5 comments about Gaiam Printed Yoga Mat (Dragon Fly).

1. After you receive this, open it up, and lay it out flat on a deck, patio, or grass outside on a sunny day. That will eliminate the "new" smell from it after about an hour. Then, it's absolutely perfect. I don't find it to be too thin at all. It's easy to roll up and carry. If it were thicker, it would be cumbersome and awkward to roll and carry. It's a very bright pink, and I received a lot of compliments on it the first time I brought it to Yoga class. I think it's just right!



2. Fun color and design. Was nervous because it was thinner than I expected. But it was perfect!



3. My old yoga mat wore out from serious Vinyasas.
   I decided to go pink. Love the dots in the right places to focus in postures. Nice mat



4. This yoga mat is pretty much perfect! I wish it would have mentioned how thick it was, but that's okay. I LOVE the design & color!
   Its not too sticky, so i was slipping just a little bit while i was using it. Its pretty awesome tho! =P
   -Hails.



5. I ordered this mat b/c I already had the creme-colored bag w/ the dragonfly design. It is cushy and did not have a terrible smell like some new mats do. Giaim makes great yoga products.

5 comments about Bean Products Yoga Mat Bag Extra Large Easy Open Zipper 100% Cotton Made In USA.

1. I ordered a different mat bag and had to return it because my slightly thicker than normal mat wouldn't fit. This one is great. I can fit my mat, yoga clothes easily in this bag, with room for a wallet, phone and bottle of water. It will also comfortably carry a regular thickness mat, two blocks and a strap - haven't tried the thicker mat/block combo yet.
   
   The bag is made of a durable canvas and has a zipper that runs the full length of the bag so you don't have to worry about the mat getting caught or bound up as you're putting it away. It also has a small outside pocket - big enough for my gym card, padlock, or a drivers license and some money, or maybe a small cell phone, but not for a wallet. I love this bag!



2. This bag does exactly what I wanted it to do. It holds my oversize mat with ease and the zipper is just the right length. There is additional room in the bag for a water bottle, towel, etc. I also like the zippered pocket to safely store my keys and jewelry during yoga class. The cotton material is simple and nice to touch - without all the fuss and expense of fancier bags. It's perfect!



3. The bag isn't horrible if you're a yoga beginner. I didn't find it to be all that big or sturdy. It's acurately described as cotton twill - like khaki pants. The zipper doesn't seem like it's up for heavy duty use. If you've just started yoga and don't go more than once a week or so then this bag is good for you. You don't need something too heavy duty. But if you're at the studio a few times a week and have an extra long mat and blanket (like me) this bag is neither large or sturdy enough.
   
   That said, when I returned the bag my refund was prompt and polite. Although the product wasn't for me, the customer service was positive.



4. I ordered this bag for Christmas for a gift. It was shipped immediately and arrived one day ahead of schedule. I took it out of the box and was impressed with the feel of the fabric. First time I ordered from this company, but I am pleased that I did.



5. I bought this mat bag after getting Bean's non-toxic extra thick yoga mat which is great by the way Bean Products Yoga Mat 1/4" Extra Thick High Density 72" Length - Clean PVC (TM) Phthalate Free PER because the mat didn't fit in my old small mat bag. Its nice and big and easy to fit my extra thick mat and water bottle, towel etc. Well made, heavy cotton and finally something made in the USA!!!!!

5 comments about Harbinger 364060 Core Balance Trainer 3" High x 13" Diameter (Blue).

1. This is identical to the one I use at the gym I go to. I like the fact that it is already inflated. It is a perfect size.



2. I injured my back and had difficulty getting up from a sitting position. I looked at all the different apparati to aide with sitting posture. I tried this disk because it was reasonably priced. I found that sitting on it engages core muscles and promotes better posture, which reduces back pain. I even sit on it during long car trips (although my head nearly touches the car ceiling when I'm on it). As my back pain improved, I started using the disk for balance exercises, like planks or squats. It really helps to work core muscles. It is an all around winner!



3. I'm in the fitness industry, so my standards are quite high when it comes to these type products. I bought this for home use and it is amazing. It can be used for standing or seated balance, or for support under the lower back when doing abdominal exercises. Highly recommended!



