1. I would love to have this yoga mat! Not only am I trying to get the motivation to go back to the gym for regular exercise, but my physical therapist has recommended yoga as a way to help strengthen my core muscles which should help with the pain I've had since my car accident almost a year ago. I've tried one class already and used the gym mat, but having this pretty one would give me warm fuzzies and help motivate me to go to class!
   
   
2. I'm sure you've already heard about/played Cards Against Humanity, but it is one of my favorite games, along with Killer Bunnies.
   
   (For your reference: How The Game Works
   
   The basic strategy of the game is to keep as many bunnies alive as possible while eliminating your opponents’ bunnies. Of course all the other players are trying to do the same thing, which can get dreadfully vengeful, horribly nasty, hilariously messy, and just plain fun! While folks are trying to eliminate each other’s bunnies, each player is also trying to collect as many Carrots as possible. At the end of the game, one of the Carrots is revealed to be the Magic (or winning) Carrot and each game, the Magic Carrot will be different. Logically, the more Carrots that a player collects, the better his chances will be of winning the game. Collecting as many Carrots as possible is another basic strategy of the game.)
   
   
3. A WOMAN'S MY WEEK AT THE GYM
   
   Dear Diary,
   
   For my birthday this year, my hubby (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 19 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.
   
   I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My hubby seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
   
   MONDAY: Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - a thinly built female, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!
   
   Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!
   
   TUESDAY: I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT!! It's a whole new life for me.
   
   WEDNESDAY: The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.
   
   Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the f would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other s too.
   
   THURSDAY: Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late; it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny cow to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.
   
   FRIDAY: I hate that cow Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it. Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me those stupid barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
   
   SATURDAY: Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.
   
   SUNDAY: I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my hubby (the f**ing ss) will choose a gift for me that is fun, like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!
   
   Thank you for the contest!

(Okay, first of all, sorry this is a manuscript haha)

I absolutely suggest doing yoga in the morning. My inner fatass pretty much rolls out of bed already thinking about all the shit it wants to stuff in my face, so I started making a habit of drinking warm lemon water and doing my yoga first thing in the morning. It really helped curb my bullshit breakfast binges. When I get out of bed in the morning to pee, I immediately change into my yoga pants and boil some water. I don't know if the whole warm lemon water trend is factually "so good" for you or if it's just lemon and water, but I like it either way. You're dehydrated when you wake up so drinking a glass of water is probably something everybody should do first thing in the morning anyway. The temperature and the lemon settle my stomach and wake me up without any caffeine. I don't like to drink caffeine/coffee before yoga because I already have a hard enough time shutting up my brain on the mat. If you're into it, sometimes I smoke a little weed before the gentler videos because it helps me stay focused and makes the stretching feel otherworldly good. 😈

The videos in the first 30 days are anywhere between 12-35 minutes long. I remember being really impressed with how thoughtful the flow of the first month is. There are hard days and easy days, then poses that felt impossible will pop up again and you'll surprise yourself. Everyone should definitely start with the first program, IMO. The videos in the second 30 day program are a little longer (up to 40ish minutes maybe), but only because most of them are slower paced to incorporate more breath training and also positive affirmation type things which I actually really liked. I've seen some people be critical of the second month being too slow (even I was a little skeptical at first), but just stick with it. I promise it's worth it. I think it really builds on the foundation of the first one. This is when I started seeing even bigger changes in my strength and flexibility. I recorded myself doing crow pose one day because I was so shocked how long I could hold it. The first time I tried crow was during the first series and my arms were so weak I literally face planted into my hardwood. I can almost do the splits now which is insane because I've never been athletic by any standards.

Being busty and, you know, just trying to disappear in life in general, I've always been a sloucher with horrible posture. Yoga has been helping with that too. Sitting up straight makes me feel taller and skinnier and more elegant and perfect. This is a tangent, but Adriene, the instructor, made me realize that sitting up straight is just as much about your shoulders (pulling them away from your ears) as it is about supporting yourself with your lower back. Opening up in the shoulders and building my core with balancing poses and ab work made me feel so much lighter on my feet and my stomach looks flatter because I'm actually standing correctly and I don't look like a slob. Also, the endorphins I get from yoga and the controlled breathing always make me even more satisfied by restricting and more motivated to get other shit done.

