular stretches…

I wish a wonderful discovery of my book to those who do not yet know it.

Thank you Patricia for this interview, which I responded to with great pleasure.

If you want to buy his book, I invite you to go to his blog by clicking here !

The bolster is a yoga prop used as an aid during postures such as Virāsana , Supta Virāsana or Savāsana . It can be round or rectangular and is usually 1 m long and 23 cm in diameter.

What is the yoga bolster used for?

Often used in gentle or regenerating yoga such as Iyengar , this yoga accessory will help you to relax your back, rest your legs and also support the body to promote openings (heart, thorax, hips, etc.).

For example, a yoga bolster placed under your knees or under your back will help you hold the posture longer, because you will be more comfortable. Your body will no longer suffer from the floor being too hard.

Its cotton cover, filled with kapok or spelt husks , will provide you with great comfort when performing your asanas.

The density of this yoga object varies depending on your weight. If you are light, opt for a softer bolster. Note: the yoga bolster will soften with use.

Some examples of asanas with a yoga bolster

• Asana Virasana
• Supta Virasana Position
• Savasana Posture

How to take care of your yoga bolster?

Often supplied with a zipper, the cover of the yoga bolster is easy to remove and replace. All you need to do is remove the fabric and put it in the washing machine at 30°C.

However, this can vary between brands, so it's important to carefully check the label of your yoga accessory before doing anything.

Yoga bolsters available in the shop

TAYRONA round spelled husk bolster - €49

• Weight : 2 Kg
• Dimensions : 63 cm long x 23 cm wide

A solid yoga bolster with its reinforced cotton fabric and practical with its strap for transport. Easy maintenance thanks to its removable cover machine washable at 30° C. It is possible to add or remove from the container using of the inner zipper, in order to obtain the ideal support for each person. A yoga object made in India and available in black, blue, green, purple, aubergine and burgundy.

Discover the spelt husk yoga bolster

Lean Aircore MANDUKA Bolster – €52

• Weight : 1 kg (weight reduced by 30% thanks to AirCore technology)
• Dimensions : 66 cm long x 17 cm wide x 7 cm high

Compact and lightweight for easy use and storage. The fabric stitching is very tight, producing a very soft touch. As for the zipper of the yoga bolster , it is invisible for a sober and impeccable finish. Firmness and support guaranteed by AirCore technology. This yoga accessory is available in purple, thunder gray and midnight blue.

Discover the Manduka Lean Aircore Yoga Bolster

MANDUKA EnlightTM Rectangular Bolster – €62

• Weight : 1.6 kg
• Dimensions : 63 cm long x 33 cm wide x 14 cm high

The rectangular bolster features a hidden zipper for a seamless and smooth finish. The cover is removable for easy cleaning. This yoga object is made of 30% recycled polyester at the core of the fiber. The outer microfiber textile is made with eQua® microfiber fabric , a recyclable synthetic material, designed for performance and durability. Available in thrive, purple, port, midnight blue and thunder gray.

Discover the Manduka EnlightTM rectangular bolster

EnlightTM MANDUKA round bolster – €68

• Weight : 1 kg
• Dimensions : 69 cm x 23 cm

Soft, fluffy and absorbent, the eQua® microfibre fabric cover keeps you dry and comfortable. Its zipper is concealed for a smooth and even finish. The yoga bolster cover is removable for easy cleaning. The yoga accessory is filled with 30% recycled polyester fibre. Practical, robust and easy to transport, it has a carrying handle. Available in midnight blue, port, thunder and green.

Discover the Manduka EnlightTM Round Bolster

There are a multitude of different forms of Yoga and sometimes you can get a little lost! We will focus on Hatha Yoga which is one of the gentle Yoga styles. It is the most popular type of yoga, but also the most practiced in the West today. Hatha Yoga is also one of the oldest traditional Yogas in existence since it has its origins in ancient Indian texts: the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali .

What does “Hatha Yoga” mean?