4. I'm happy with my decision to go with the Harbinger balance trainer. It's thick material, the nubs are substantial and great for traction, and the other side with small, smooth nubs are great for my office chair. The 13" platform allows me to stand on it with no problem, but because of my balance issues, I chose to purchase two of them for different positions of squats. Sitting on this for abs, in a "V" position is a challenge. I can feel it working just after a few sessions, and I work out 4-7 times a week.
   
   I purchased it with the Mini air pump, with free needle adapter for $10 (see link)
   [...]
   
   Thank you, Amazon for top-notch service and excellent customer service.



5. I bought this for 2 purposes. I use it to exercise for balancing and to put on chairs and my car seat to raise my hips above my knee. I had a hip replacement and I find the "bucket / low seats are uncomfortable now and the seats they sell for that purpose do not fit in my car. These will conform to any car seat. I love it!
   
   I find it is great for stability and balancing exercises too. It makes you work your whole core.

5 comments about SKLZ Rick Smith Launch Pad - All Purpose Hitting Mat.

1. Maybe the poor reviewers received "lemons" but the one I have is great! It serves its purpose well and has helped me keep my sanity by allowing me to practice my swing inside during the snow storms. The two tees (of different height) also help simulate tee shots with your driver and irons.



2. good product, if hitting for less than a month, easy to tear and "grass" easy to come off, all glued product



3. The mat arrived in excellent condition. I appreciated the two practice tees of differing length. Unfortunately, hitting balls off of the mat surface leaves a green residue on the clubs that takes some scrubbing to remove.



4. The turf separated from the rubber backing after about 100 balls hit. Cheap glue is my guess. Waste of money.



5. I don't really have anything new to add here that hasn't already been said. The concept of this product is awesome. Two different levels of turf you can use to practice driving and chipping in a relatively compact package. The problem, as others have said, is that the product is poorly made. It only took a few chip shots before the turf began to separate from the mat. I would be surprised if this fact was not already known by the manufacturer - unless they don't test their own products before releasing to market. It is such an obvious flaw in the design.

5 comments about Gaiam Yoga For Beginners Kit.

1. I bought this for my girlfriend who was wanting to get into Yoga - this kit is pretty crappy for beginners. The instructor just goes from pose to pose, without giving you really any instruction on what you should be focusing on as far as your form (very important in yoga), goes through everything really, really fast; the mat is pretty thin - overall I would not buy another product from Gaiam - it seems slapped together without much thought.



2. While the DVD is definitely NOT made for beginning yoga practitioners, the fact that you get a strap, mat and block for less than $30 makes this product worth it. If you're starting out and the cost of getting everything you need to successfully start practicing yoga seems daunting, you should get this kit and a different Yoga for Beginners DVD (personally, I recommend Suzanne Deason's Yoga for Weight Loss because it offers modifications for all skill levels and you can use it throughout your practice) and it will be worth the price. Once you know the poses used in the included DVD, are comfortable moving through them quickly and can make your own modifications for your skill level, then pull out this DVD for a quick morning workout when you're running late.



3. Since I've never tried Yoga before, I have nothing to compare this to. However, I can see its potential benefit. I think some of the poses transition too quickly on the 20 minute workout since as a beginner, I am unfamiliar with the basic poses and their names. The first thing in the morning workout is great because it provides a good introduction and very good stretches and adequate time to transition. The only thing I wish either or both of the workouts offered were stretches for neck and upper back area, which is primarily why I even considered trying out Yoga.



4. the gear is fine...the video is ok but i thought it would be more informative since it is a beginners video.



5. I received the product fast and it is a great beginner set. There is an AM wake up session, an 8 minute video to describe how to use the props correctly, and a daily 20 minute session. I was very pleased overall.

5 comments about YogaAccessories (TM) Black OM Cotton Yoga Mat Bag.

1. really fabulous yoga mat bag- big enough for a thick mat plus skidless towel and more! pure cotton with embroidered "OM" symbol was even better than the photo. zippered pocket inside and on the outside for extra storage plus adjustable shoulder strap. I would highly recommend this product; I use it everyday and get tons of compliments on it:-) thanks!



2. I just got a larger mat and needed a bag to accomodate it. This perfect for that purpose. Got the zippered version and it's very easy to get everything in and out of the bag. There is more than enough space for the mat and other items as well.



3. I just received my yoga bag and I LOVE it! I chose the drawstring style because some of the other reviews mentioned potential problems with the zipper. It's really well made, it's roomy, and the embroidered "OM" on the outside is beautiful. It's even better than I expected, and it's roomy enough to hold the extra thick yoga mat I just bought, plus so much more! The zippered pockets (one on the inside and one on the outside) are a bonus feature. Great thought out detail!



