Category: Yoga

For anyone starting yoga or trying to level up their practice, many people ponder: “How long should a yoga session last to see results?”.  Everyone is at varied levels when it comes to fitness and their yoga practice, so jumping into an hour-long session often isn’t the smartest solution. Listen to your body and don’t over-exert yourself  – and once comfortable, aim to push for up to 45 minutes or an hour. A focused 15-minute yoga session will always be better than an erratic and unfocused 45-minute session.   The best way to find out what works for you is to define what you want to get out of yoga. The ideal yoga session length depends on your goals, your experience level, and how consistently you practice. In this guide, we’ll break down yoga duration by outcome, experience, and frequency. The beauty of yoga is how varied and adaptable it is, and we’ll...

If you’re new to yoga or are a regular on the mat, you’ve probably seen yoga blocks used in classes or on social media. But the question many ask is: Are yoga blocks worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you’re aiming for better alignment, flexibility, and confidence in your practice. On the surface, yoga blocks look simple, but they’re incredibly versatile. If you’re recovering from an injury, find it tough to reach the floor in forward folds, or simply want extra support in your poses, they’re one of the most accessible fitness props that can boost your practice. This article explores what yoga blocks are, how they’re used, their major benefits, and how Sporteq yoga accessories can support your fitness goals, on and off the mat. What Are Yoga Blocks and How Do You Use Them? Yoga blocks are rectangular props designed to support, stabilise, and enhance your yoga practice....

When most people think of yoga, they imagine intense stretches, deep breathing and gravity-defying poses. But an increasing number of fitness enthusiasts are asking more nuanced questions like: Does yoga build muscle, or is it just about becoming more flexible? The short answer? Yes, yoga can build muscle, but in a more subtle way when compared with weightlifting.  In this article, we’ll explore how yoga works, what types promote muscle growth and how it compares to lifting weights when it comes to developing strength. Can Yoga Actually Build Muscle? When you first think of yoga’s benefits, increased muscle mass probably isn’t one of the first things that springs to mind. Despite our perceptions, yoga requires the strength to support your body weight in challenging poses for lengthy durations. This balancing act (if you will) creates resistance, which is the fundamental component required for building muscle. Traditional body strength is an essential aspect of many yoga...

There are two popular choices when people want to bolster physical and mental well-being at their own pace. The disciplines in question are Yoga and Pilates. Growing exponentially in popularity since Covid-19, they offer similar benefits but vary significantly. Understanding the difference between Yoga and Pilates can help you discern the best practice that will help you become happier, healthier and stronger.    The main differences between these practices are the focus areas. Yoga focuses on balance, flexibility and the body-mind connection. Pilates focuses more intently on core strength, body control and muscle toning. There is a crossover of benefits, which this article will explore in further detail.  Origins: Yoga vs Pilates Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It’s deeply rooted in spiritual tradition, focusing on uniting the mind, body and spirit. The word “yoga” translates from Sanskrit to mean “unite.” Traditionally, yoga includes physical postures, breath...

So, you’ve just wrapped up a fantastic yoga session, feeling rejuvenated, until you catch a whiff of your mat. It can easily make you go from zen to minus ten. Your yoga mat is supposed to be the unwavering bedrock of a calming practice. But just like your other workout gear, it requires some upkeep with some regular TLC. Looking after your fitness gear is a must to avoid the musk. We’ll show you the ropes on how to clean your yoga mat properly, covering everything from quick spruces to deep cleans.  Keeping your mat fresh is a win for both your body and mind, no matter if you’re a Hatha beginner or a Somatic pro. Why Cleaning a Yoga Mat Matters Over time, sweat, oils, dead skin cells and bacteria declare war with your beloved yoga mat, especially during intense or frequent practice. If you’re failing to look after your mat, you...

Curious if yoga can help you lose weight? You’re not alone. While it’s not the same as a super sweaty cardio session or a heavy weightlifting session, yoga can definitely be a helpful part of your weight loss plan, especially if you do it right. We’ll check out if yoga burns fat, how it compares to cardio, some good yoga moves for weight loss, and how it helps your body and mind. Plus, we’ll touch on getting the most out of your practice with Sporteq gear. Let’s dive in.  Does Yoga Burn Fat? Let’s address the most common question first: Does yoga burn fat? Yes, yoga can help with weight loss, but maybe not how you think. It’s not like those super intense workouts that burn tons of calories right away. Instead, yoga’s more about a whole-body, step-by-step kind of change. How many calories you burn really depends on the type of yoga, how...

The world that we live in is showing no signs of slowing down. Juggling work, family, finances, and friendships can make us dizzy, spinning so many plates. This is where yoga enters the fold.  People are turning to yoga to release tension, increase mental fortitude and feel happier. With many yoga styles available, it’s easy to get lost choosing. Hatha yoga continues to be a popular choice for UK fitness fanatics, but not as popular as Bikram yoga (hot yoga).  We’ll uncover the meaning of Hatha yoga, its core benefits, and how it differs from other styles of yoga. We’ll also explain why it’s an excellent starting point for yoga beginners and how quality equipment, such as Sporteq yoga mats, can improve your practice. Hatha Yoga Meaning: A Traditional Yet Accessible Practice “Hatha” derives from Sanskrit, meaning “sun” and “moon” together, showing a balance. While “Hatha” technically means the yoga poses, Hatha yoga is...

The key difference between somatic yoga and traditional yoga lies in their approach. Somatic yoga focuses on slow, mindful movements to retrain the nervous system, while traditional yoga emphasises structured postures, breath control, and flexibility.  This article will get you clued up on yoga, so you’ll know your Hatha from your Bikram.  What is Somatic Yoga? Somatic yoga is a slow, mindful movement practice that focuses on retraining the nervous system to release chronic tension and improve body awareness. Rooted in somatics, which is the study of how the body moves and experiences sensation, this practice emphasises internal experience over external postures. Somatic yoga focuses on gentle, flowing movements instead of static poses. The aim is to boost mobility, ease pain, and bring back natural movement. Somatic yoga achieves these by fixing the imbalances between the mind and muscles. Unlike more physically demanding yoga styles, Somatic yoga is particularly beneficial for those dealing with...