For people with anxiety, PTSD, or panic disorders, I could not recommend yoga more. I read an article that explained that it helps because you retrain your body's stress response by putting yourself in strenuous, sometimes awkward positions but retaining a controlled and steady breath. (Not the article I read because I can't find it, but a Harvard article quoting a similar study and various others.) Having more control over my breathing helps me manage my panic attacks a lot better. I've had them regularly for the past six years, but I've only had one in the last three months.

As far as if a beginner can do it, absolutely. I hadn't been working out at all before I started this and I had only done yoga maybe three times over the course of my entire life. Adriene is good about showing different levels within the poses to suit all levels of flexibility. One warning I would give to someone just starting is that you'll want to take care with your wrists. I'd read some complaints of wrist pain before I started so I was careful with things like planks and side planks and even downward dog at the beginning because I knew my arms were weak as fuck. To take pressure off of your wrists when you're in those types of positions, be sure to turn your inner elbows out so that they're in line with your wrists. But Adriene explains that too so don't worry.

Here is the mat I have. I looked around a lot before landing on this. It works good on hardwood and it rolls up easily to put it away. It comes in lots of patterns to choose from and it's not too expensive. What's not to like?
Here's the YouTube playlist for the first 30 days.
Here is a cute calendar she provides. I printed it and hung it in my kitchen so that I would always feel guilty if I was thinking about eating something or making coffee without checking it off. It worked really well.

I feel like I should say that I don't work for Yoga with Adriene at all haha. She does have a subscription thing or something but I don't have it. All of these and her other videos I've tried are free on YouTube. Sorry this was so long, holy Moses! I'm using this to distract myself from eating so thank you!! ;p

Wife and I started Move over the summer, now on Phase 2, and it's been a good easy introduction into a fitness program for two people who were also absolute beginners. We both have very low upper body strength, but can definitely tell that it's improving. I've even noticed some new definition in my shoulders, which was really unexpected! When choosing, we especially liked that Move isn't solely strength training but also has the added mobility/stretching component, which we really needed. Maybe at some point we'll transition to the RR, but that's a long way off. To a few of your specific Qs:

>Are there any modifications necessary for an overweight person?

Started slightly overweight here (though since lost weight), and not that I can think of. Bear Crawls and some of the flexibility exercises may be challenging, but that just gives you something to make progress on.

>I plan on using the bedsheet in the door method for rows.

This has worked well for us, though we just used a narrow doorframe through Phase 1. Only issue with the sheet is that as you progress to a greater incline, the strain on your hands to grip, or, if you wrap the sheet around your hands, the pressure, can be a bit unpleasant. Am considering getting something like this for the door (TRX is the gold standard, but expensive!), but may also go with a pull-up bar and some gymnastics rings which will have a lot more use into the future. Either way, the sheet works just fine to start and for quite a while beyond that.

>I'm assuming that anything that easily glides across the floor is suitable for the hamstring lunge stretch.

I haven't found a need for that. The guy in the video is way more flexible than I am, but I can still get a good stretch just by sliding my heel forward on my mat. If the sliding is hard, maybe put on a sock? Worst case, you can also do hamstring stretches by sitting down with one leg out in front of you, leaning forward, and grabbing/reaching for your toes. No need to wait until starting the whole program to give the stretch a try and see how it might work for you.

>I'm also assuming a mat is necessary.

Can't imagine doing it without one, though I'm sure many people do. I bought this mat and it's worked great. It's a little thicker than some, and for the stretches where you're on one knee, just fold over and double up along the edge of the mat if you need the extra padding. I did at first, but don't anymore.

>What is the best measuring tape based BF calculator for women?

