Getting older isn’t all “silver fox” gray hairs and acquiring sage wisdom; running up the years has a few downsides. Staying healthy enough year-in, year-out to do the sports we love—from charging backcountry powder in the mountains…
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Everyone has that person in their life that just can’t keep still. They run, bike, ski or swim while we just marvel at their seemingly unlimited energy. This year, show your support for your favorite swimmer, yogi, skiier, jock or gym rat by giving them the gift that keeps them…
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Susan O’Brien founded snack company Hail Merry on the island of Maui, crediting yoga and meditation as the inspiration for creating healthy food. We sampled the line of raw, vegan and gluten-free macaroons and tarts at CH HQ and were pleasantly surprised with how satisfyingly rich the treats seemed…
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Superfoods and cocoa nibs in a guilt-free bar
Combining superfood favorite quinoa with delicious organic coca nibs, Venice Beach-based YogaEarth presents Keen-Wah Decadence. The nutritious bar offers yogis and other health-minded people a gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO snack on the go and, in addition to quinoa, includes cacao, chia seeds, almonds, almond butter, coco nectar and Himalayan sea salt, as well as protein powder made from brown rice. The fully organic concoction doses out high levels of protein, omega-3 and antioxidants.
The dark chocolate coating lends a sweet edge to the savory health food core, while chopped almonds and crispy quinoa give texture and a bit of satisfaction. To support the claim of healthy ingredients, one bar of Keen-Wah Decadence has 12% of your daily protein and 18% of your recommended fiber intake.
YogaEarth set out to provide yoga practitioners with products that complemented the health-centric lifestyle. Focusing on superfoods, the company reached out to the yoga community—notably strong around Venice Beach—to develop a line of healthful and delicious products. The grassroots effort was initially carried in yoga studios, and is gearing up to launch at Whole Foods. We loved the “Chocolate Chia” flavor of Keen-Wah Decadence, and are eagerly awaiting the release of “Coconut Almond” and “Cayenne Cinnamon”.
A 12-pack of Keen-Wah Decadence is available from YogaEarth for $35.
Relax your muscles and balance your chi with this Swedish acupressure mat
Whether you’re looking for a little therapeutic relief after a long day on hill or just need to balance the flow of your inner chi, the Vila Mat aims to help. Created by snowboarders Justin Steinhardt and Hjalmar Hedman, the Vila Mat harnesses the power of acupuncture through its crown-shaped plastic spikes—a remedy known to reduce physical pain, increase circulation and boost mental energy.
Commonly used in Sweden (the word “vila” translates to repose in Swedish), the mat has developed a cult following around the world by everyone from yoga instructors in LA to Finnish pro snowboarder Jussi Oksanen. I recently put the yoga-sized Vila Mat to the test, and found the spikes incite an almost immediate heat sensation that relaxes the body. After 30 minutes, my back muscles felt looser and my mind felt more at ease. Although the effects of acupressure mats aren’t confirmed by medical doctors, anyone who spends significant time behind a computer will likely benefit from the stimulation that mat provides and the meditative state it inspires.
The Vila Mat comes in three colors—stone gray, ocean blue and royal blue—and sells online for $40.
Ditch bulky mats for these slip-resistant gloves designed for on-the-go yogis
While shooting a yoga video at a cattle ranch in the Southwest, Jamie Getzwiller realized her colleagues were unable to maintain proper posture on the Navajo rugs they were using. The upshot was Yoga-Paws, fingerless gloves that allow you to get your downward dog on anywhere, on any surface.
The accessory doesn’t just stabilize and provide support with its nonslip grip, it also offers extra padding so that even a boulder could serve as an impromptu studio.
The innovative Paws sell online and in select fitness store for $37 per pair.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
