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Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Master your asanas with the best yoga mats: Here is how to choose the right one that has your back
Malaika Arora's perfect splits or Shilpa Shetty's seated spinal twists, we all have witnessed how these B-town beauties integrate yoga into their lives. It is an ancient practice that involves physical postures, control of breath, and meditation to ensure mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. But ever thought what makes their yoga workout look so simple? A lot has to do with the proper equipment, particularly a yoga mat. But how do you determine which mat is ideal for you? Whether you are a beginner attempting to master your poses or an experienced yogi seeking the ideal support, selecting the ideal yoga mat is crucial. So, don't settle for the first mat you come across. Let's break down all you need to know to make an informed decision and take your yoga practice to the next level. Celebrity fitness coach, Yash Agarwal, shares his inputs, helping you choose the best yoga mats for your style. Yoga is a practice that transcends physical postures. It is about discipline aimed at attaining a balance between the body, mind and soul. Yoga combines physical stretches, conscious breathing and meditation, providing a haven for inner calm and self-knowledge. From the serene, meditative exercises of Hatha yoga to the more dynamic flow of Vinyasa, yoga has a range of styles to suit different requirements. The elegance of yoga is that it can be modified to suit anyone and to promote a balance between strength and flexibility. It can treat a number of conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis, chronic illness, anxiety and others (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Opt for the best yoga mat from these options: Yoga is not a gym session, it is a way of life and just like each individual is different, so are the yoga styles. Hatha yoga is slower, more measured movements, so it is ideal for beginners or for people looking for relaxation and tranquillity. If you want a little more energy, go for Vinyasa yoga as it synchronises movement with breathing. Power yoga is the one for you if you want to sweat it out. After all, it is an intense, strength-building yoga. On the other hand, Yin yoga is about holding poses for longer periods to enable deep stretching and inner calm. In contrast, Hot yoga takes it to the next level by practicing in a hot room, testing flexibility and endurance. So, before selecting the best yoga mat in India, ensure that you discover and know your style. While choosing quality yoga mats, you should look at what they are made of because this affects your stability, comfort, and even your environmental footprint. 1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): It has a great grip and is known to be strong. PVC is sticky, firm, and gives excellent traction. "It is durable but not eco-friendly," says celebrity fitness coach, Yash Agarwal. 2. TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): TPE yoga mats are a more environmentally friendly option as they are recyclable and light in weight. They possess decent elasticity and traction, but may not be as durable in the long term. 3. Natural rubber: With its better traction and support, natural rubber yoga mats are stable for poses. "They are an environmentally friendly option," says the expert. 4. Cork: If you practice hot yoga, cork mats can be a good option. They are antimicrobial, which gives you a clean and fresh surface to practice on. 5. Jute: For a more natural, earthy look, jute yoga mats are an environmentally friendly choice. They are lighter and breathable, but they lack as much cushioning. 6. Cotton or Hemp: Great for use as a mat cover or yoga rug, cotton yoga mats have wonderful absorption, ideal for meditation or gentle yoga work. ALSO READ: Best treadmills for home under ₹20,000 for low-impact and joint-friendly workouts A few more options for you: Thickness affects comfort and balance a lot. Thickness relies on the needs of your body and the style of yoga you practice: ALSO READ: Engage in strength training at home with the best 20kg dumbbell set of 2025 Grip is what holds you down. Whether you are in Downward Dog or Warrior II, slipping can disrupt your flow or even cause injury. "A good mat should offer strong traction on both the top (hands/feet) and bottom (floor) to prevent slipping," says the expert. That is where texture comes in. 1. Smooth PVC yoga mats tend to rely on surface stickiness to avoid slips. They work well when dry, but can become slippery with sweat. 