" Hatha Yoga " in Sanskrit (an ancient and sacred language of ancient India) could be translated as " yoga of lively force ", " yoga of effort " or even " yoga of tenacity ". It also designates the union "Yoga" of the energies of the body "Ha" and the mind "Tha", of the sun and the moon.

Where did Hatha Yoga originate from?

Originally, Hatha Yoga encompasses all postural yogas . It is a gentle and meditative yoga , which appeared around the 12th century. It is inspired by the oldest form of yoga, Patanjali (2nd century BC), but also by ancient traditional Sanskrit texts: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gherandasamhitā and Shiva Samhita. Hatha Yoga is said to have been born from research on the body, breathing, but also on energies.

The main principles of Hatha yoga

Hatha Yoga focuses on mastering your body and its senses. Added to this is a constant focus on your breathing. It is on these two actions that Hatha Yoga is based.

The 3 pillars or components of Hatha Yoga

In Hatha Yoga , you will find breathing exercises , meditation , but also static yoga postures . Some asanas to be performed are related to breathing and are more dynamic. There are different degrees of difficulty in these postures, depending on the level you have acquired.

“Asanas”: the postures

The asanas performed must be held long enough (about 3 minutes per posture) to be effective and allow for optimal breathing. The yoga positions performed throughout the session help your body prepare for the final meditation .

These yoga postures all have an emblematic name (often animal names) for example the “cobra”, the “pigeon” or even the “bow”.

Asanas strengthen your body, stretch it and therefore act on the spine. They allow your entire body to harmonize and balance. Hatha Yoga therefore intervenes on your mental agitation, but also on your energy balance and brings you to a state of concentration and relaxation.

“Pranayama” or the art of breathing

Breathing is associated with each posture. It allows your body to better oxygenate itself, to free it from certain tensions and to purify it. This acts on the physical level, but particularly on the mental level. The association of asanas with breathing is fundamental in Yoga. Breathing exercises are performed only through the nose. In Hatha Yoga , you may be led to practice different types of breathing, such as "fire" breathing or "alternate" breathing.

“Dhyana”: meditation

According to the founding texts of Hatha Yoga , the different postures performed, breathing (or the art of Pranayama ) and concentration serve a single purpose which is the achievement of a state of deep meditation. This is not easy to achieve since your mind can quickly become distracted. It is then advisable to concentrate again with the help of your breathing in order to return to your inner being.

The meditation will be done in the lotus posture (sitting cross-legged), placing yourself at the center of your being, at the level of your chest.

Who is Hatha Yoga for?

Hatha Yoga is for the general public! It adapts to each person's level and there are alternatives for each posture so that everyone can progress at their own pace. Different levels of classes are possible.

This is a gentle and rather static yoga . It also allows you to assimilate the principles of yoga, to relax and to work on your flexibility gently, as well as your breathing in relation to the asanas.

Hatha Yoga can also be practiced by pregnant women and children .

How does a Hatha Yoga class take place?

A Hatha Yoga session lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. The ideal is to try several classes to see which one suits you best and which teacher you get along with.

• In the first part of the session, breathing exercises ( Pranayama ) will be performed in order to relax and unwind,
• Then, a progressive warm-up of the muscles will generally be done by sun salutations ,
• Once your body is warmed up and your breathing is more in tune with the postures, different sequences of asanas will be performed. The positions can be lying on the ground, standing or even on the head for the more experienced,
• The session will always end with a short relaxation on the ground (about 10 minutes), in corpse pose ( Savasana ) in order to be perfectly relaxed and to empty your thoughts.

What is the ideal equipment for practicing Hatha Yoga?

For Hatha Yoga , the main thing is to invest in a good eco-friendly yoga mat of medium thickness ( 4 to 6 mm ) that will provide you with all the comfort you need for your practice. Indeed, it is a gentle Yoga where the postures are held for about 3 minutes, which requires a fairly dense yoga mat to protect your joints.

