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Product Review: G2Fit Yoga Mat
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G2 Fitness Yoga Pose Women's Mat
G2 FITNESS Women’s Yoga Pose Fitness Program Mat PRODUCT REVIEW
The mat that I was given to test out is a woman-specific yoga mat with 28 poses including pictures, name of pose and length of time to hold each pose. The other side of the mat is free of any writing and can also be used for doing yoga. The mat is green and pink, as you can see in the picture.
They have a variety of mats including a yoga pose fitness program specific to men, a golf stretch fitness program mat for men and women, a maternity stretch fitness program including different poses for 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, a Pilates personal fitness program, a general stretch fitness program for men and women, a back stretch fitness program, and an ab-fit exercise program.
THE COMPANY:
THEIR
THEIR VISION: G2 Fitness is passionate about nurturing a healthier world including our environment, society and day—to—day living. Our vision is reflected in our priorities, products, programs and focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability.
THEIR PRODUCT: They consider their G2 Fitness Stretch and Exercise Mats to be the only instructional mats and fitness systems that depict every important stretch position and strengthening exercise. Physician–certified and portable, the G2 Fitness Program is essential for maximizing personal fitness and keeping your body injury–free.
PRODUCT REVIEW:
PROS
Ever had one of those days when you get on your mat and can’t remember any poses besides down-dog? This mat includes 27 other yoga poses for those brain-dead, over-worked dog days.
The pictures are simple to follow for anyone.
The pictures are only on one side for times when you do not want to look at the pictures during an in-studio class or at home.
The poses depicted are strengthening and advanced for the yogi who is looking for a good workout.
The G2 mats are Eco-friendly! Each mat is 100% recyclable, uses TPE material which is non-toxic (like it’s counterpart PVC) and does not off-gas, and the mat waste products during manufacturing are recyclable and reusable.
G2 Fitness donates to Children’s Cancer Foundation.
The products are indorsed by Paula Abdul and Natalie Gulbis, for example.
CONS
When I first opened my mat, there was such a strong odor that I let it air-out in the garage for 2 weeks before I used it. Representatives from G2 explain that the smell is “likely due to the ink used for printing, … which is made from eco-friendly solvents. …these products were not allowed to rest for any period of time before being placed in packaging (since they are new). The smell will generally dissipate once you take the mat out and roll it out for 48 hours. We are aware of this issue and working on solving it for round two of production!”
The pictures could be a bit distracting during calmer yoga sessions or in a studio. (But as mentioned above, you can use the reverse side. Women’s mats are pink on the other side.)
I would not recommend to follow the sequence in the order depicted on the mat. It is a bit disjointed and non-flowing. But you can use the pictures to invigorate your session.
Not all poses are labeled correctly. (See picture labeled Shoulder Stand; it is really Plough Pose.)
All of the poses except one say to hold each pose (or each side) for 30-60seconds. In most cases, I would disagree with that. For example, I would not hold cat pose for 30 seconds and then hold cow pose for 30. Instead, I would lead my class in moving in between each with their inhale and exhale.
In general, I believe poses should be held or sustained with the breath, instead of seconds or minutes. This mat makes no reference to the breath which is absolutely integral to yoga!
Since the mat and pictures do not explain how to get into or out of a pose, nor how to correctly BE in the pose, I believe this mat is only intended for intermediate to advanced students. Thus, I would not recommend a beginner to use this mat without proper introductory instruction first.
There is a set of specialized online videos that were created to help learn the poses on the mat, which I have not yet tried. I recommend testing those out, as well as one of the mats that pertain to your interest.
Overall, I think a mat with yoga poses already drawn on it are a fantastic idea! Though I think G2 Fitness could improve their product, I have not seen an innovation as such and support and respect their product, their originality and their endeavor.
If or when you try their mat, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please add your comments below.
G2fit.com “Motivation for Health, Inspiration for Life”