Don't have an answer to this, but wanted to point out that pretty much all BF calcs are inaccurate to some degree (and there are lots of threads on that). FWIW, my calculated BF is 23% but my bio-impedance scale now says 15%. If I were actually at 15% I wouldn't be trying to lose weight! More important that you stick to using the same one (and maybe one that doesn't seem to be an outlier?) so you can track change over time. Make sure you record those body measurements too so you can track them as well.

I think overall, Move is a really good way to just start doing something to improve one's fitness. I was overthinking everything too before I started, but once you give it a try it's pretty simple. Feel free to message me if you have questions in the future.

​

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5. The actually container that the bag sits on
   
   
6. How everything comes together. How everything is packed together. Basically, do you keep all your food in a two compartment tray, or a one compartment tray? (Two compartment) http://i.imgur.com/v52lNSw.jpg from trader joes. I have a feeling that two compartment trays hold temp better than 1 compartment trays. It goes back to surface area exposed (At the top where the thin plastic is), basically that cubic-shaped looking sauce area is basically an ice pack in of itself. Also for steaming rice too
   
   ----------------------------
   

   Contracting/Construction industry/ Packaging
   

   
   

• Packaging things together in a well insulated way is not that dissimilar to how the construction industry works for homes. How do they build insulation in homes such that houses don't get overally hot down south, while at the same time insulating it such that houses stay warm in the winter up north? Your solution to box packaging / #6 (How it all comes together) should come from this resource.
  
  -----------------
  

  Cooking Curve
  

  
  

• http://i.imgur.com/j03De5W.png. Fryers have a cooking curve. I have no idea why this is relevant. But I believe its because sometimes, in a-la-carte style cooking (Catering and buffet), items are only cooked to 70%, and the the last 30% cooking is usually blasted in a microwave. If I recall correctly, Applebees was notorious as hell for doing this, until they changed CEO's recently, because I'm blasted with "Wood-Fired Grill ads" on my TV commercials at home, and I don't even use search queries in google for applebees for targeted ad (Definitely a blanket ad). According to how much I know about the mobile ad industry, its usually not targeted to any specific platform, like my TV watching commercial.
  
  
• Applebees even said they no longer "microwave" their food on a TV commercial. so that confirms my supsicions here. And reddit notoriously , including people who've worked there, said Applebees was shit. Lots of places buy food and just microwave nuke it. Especially, panerabread soups. That 100% is pre-bought stuff, due to quality control
  
  
• My point here is that I am not sure if microwave goods are always fully cooked, sometimes they are 70% cooked a-la-carte style. Doesn't have anything to do with insulation, its more so in food quality
  
  ----------------
  

  Engineering
  

  
  

• Well now that I covered all of that, now its time to do actually engineering. I'll admit i'm a bit rusty as hell here, but bear with me
  
  
• Surface area. We know that the more surface area on a package, the faster it thaws out (consequently it gets to freezing temp faster in a blastchiller). Time to whip out some generic formulas from thermodynamics...it needs to be the simplest formula though. Nothing fancy. We're not talking about pressure changes though, or
  
  
• http://physicsforidiots.com/physics/thermodynamics/. Ah this is a good resource for anyone to understand. Here's the formula Q=MC(deltaT) http://i.imgur.com/qmurRgB.png. This is probably the most essential formula to understanding what insulators do. Basically....your food has mass associated with it M, C is dependent upon whether you use liquidy contents / 2 seperate compartments in container, DeltaT is change in temperature of your food over time. Q is energy from outside ambient temp coming into your box. I might expand here later, but this is important to understand
  
  
• Everything has a Q=MC(Delta T) associated with it, for different areas in your container that have different temperatures in it. This only assumes everything is well packed and and no leakages.
  
  
• Here's my point here : http://i.imgur.com/Q18PmUZ.png. Basically, there's 4 equilibrium points between each point here, T1 , T2, T3, T4. You can do a basic thermodynamic equation comparing T1, T2, then T2, to T3, than T3 to T4, etc. For different conditions, like ambient temperature outside( T4), for what type of food your packing(t1), to the packaging itself (T2, T3)
  
  
  --------------
  

  Manufacturing of boxes
  

  
  

• I do know how boxes are manufacturered.... to some degree. I've seen them in person before. . Its important to understand this because this gives insight on how economically feasible some products are, and how expensive box prices will be (Because box prices you see online are dependent upon how cheaply they can be produced..
  
