Yoga has always been a huge part of my life. I was introduced to it by a good friend in Kenya 12 years ago, and from my first class it has been dusting its magic over me and helping me deal with the best and worst moments in my life. I love everything about it – how it makes me feel, the way it makes me see the world and the pure happiness it creates the minute I walk in the room and sit down… especially when I get to sit on something as gorgeous as this Yoga Bellies PeaceLoveYoga Mat (£50, yogabellies.co.uk). The design is beautiful, with ethnic paisley prints and giant hearts staring back at you from the eco-friendly, biodegradable masterpiece. All YogaBellies mats are free from silicone and toxic glue and contain no other nasties, meaning you’re doing the most peaceful and loving thing in the world on a mat giving you the same respect back.
One of the main reasons I loved this mat was how much grip it gave me. I’ve always struggled with my hands constantly slipping once I started sweating during my practice, and this got worse since I fell pregnant, as more weight pushing forward equals more slipping.
Brilliantly, this mat has an absorbent top layer which is bonded to a natural tree rubber base. This feels similar to a towel under your hands but it’s still a super-soft mat.
The only downside was the weight, as it’s much heavier than other mats I’ve used, so bear that in mind if you’ll be walking around with it all day. It’s not cheap either, but other mats won’t have been designed with such loving care or with the female psyche in mind, and for me that’s more important than saving £20.
Namaste, you lovely lot.
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Roll-top yoga pants, £35, welovefrugi.com Super-soft, silky and shaping around my bump, these Frugi yoga pants are perfect to get me through my last trimester. I’ve really struggled to find anything that is half decent to work out in during my pregnancy, so these are a godsend. Made from organic cotton, they keep me cool whilst I am training and dry quickly after. I’m still wearing them now! -
YogaBellies for pregnancy DVD, £12.99, yogabellies.co.uk I’ve never been a huge fan of fitness DVDs but this is great as I pop it on in the mornings before I get on with my day and stretch out my back, the part of my body that has given me the most pain recently. It has a great mix of warm up techniques and standing and kneeling postures.
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Anita Active X Control Sports Bra, £35, amazon.co.uk Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to sports bras when pregnant… my cup size has gone from a B to a DD so I need as much support as possible! This is great as it has a ‘butterfly’ tape meaning I’m totally locked in and supported. I’d definitely recommend this for anyone needing an extra ‘umph’!