2. Textured surfaces, such as natural rubber or jute, provide the feel of grip and add traction even during sweaty practices. 3. Cork yoga mats are a go-to for hot yoga practice. This type of yoga mat is moisture-absorbing, making it tackier and allowing you to hold poses with authority as the temperature increases. Cork yoga mat: Top options for you Standard yoga mats measure 68 inches in length and 24 inches in width, but that is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all affair. If you are over 5'10", look at mats that range from 72-74 inches so your entire body can fit in poses such as Savasana or full-body stretches. Also, if you like a little more room to move and stretch out, use wider mats (26-30 inches) since they provide additional space and can be more comfortable, particularly for restorative or floor-based practices. But remember that bigger mats can be heavier to carry or store. In case you are continually on the go, going to the studio, travelling, or practicing out in the open, the portability element must be considered. Travel yoga mats (1-2mm) are foldable and super light and easily fold into bags, making them ideal for carrying around. Standard mats (3-5mm) are a good compromise between comfort and portability, while heavy yoga mats (6-8mm) are the most comfortable but should stay at home because they are so bulky. The best yoga mats have straps or carry bags attached, which are useful. TPE yoga mat: A few options for you The duration for which your yoga mat lasts is determined by usage and care. "Look for tear-resistant and sweat-resistant materials, especially if you practice daily or do vigorous styles like Power Yoga," adds Yash Agrawal. PVC and TPE mats are very durable and low maintenance, making them ideal for regular practice. Natural alternatives such as cork, jute, or rubber will wear out more quickly with heavy use, but they are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Always read care instructions prior to purchasing to extend its shelf life but maintain your practice clean and new. The best yoga mats do more than offer cushioning; they correct posture, don't slip, and create individual space for intentional practice. "An excellent mat enhances stability in postures, thereby making your sessions safer and more efficient. It also with mental anchoring as laying out your mat becomes a ritual, mentally preparing you for practice," adds the expert. It also brings extra comfort in long sessions and stimulates regularity. Over time, having a specialty mat brings an element of ritual and discipline to your routine, which are indispensable for any thriving fitness routine. ALSO READ: Beginners' guide to whey protein concentrate: Top-rated picks, expert tips and FAQs "Many cheap mats contain PVC, phthalates, or heavy metals, which can release harmful chemicals over time. Non-toxic materials like TPE, natural rubber, and cork are safer for skin contact and reduce the risk of allergic reactions," says the expert. Natural rubber, jute, or TPE green yoga mats are better for you and the earth. For those who spend hours on their mat per week, such a change can make a big difference in minimising toxic load and overall supporting wellbeing. The suitable yoga mat depends on your practice style. The experts suggest a few tips: Add the best cotton yoga mats to your home gym space. Here are a few options for you: Ace your fitness game with whey protein isolate: Top 10 picks from MuscleBlaze, Nakpro and other brands Unflavoured whey protein: 10 top-rated options for pure and effective nutrition in 2025 Walk your way to better health with the best treadmills for home: 10 picks under ₹15,000 to try in 2025 Yoga mats are thinner and offer more grip; exercise mats are thicker for cushioning during workouts. Yes, non-slip mats prevent injuries by improving grip and stability, especially during sweaty or dynamic yoga sessions. Yes, but travel mats are thinner; beginners may prefer thicker mats for better comfort and joint support. Yes, gently hand wash with mild soap and water, then air dry completely before rolling it up. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Forbes
06-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
This Singapore Luxury Resort Is Placing A Bet On Wellness. Here's Why.