  
• Box packaging/folding, how it works, is not that dissimilar to origami /craft boxes. http://i.imgur.com/PluMwm3.png. Specifically, box making looks like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i3riKvCYkM.
  
  ----------------
  

  Insulation Aluminum material
  

  
  ------------
  

  types of insulation material (High R or C value)
  

  
  

• Too lazy, just used amazon "http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=insulation+material". Cars. You are using car automotive packaging material. http://i.imgur.com/IhAKGPj.png. I thought it looked familiar, its basically what people put on their car to prevent sunlight from making the car really hot (greenhouse effect/ radiation from sun). SIDE NOTE: 3M would be the leader here for finding out the best products. Amazons better for determining the most feasible solution in one search query though.
  
  
• It comes in rolls. Rolls. Because its easy to pack. That much is obvious. Its not that far off from how yoga pads are packed. http://www.amazon.com/BalanceFrom-Purpose-Anti-Tear-Exercise-Carrying/dp/B00JW3CTTQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1464102720&sr=8-4&keywords=yoga+pad
  
  
• Not only that I've seen this stuff used in duct work. In construction industry. For A/C ventilation. http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Dryer-Vent-Electric-Dryers/dp/B017I06P8U/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1464102881&sr=8-8&keywords=duct+vent. Its aluminum exterior, with a filler interior (some form of silicone) http://i.imgur.com/R8aLcSY.png. Periodic table of element reference: http://i.imgur.com/YMReh7s.png. Silicon is used for many things, from caulking for bathtub, to bike grease lube, to kitchen materials. Because its economical. Makes sense. Depends on manufacturing method though.
  
  -----------
  

  Where else aluminum insulation is used:
  

  
  

• Roofing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WYfpwskn1M. And A/C vents. And cars. and HVAC industry
  
  -------------
  

  Aluminum properties
  

  
  

• Found a datasheet. http://www.macbertan.lk/category/products/mcfoil-ultra/. Matweb was a bit complicated, so i googled it instead under "google images" using search term "aluminum bubble foil thermal properties" until i found a chart. R value is 12.3 http://i.imgur.com/opoQsTZ.png. Its probably around there somewhere.
  
  
• Refrigerants, spray in urethane foam is 6.0 for comparison. http://i.imgur.com/RaanWcQ.png. Air ambient is 1.0 http://i.imgur.com/HmwRNnN.png. Regular cardboard is something like 3.0 or less
  
  ----
  

  manufacturing of cheap, insulation material
  

  
  

• Might as well found out why said material is so cheap, according to amazon, and your competition's packing.
  
  
• Alibaba.com would be the best resource here to see how its made since it probably comes from china. Also, "Google Video" searches. https://vimeo.com/99022623. Found a better video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5PDoD8b86U
  
  
• Buying bulk material, skipping uline. If you buy lots of stuff, sometimes its better to order direct. Here's how I'd go about purchasing it too. http://i.imgur.com/otkDcQK.jpg. >Also, looking at one of the landing pages. http://i.imgur.com/a5q4jkY.png
  
  

Personally I want an ice cream attachment for my stand mixer so I can make amazingly rich, but actually healthy frozen Greek yogurt! Alternately, this quick pop maker might do the trick.

A weighted hula hoop is surprising work, and fun too! A kite will get you outside, and I can't WAIT for Just Dance 2014 because it will allow for online play and I need that extra boost to get me back into it -- I think I need some new songs too. =P

I have a foam roller that works like a massage and stretching at the same time, and you might want a yoga mat like this one that hopefully won't off-gas nasty smells.

You can order workout shoes online, but only AFTER you go into a physical store and try them on, and wear the ones you think you want around in the store for at least half an hour, trying to mimic various motions.