4. This bag is very big, it can accommodate very large mats, but it can be difficult to pack mats into it because if its design. It loads from the top with a draw string, so the mat needs to slide into the bag, but yoga mats are by design not slippery. This problem is compounded by the 'secret' pocket just inside the bag opening, which just dangles and gets in the way of your mat as you shove it in there.
   
   The bag is well made, affordable, and the pockets (especially the front pocket) are very convenient. Given the problems mentioned above, I would advise against using this bag with a mat that is both large and sticky (as a point of reference the mat I use is Jade Harmony Professional 3/16-Inch Yoga Mat). With smaller mats, or mats that are less sticky, this bag will likely do the trick nicely.



5. I bought this bag only 6 weeks ago and loved it. It was so cute, fit my towel as well as my mat and didn't cost me too much. Then today I was walking home from practice and suddenly my mat was rolling down the street because the handle ripped right off the bag as I was walking! Do yourself a favor and don't buy this cheap bag. It's not well made at all and you are wasting your money because you'll only get to use it for a short time.

5 comments about Gaiam Pilates Body Sculpting Workout Kit: Pilates Ball & DVD.

1. Although I am looking forward to utilizing this ball, the DVD was a BIG disappointment. Most of the exercises are contraindicated for anyone with degenerative disc disease in the cervicals and/or the lumbars and vertebral stenosis.



2. This product is a joke - its not worth the money asked for - the DVD in the box did not contain enough and barely required the ball to do the exercises - I actually thought that I was purchasing a pilates squishy ball not a hard unweighted ball. I do not recommend the purchase of this product.



3. The ball is much smaller than I thought it would be. The DVD is so fast paced that by the time you arrive in the positions the instructor is already out of them. The abrupt ending to the program is absolutely terrible... It is an OK work out, but I do not like the DVD.



4. This DVD is excellent but if you are a beginner in the pilates work buy another one before this, but it is awesome!



5. I love this thing. I'm still learning about all the new ways to incorporate it into my at home pilates workouts- tons of info on poses and stretches online. After reading the reviews of many similar products (that said they were questionable quality and deflated quickkly) I'm glad I spent a few extra bucks on this ball. It's a quality brand and a great product. Thanks!

5 comments about Intex Classic Downy Full Airbed.

1. This bed deflated fully during my first night's sleep on it. Others may get good use out of it, but I found the quality to be poor. The cap was screwed on tightly and the filler cap was also securely in place, but I went to sleep on a full mattress and woke up with no cushioning at all.
   
   I switched to an AeroBed full-time two years ago and have been on air beds ever since. This would have been my fourth. The AeroBed seems to be thicker and sturdier, so I think I'll get another one of those instead.



2. Product is typical. The FULL size was the most important factor in this purchase because retailers offer such limited items. Intex could offer extra long twins or full sized with built-in pillows and really give the consumer what they want.



3. This bed is too good to bother returning, but would not be my first choice for the next air bed purchase.
   
   I own a Coleman queen air bed (probably 8-9 years old), and I use it for comparison in many of my comments.
   
   Pros:
   * Full sheets fit perfectly (unlike my Coleman queen).
   * The air valve doesn't appear to leak at all.
   * Construction seems durable.
   * The flocking really does help keep sheets in place.
   * I like that this Intex doesn't have a built-in pillow.
   
   Cons:
   * The tubes aren't nearly as comfortable as coil air mattresses. This is a significant negative.
   * No patch included (my Coleman came with one).
   * Overall quality may be a tad below Coleman, or at least the model I own.
   
   If you're considering any air bed for home use, it really pays to have a decent way to inflate the thing. Hand pumps, even big ones, are a joke. I finally figured out that my 5HP wet/dry vacuum was the answer--the bed goes up in 30 seconds, maybe less. Then to empty it, I switch the vacuum hose from exhaust to suck and the bed is down in under 30 seconds. Hey, I'm throwin' you a bone here ;-)



4. Man I ordered online to make sure got an air matress with some chance of lasting! Well this one was blown up once and semi soft by morning. Still using because I bought it - just keep blowing up to stay firm. Oh well, hopefully will last with extra effort!