Bede Barry, Marina Bay Sands' vice president of hotel operations, in one of the hotel's new wellness suites. Even though the Marina Bay Sands is a luxury casino hotel, there's a growing sense that guests are looking for something beyond high-stakes gaming and high-end shopping when they come to Singapore. And the resort wants to get in on the action. "Our guests are looking for more," says Bede Barry, the hotel's vice president of hotel operations. Barry is standing in a sprawling suite that represents the resort's latest foray into wellness. There's a private treatment room, complete with twin massage beds, a sauna and a steam room. "We want to create a unique experience in each suite," he explains. It might seem counterintuitive that a Singapore gaming icon is embracing mindful well-being. But then, the hotel has always positioned itself as an integrated resort, with gaming being just one part of the experience. And in today's competitive luxury travel landscape, the wellness trend is no longer a niche market. It's a powerful current, and even the most established players in the luxury hospitality game are taking notice. While Marina Bay Sands is one of the world's most recognizable resorts — its three towers topped by the largest rooftop swimming pool in the world is a Singapore landmark — Barry and his team know that Michelin-starred dining and luxury suites alone won't cut it anymore. Market research suggests that affluent travelers want experiences that rejuvenate, restore, and align with a growing desire for holistic well-being. "People come here to return to themselves," he says. The iconic Marina Bay Sands is a landmark in Singapore. Its rooftop pool on the 57th floor is the world's largest of its type. Marina Bay Sands already offers a range of wellness options. That includes a Banyan Tree Spa, with a range of treatments from Balinese to Thai massages. The nearby Gardens by the Bay has Hatha yoga and meditation classes, a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, and plenty of exercise options. Perhaps the most visible symbol of wellness at Marina Bay Sands is its over-the-top infinity pool. Perched 57 stories above the city, it is the largest rooftop pool in the world. And, according to Barry, it's also the most Instagrammed pool. "It's one of our major attractions here," he says. That's no exaggeration. Since its opening in 2010, many people have checked into the hotel just for the pool. (The pool is for guests only, so it requires that they book a room for at least one night.) So how do you build on that kind of fame? The foundations for a wellness-focused stay are already in place, according to the hotel. But, like other resorts trying to navigate the new demands of wellness, there's more work to be done. Marina Bay Sands is doubling down on the quality of sleep, a cornerstone of any wellness journey. For example, its Paiza Royal suites – a collection of 60 upscale rooms across all three towers – have handmade Savoir mattresses handmade Savoir mattresses, some costing upwards of $20,000. "Sleep quality is a priority," Barry says. The mattresses, crafted with natural materials such as horsehair, are designed for comfort and restorative sleep. The hotel also offers a pillow menu — a box filled with miniature pillows that you choose from — allowing you to further customize your sleep experience. Many of the larger suites include private gyms. Some of them feature innovative exercise equipment such as the Kinesis Personal, a high-tech device that offers a variety of exercises to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance through a personalized workout. Barry says the next generation will allow guests to interact with a virtual personal trainer, and the hotel is interested in adding them to its suites. While all of the resorts rooms have wellness options, the signature suites are pushing the limits. For example, one of the suites offers a Himalayan salt wall, which is said to reduce stress and increase overall well-being. Another suite offers a virtual golf simulator. Barry says the hotel is looking for other ways to boost guests' wellness. There's a growing awareness of the importance of nutritious food options, according to Barry. Guests want to feel that even while they're indulging, they can do it in a healthy way. In coming months, the resort plans to further develop its vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices in its signature restaurants. An in-suite salt room at the Marina Bay Sands. The hotel has just hired a vice president of spa and wellness to find ways to develop its wellness experience. As with other hotels on the Malay Peninsula that are pushing the boundaries of wellness, the resort sees its program as a multidisciplinary endeavor — encompassing food and beverage, gym, in-room amenities, and its spa. "It's a holistic program," says Barry. Of course, such an undertaking isn't without its risks. With 600 table games and 3,000 electronic gaming machines, Marina Bay Sands remains one of the largest casino resorts in the region. Even though bringing an integrating wellness program to the resort blurs the line between a casino and a resort hotel, Barry sees it as a worthwhile. "Wellness is not an amenity here, " Barry says. "It's a philosophy."