I would suggest just one off of amazon with good reviews like this one . I still use my first mat which is a no name brand for outdoor practice so as not to hurt my jade one, so it's not like you stop using it if you do want to upgrade. In all honesty, if I weren't 200ish lbs, 6'1, I never would have upgraded, but I found the extra long mat quite convenient. A yoga mat doesn't make you better, you don't even need one to practice. I don't even use my jade in my apartment, because using the carpet helps me to work on spreading my fingers and toes and really creating strong bases. I think I do much better in class as a result. I would suggest making a better yoga mat a reward for good practice; that's what I did because it really showed me I was dedicated to yoga and not the idea of yoga. I would also suggest if you decide you're going to get one, to find people and ask to feel them. They're all a bit different; I believe the criticism with Jade is that they're thin/hard (to me it's perfect, I don't have knee/joint issues that happen from hard floors). I never tried The Mat, or Manduka because I tried the Jade and knew it was what I wanted. If you really wanted to help your practice, I would suggest investing in a cheap set of blocks and a strap.

Happy Birthday!! =)

So sweet that you are going out with your sisters! You deserve to get treated for all you do. My friend bought herself a few days on Blue Apron through groupon and now is able to feel more comfortable cooking at home and recreating the meals. Perhaps it could be a good gift for you too and a way to invite someone special over for a meal? =0

Also now that you have more space, think of adding in a yoga mat or ball or meditation cushion to the new area for a little me place and time right at home. its worked for me. =)

happy to talk to more about how i learned how to make it a part of my life and how i learned how (free excellent sources!)

Stuff & Thangs

Yes! and there's cheaper options at Target ... like a gaiam towel. (or on amazon)

I like YogiToes (amazon) better though because they have the little rubber dots and it doesnt move around like the Gaiam ones do if you brush your mat while moving around. (But you gotta pay like $20-$30 extra for those little dots).

You'd probably want to get something 68inches long. Bc sometimes it can be confusing what is mat length and what is just hand towel size.

I've tried "stickier" mats ... if you sweat like I do, only towels work. Jade Mat? Manduka? All nopes.

I did have luck with a lululemon towel mat which was basically a towel with rubber on the back. But once the rubber got sweaty ... I'd slip on the rubber part of the mat a little bit (where all the writing is). And mine is light orange. The one I linked to is lavender. So the mat gets dirty pretty easy. Its just easier to wash a towel than a mat. So I gave up on my lululemon deal.

edit: A regular towel would work too. It just doesnt line up with your mat as well and most move around a lot easier than the yoga towels would.

First of all, I'm so sorry for your loss. I had no idea you'd lost someone so tragically. That's got to be hard. But it seems like your family member was a really amazing person, just like you. <3

I'd say my lists are pretty well prioritized. I'm sure I could waste days changing my mind and moving things around, but oh well. Since I have so many different things on there, I'm gonna link a couple different items that would enhance my life it very different ways.

This yoga mat would greatly improve my yoga sessions. Currently, I practice on hardwood floors with no mat, and my knees feel it quite a bit. Some padding would be so nice.

This book would be a major help when it comes to meals. I'm not a gifted cook by any stretch. I mean, I follow a recipe well, but I'm terrible at coming up with things on my own.

This gorgeous ocarina would be such a great addition to my life. Honestly any of them would probably make me happy enough to cry. This one is just so pretty. And it comes with a song book, so I could learn something new as well. ^Don't ^buy ^this ^ocarina ^it's ^way ^too ^expensive...

Thank you so much for such an interesting contest! And because I couldn't think of a clever way to squeeze this in, sort my priorities. Heh.

I would start a home workout system if you don't like the gyms near yoga mat, set of dumbells, and resistance bands should get you through any home workout to start.

I find 30 day fitness challenges on pinterest and try to complete 1-2 every month. I think having that whole month of things planned helps me. I also set up a reward for it. So this month I'm doing an abs and arms one. If I get 28/30 days done, I will go get a manicure.

I set more weekly rewards too. I love new workout clothes. I have a whole list of things I want. So I set a goal with a new tank or sports bra as the reward. Example for the upcoming week (i run my weeks Monday-Sunday, I know that is weird) I want to run 12 6-minute miles. Obviously not all at once, but over the course of the week. If I do it, then I will be getting this tank. This is a hard one, I've been trying to get it for a few months now, but trying keeps me heading out and motivated.