5. Not fancy, but does what it needs to do: fills easily, doesn't leak, and folds compactly when emptied. The classic parallel tube design is much more comfortable than mattresses with the big dimpled baffles- those are too bumpy. I prefer the flexibility of having an external pump (Coleman cordless works great for camping).

5 comments about Icy Cools Reusable Ice Mats :: Three (3) Pack for Coolers (10" x 16" each - Equivalent to 10 lbs of Ice).

1. I found these cold packs no better than any ice packs I bought at Dollar Tree Store(and they cost a lot more even with Amazon's discount). They don't keep things any colder for any longer period of time than what I had been previously using.



2. I do not understand why anyone thinks these are so wonderful...
   
   They are just squares of water encased in plastic....Which WILL tear. One of my frozen ones caught on the bottom of a wire rack in my freezer. Ripped the section open....
   
   The most important thing is that they just do NOT keep foods any colder for any longer than a zip lock bag of ice from the ice maker or a frozen slab of water in a zip lock bag. Yes, the plastic bag sweats but so do these things !!! I take ice bags in insulated coolers to animal rescue adoptions to keep our soft drinks cold and to cool down any dog that might get over heated.The nice thing about putting ice cubes in plastic bags is that I can put the cubes in the dog's water bowl. Can't do that with these things.
   
   But the really disappointing part is that I still have frozen ice in my plastic bags long after this product has melted. You get 3 of these for a ridiculous price even if there is free shipping. It will take 2 of them for each insulated cooler...Look at the picture of the product being used.
   
   It is nice that they are USA made but if they don't work and are expensive what difference does it make where they are made ???? Back to the drawing board for product development.....
   
   Aug. 3, 2010
   Update: I used these for only the 2nd time this past weekend. I promise....only the 2nd time !!!They were in an insulated cooler tote under and covering a plastic container of Costco shrimp salad (@$5.99/lb) The outside edge seal on 3 of the cubes failed. The cubes melted and my tote had water in the bottom and it had seeped into the shrimp salad, which I then had to throw away. I was/am so angry that this worthless product has cost me so much money !!! I have absolutely NO confidence that this product will hold up and therefore have thrown away the other 2 pieces. Not worth the hassle. Again, double zip lock bags of ice work better & stay frozen MUCH, MUCH longer !



3. I love this product! I have used these and other 'pillowed' ice packs before, for swelling or pain relief on sore joints (particularly ankles and back.)
   
   Quick tip for wearing the ice pack. I have cut the sheets into strips of 1-3 pillows (depending on size), and thread them into the legs of sacrificed panty hose, and voila! I then wrap the pack around the affected area, and tie off wrap the excess leg ends with a slip/bow knot. NO SEWING NEEDED!! They stay in place very nicely, and are not bulky if you have to be in public (I quite often forget to take them off, when they are around my ankles, and it feels nice on a hot day.) I keep several of these in a bin in my freezer, and switch them out as needed.



4. These are great - 100x better than any blue freezy thing. They stay flexible even when frozen so you can wrap them around your beverages. Awesome!!



5. Great product. Ends paying a fortune for a few hours worth of ice. Rolls up nicely and takes very little freezer room.

5 comments about GoFit GF-PMAT Pilates Mat (24" x 72" x 1/2").

1. I love it. It's nice and thick so you don't hurt your hands or knees on a hardwood floor. It's long enough that you don't run out of room.



2. This mat is very durable, thick and cushy, yet we find it good for Yoga that we have been doing as beginners.



3. Read reviews on this mat before purchasing, and am VERY satisfied. Has made a huge difference in comfort while doing Pilates and stretch-and-flex exercises at local gym. Not smelly at all. Would recommend to anyone. Wish a carrier strap came with it, but I just roll up and put in a duffel bag.



4. This is without a doubt the thickest, softest, and most comfortable mat I've ever tried. I love it! Especially during pilates roll-ups, it doesn't kill my spine. I only had a yoga mat before and those are beyond thin so I'd layer it with blankets that would slip and slide. This one doesn't budge, and doesn't have a funky rubber odor (or any odor at all).



5. I just received this mat. NO ODOR at all!
   
   Yes, it was in a roll during shipping, so of course the ends turned up a bit. I TURNED IT OVER on my hardwood floors and that was the end of that problem.
   
   It doesn't slip. Not on the floor. Not under my feet. No matter which side is facing down. It's thick, THICK, soft but sturdy. My body doesn't feel any pain, no matter what part of it is touching the floor!