A floor mat with good grip is also a good idea, as you will need to feel well anchored in your asanas in order to maintain your balance.

The Chakra EQ Love yoga mat , for example, combines these qualities, as do our Yoga Mad Evolution yoga mats , available in 4 or 6 mm. If you want a mat with a lifetime guarantee for intensive use and rich in color, our PROlite mat from Manduka will seduce you!

What are the benefits of Hatha Yoga?

Among the benefits of Yoga in general you find stress reduction, improved sleep or even better concentration. These virtues of Yoga can be immediate (relaxation and calming), but also occur depending on the duration in the more or less short term and regular practice (lowering of blood pressure after a month of practice for example).

Hatha Yoga takes back its benefits and also allows you to perfect your posture, strengthen your muscles, become more flexible, achieve deep relaxation, improve your concentration, develop your breathing abilities, but also be more in tune with yourself thanks to a clearer mind. Yoga becomes a healthy lifestyle and allows you to access a certain level of fitness and overall well-being.

Discover a Hatha yoga session

Discover our yoga mats

Founder of MOON YOGA , Armelle develops the axis of individual coaching and personal development around the practice of integral yoga .
She has been developing group sessions for 2 years in Bordeaux: in the studio or on the move. A traveler at heart, she exploits the different aspects of yoga practice outside of everyday life (immersions, weekends, etc.). At the same time, she is starting to design the eco-responsible line "Oh My Moon" while respecting the environment and the planet.

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today.

How did you get into taking care of yourself?

I didn't necessarily think I would take the path of yoga in such a sustained and committed way. I started doing yoga without realizing it for years, but mentally, and spiritually to begin with... The postural practice came later. For me it was never fitness... I was close to meditative, hypno-therapeutic or sophrological practices in the sense that for me detecting the subtleties of the unconscious was essential. I have been working on this aspect of personal development for years, at first unconsciously and also through my very varied career: as a journalist, editor, traveler, creator and always on the move.

What practice for your well-being?

I started with a very intense practice of Hatha Yoga and this very postural aspect and always with a lot of stretching and this need for flexibility. I was finally in a very slow and introspective yoga. Then I started to evolve towards a much more dynamic yoga, fast and more creative vinyasa sessions, adapted to the moment and the needs. I am now in a constant need for energy, I use pranayama and bandhas a lot.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I take care of my breathing. I work a lot on Ujjaji at the beginning of the session, Kapalabhati or the great seal with Maha Bandha which reactivates the body in vitality and depth. I meditate on sounds or on the flame of a candle. I would say that my ritual is a good mix of Trataka, Vinyasa and Prana… I write a lot, I have kept a diary since I was little and I write my wishes for the new moon cycles every time. This follows me in my yoga practice.

What do you get out of it?

Great vitality and real relaxation at the same time.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

Sometimes not much, sometimes too much! Stones, my rings, a few leggings and two or three tank tops. Always full of books that weigh a ton, a meditation cushion, a strap, a notebook to write in.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

A thermos for tea, my Aquamarine pendulum, a Yoga Design Lab strap, BKS Iyengar's Yoga Bible, my tarot cards...

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

To find the practice of their heart. To not be too inspired by what is happening on Instagram or in the ultra trendy sphere of yoginis. Appearance is important, but what is inside us is more so… Always be connected to yourselves, do not be in the replica, or the comparison. Always be in coherence with Satya, your inner truth. By dint of seeing the world through the screen of our computers or our phones, we do Ahimsa, we do violence to ourselves… Be contemplative, and open to this connection that you have to yourselves and to others.

Where/how do you practice?

I practice everywhere. I don't have a guru, or a guide. I practice alone, or surrounded. I practice everywhere I go to test all the studios, methods, approaches that I can discover. We must not lock ourselves into one genre, or with a single teacher... The guru is inside us.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

If you wish to contact Armelle, here is her email: contact@moonyoga.life

You can also find her on her website and on social networks, Instagram and Facebook .