I would also say find an accountabilibuddy (south park reference anyone?) to try and help keep you motivated. That can be online (me if you want me pestering your inbox) or a RL friend.

I have one of my favourite clips lately for you. I hope you enjoy it.

A product that might help is a yoga mat! I find that doing yoga just from YouTube channels can really help me focus, clear my mind, and calm down.

I hope you find methods that work for you! I get anxious sometimes as well, but I feel like a rock compared to some of my classmates, haha. People around you can help too, so don't be afraid to reach out to ask someone to listen for a while. :)

Honest question...why would anyone pay $30 for your tiny mat when you could literally buy one of these for $19 and make 4 cat-sized mats?

I'm not asking you because I am curious...I am asking you because your sales copy does not answer this question.

Your front page needs to be filled with benefits. You need to get the reader ready to buy before they click on the Store button.

I get the cutesie vibe you're going for and I get that this would totally appeal to much of your target market but you still need to utilize some sort of sales strategy at the same time.

I disagree with the guy who said you need better pictures of the mats...a cat owner wants to see the cats :) The idea here is not to connect on a logical level because no logical deduction will ever say it's worth paying this much for a tiny yoga mat for your cat when you can pick one up at Target or Walmart and cut it into 4 bits....also, if you think about it, cats rip the shit out of yoga mats in like 1 day so it's really a terrible product compared to other cat beds.

So what you need is to connect on an emotional level...what will really motivate the kind of person who would buy this thing?

They want their cat to feel special.

They want their cat to have something no other cat has.

As you said, boutique pet shops would really be the ideal place for your product as they cater to the demographic of people that see $30 in the same way most of us see $5.

Also...why only 6 characters for the personalization? I'd really try to bump that to at least 8 if possible. I guess all 4 of our cats' names are 6 letters or less but it seems too few.

Hi, so my problem is my hands sliding forward in the yoga mat when I am in down dog. I recently bought a Gaiam mat to try after using my roommate’s Danskin mat . I had had no issues with my hands sliding forward using my roommate’s mat but when I tried with the Gaiam, I really started sliding forward every time I would go into down dog. I mean, I can practice on the floor without sliding around, but for the sake of learning and protecting my knees, I would rather have some cushion.

Sliding a little is fine, I agree, and part of a healthy practice to hear what your body is telling you. But my hands were constantly moving forward with the Gaiam mat. So, I am looking for something that can adjust with but won’t cause me to slip in postures I haven’t slipped in before.

If you think the Mysore rug fits into what it sounds like I am looking for, I am curious why you love it and would recommend it.

• Head over to /r/starwarsarmada to get some good recommendations on what to purchase next.
  
• Focusing on one faction each can help save some $$.
  
• Use a fleet builder like http://armadawarlords.hivelabs.solutions/ to proxy upgrade cards you don't have for casual play.
  
• Armada and X-wing are very different games. They don't have any crossover. As much as I enjoy both, it will be a money sink to get into both. Pickup a starter pack or two of x-wing and get in a few games, then, if on a budget decide which to go with and expand.
  
• For a playmat many people use a large 72x36 yogamat. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M7DN1MC/ The real trick IMHO are finding tables large enough. I've got a friend who uses a ping pong table, I use a pool table.

Make sure you anchor whatever you build firmly to the ground, ceiling, or wall, so you can always push yourself away from it if you need to get out. If you're stuck inside and it's not anchored, it'll be harder to wrench yourself free.

Don't use shampoo for lubricant, it will burn if you get it in your eyes, nose, mouth.

You might look into these yoga mats: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTRKO6Q/ref=twister_B01CTQC9FQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 they're quite squishy, but have a smooth surface that's easy to clean. Make sure to do a spot test with whatever kind of lubricant you use, so you can see if there's a chemical reaction. You don't want it to break down. Anyway, you might be able to construct a sleeve of some sort with the yoga mats, then you just need something to apply inward force. Maybe slip it between a box spring and mattress to start with? Particularly if you have a memory foam mattress that is less structured. Again, make sure to anchor the bed to the wall somehow so you can get out. Consider installing a snorkel for air.