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Yoga Pilates Physiotherapy Studios in Central Hong Kong - New State-of-the-Art Facilities for Personal Trainers
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palace Studios has established itself as Hong Kong's leading provider of premium private fitness spaces. Today, the company announced the launch of a new, flexible training location dedicated to Pilates and yoga. This further proves the company's commitment to providing health conscious Hong Kong residents with innovative and personalised fitness experiences, while introducing cutting-edge new facilities in Hong Kong to meet surging demands within the Asia Pacific region. Visit to learn more. The new studio is located at 16/F, The Plaza LKF, 21 D'Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong. It offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to cater to Pilates instructors, physiotherapists, and their clients who seek a premium, private, dedicated workout and physical therapy environment. This prime location in the heart of Central underscores Palace Studios' dedication to delivering high-quality, flexible, and convenient private studio facilities in the heart of Hong Kong. The launch of Palace Studio Three highly prioritises Pilates, recognising its increasing popularity as a core strengthening and rehabilitation practice. The new Studio Three space is equipped with a top-of-the-line Pilates reformer, cadillac and other related apparatus, which creates an ideal setting for both mat-based and equipment-focused sessions. Pilates uses controlled, precise movements to improve posture, flexibility, and core strength. This discipline appeals to fitness enthusiasts and those recovering from injuries. Palace Studios' private setting allows for focused instruction and personalised attention, maximising the benefits of this dynamic exercise method. Complementing the Pilates offering, Palace Studios also introduces a dedicated yoga space in Palace Six, designed to enable clients to create a sense of calm and well-being more easily. Built to deliver a peaceful, serene environment, Palace Studio Six provides the perfect backdrop for various yoga styles, from dynamic Vinyasa flow to restorative Hatha. The Palace Studio SIX space has been thoughtfully designed to promote mindfulness and relaxation, essential elements of the yoga experience. In addition to offering a cutting-edge gym, Pilates, and yoga facilities in their suite of studios across Hong Kong, the new Studio Three location at The Plaza LKF also caters to physiotherapy needs. The studio features a dedicated physiotherapy bed and a BTL-4000 system, a sophisticated device that combines electrotherapy, ultrasound, laser, and magnetotherapy. This approach to providing dedicated physical rehabilitation and recovery facilities further enhances Palace Studios' value proposition. Palace Studios has gone out of its way to design and build studio spaces offering a bespoke gym, Pilates, yoga, and physiotherapy facilities characterised by modern design, premium equipment, and a user-friendly, technology-driven booking system accessible via a dedicated app. This app allows personal trainers, physiotherapists, Pilates, and yoga teachers, and their clients to conveniently book studios on an hourly basis, providing a high level of flexibility and control over their schedules. High levels of hygiene are an essential element at all Palace Studio locations. All bases are equipped with advanced air filtration systems and have been thoughtfully constructed using eco-friendly building materials. This ensures a clean and healthy environment while also delivering on the company's core commitment to sustainability. The appeal of Palace Studios extends to local personal trainers, Pilates instructors, yoga teachers, freelance physiotherapists, and their clients. Trainers benefit from the opportunity to operate their own classes in a professional, fully-equipped setting without the overhead costs associated with traditional studio ownership. Clients enjoy the privacy and exclusivity of training in a dedicated space, allowing for more focused, targeted workouts and personalised one-on-one attention from their trainers for better outcomes. The Palace Studios concept is also a win-win for local Hong Kong landlords. By transforming underutilised central Hong Kong premises into premium fitness studios, Palace Studios enhances properties' long-term value and revitalises city centre commercial areas. This makes it a win-win partnership for Palace Studios and local property owners. About Palace Studios Palace Studios is Hong Kong's premier provider of private physical fitness spaces. Focusing on cutting edge innovation, premium quality sustainable materials, and convenience, it enables trainers and their clients to achieve their fitness goals in a premium and personalised environment. Through its technology-driven booking system and commitment to hygiene and sustainability, Palace Studios is redefining the future of fitness in Hong Kong. Click to find out more about our spaces. ### For more information about Palace Studios, contact the company here:Palace StudiosInformation+852 9878 5785hello@ Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong CONTACT: Information