Be safe.

I have one that's a few years old but still holds up (gotta take care of 'em!) cause it's nice and thick. Really 5mm thick mat will be nice and squishy that's the one I have, in lime green. I mainly do heated vinyasa so I always have a towel and don't worry about sliding/slipping, but I've heard the manduka or lululemon anti-stlip ones are good too!

I have a blue Lulu mat but the black one also shows wear very easily (I know a few folks who have that one). The sweat-absorbtion quality of that Lulu mat sounds great but in practice it kind of weirds me out because it means that all of your old salty sweat is stored in the mat forever. Porous mats in general (lulu and jade) will deteriorate faster than the rubber manduka mat. Yes, it is slippery if you sweat on it a lot, but if you're doing lots of hot yoga anyway I would suggest a manduka mat and one of those hot yoga towels to go over it. You can wash and dry the towel 100% clean and wash and dry the mat 100% clean. http://www.amazon.com/Hugger-Mugger-Cotton-Yoga-Caribbean/dp/B000LGGXVS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449285341&sr=8-2&keywords=yoga+rug OR http://www.amazon.com/Limber-Stretch-Yoga-Beach-Towel/dp/B00N9J4DUC/ref=sr_1_3?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1449285378&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=yoga+towel&psc=1

I think this is the one I use. I'm not sure but I got it on amazon.

Yoga Accessories(TM) Extra Wide and Extra Long 1/4'' Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat (Purple) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NFX96QI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RlXAxbF41EYGW

I use it along with a

THE XL YOGA TOWEL for XL yoga mats: 100% Microfiber, super-absorbent, enhances grip and protects your mat. Many colors to choose from. 26" x 85" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AZ5DDU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8mXAxbXKA1165

These towels have good length and if you get them a little wet they have pretty good traction.

I travel to high security risk places like Nigeria for work, and corporate security doesn't like me doing things in the evening outside of my hotel room, so I got a folding yoga mat that fits into my briefcase along with some resistance bands. There are lots of quick, travel friendly workout videos on YouTube - Yoga by Adriene and Popsugar Fitness are great channels, plus there seems to be some good ideas here.

The density is going to make a huge difference too. I prefer a thinner mat for the reasons you described (better stability, connection to the floor, etc), but a denser mat is going to make all the difference. I’ve been using this one once or twice a week for a few years and I love it. I also have a thinner rubber mat from jade harmony, and it’s so grippy it’s unreal.

I sweat profusely during my practice, and the Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip (5 mm) gets even grippier as it warms and absorbs sweat.

I also keep an Ashtanga cotton mat on hand for those really, really, really sweaty sequences.

• How I'm trying to improve myself: I'm trying to lose 60 lbs. I've been trying to cut out pop and walk around more often. I'm getting back into Zumba and Pilates and Yoga. I'm excited because I found out that the local YMCA has water-based Zumba classes. I hope to be in enough shape someday to become a certified Zumba instructor. I miss having my dancer body which disappeared after I got sick with my depression and anxiety and back issues.
  
  My item: I need a good yoga mat for when I go to the gym or just when I do yoga/pilates workouts at home.
  
  I summon /u/mynthe. You are very nice on RAOA and I'm glad to see you're also here too

Yoga mats or puzzle mats are not as expensive as Judo mats, but might do the job, depending on their thickness and the floor underneath.

Example of a Yoga mat:

https://www.amazon.com/Reehut-Density-Exercise-Pilates-Carrying/dp/B01CTRKO6Q/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1510296714&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=yoga+mat&psc=1

Puzzle mats:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dsporting&field-keywords=puzzle+mat

Ive always wanted a yoga mat, but since ive moved into a wooden floored house, i now NEED one >.< heres a few ive added to my list!
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GET THIS! DO IT!

Third thing here >.<