POSTED ON July 14th, 2010 – by admin 2 Comments »   

Yes this picture is REAL!  Amazing right?? Talk about INSPIRATIONAL. We are thrilled to have our July Inspiration of the Month be the lovely and talented Zoraya Judd. If you haven’t heard of her yet, you are in for a treat. She is mesmerizing to watch, mastering the  balance of strength and flexibility in every move she makes.  the amount of control she has with her body and the gracefulness she puts into each performance makes everything look like a breeze. make sure to check out her performances on the links below. A doll to watch and an absolute inspiration to us and countless others out there.thank you Zoraya for inspiring such strength, ambition & fluidity… you are one amazingly authentic woman.

What Zoraya says about Mika Yoga Wear:

” I received my first pair of Mika Yoga Wear shorts in my USPDF Nationals gift bag. they were SO perfect for pole. I taught most of my So Cal workshop tour in them. they move with your body without exposing any unnecessary angles to the spectators. thank you Mika Yoga Wear! Xoxox”

Learn more about her:

Zoraya Judd is a 1/2 Argentine, 1/2 Swedish mother of 2. At age 15 she got into fitness and has been a consistent gym goer ever since.  She loves all types of fitness and enjoys to workout and push her body to new heights.  Zoraya loves a challenge and pushes herself to accomplish them until she conquers her goal.  She got into pole shortly after the birth of her second son. She attended core pole classes once a week for the first 4 months, then twice a week. At 6 months She began teaching and immediately jumped into competing.  Her studio owner entered her into the competition and notified her two weeks prior to the competition.  This was the first time that Zoraya started training on an everyday basis.  Up to this point it was only two times per week as the advanced instructor and just for fun.  Her husband reached out to the biggest names in pole and was able to establish a relationship with them insomuch as Zoraya was able to again receive instruction and the challenge she needed to push herself.

Z says, “my first competition was “Miss Pole Fetish Utah 2009.” I placed 1st in the advanced division. Shortly after, I was one of the 12 girls chosen to compete in USPDF West Coast Regional 2009 Competition, where I received my “Pro Status.”  Competing became addicting and nerve racking at the same time. Other competitions I have done are Vertical Pole Challenge, where I secured myself a spot in the Finale, and USPDF National Championship 2010 in the Pro Division.  I have performed with Jenyne Butterfly, who has been a big inspiration and coach to me as has Felix Cane who I have also performed.  Felix Cane and I just recently got done teaching duo workshops and privates in Southern California.”

Zoraya’s goal is to continue to show people the fitness side of pole.  She absolutely loves everything that has to do with pole, But for her it is the strength, control and flexibility that she finds so beautiful and intriguing.

Still want more?

Check out these amazing videos of Zoraya on you Tube: youtube.com/user/zorayajudd

More amazing pics/videos: zorayajudd.com/

Join her Facebook Fan Page: facebook.com/zorayajudd

July Inspiration of the Month: ZORAYA JUDD « Hot Yoga Clothes

• Gaiam Tree Of Life Embroidered Mat Bag, 100% cotton bag, fully lined in nylon
• Fits any standard or premium mat up to 28? wide.
• Zippered outside pocket with multiple inside pockets, magnetic snaps for easy access and closure
• Dimensions: 30.5″W x 6.5″D x 11″H. Natural with Green embroidery.

Keep your Tree Of Life mat clean, dry and portable in the coordinating Tree of Life tote bag with zippered pocket and magnetic snaps for easy access and closure. Tote Dimension: 30.5″W x 6.5″D x 11″H. 100% cotton with nylon lining. Natural with Green embroidery. made in China. Tree of Life Yoga Mat Bag Features: 100% cotton Magnetic snaps for easy access and closure Zippered outside pocket and zippered inside pocket. Nylon lining.

I love this yoga bag! it is machine washable and therefore easy to clean. it also snaps fully open, so I can easily put my extra long, extra thick, sticky yoga mat in the bag. It’s plenty big to toss my towel, tee, and water bottle on top of my oversized mat. Plus the outside, zippered pocket is great for keeping my keys, wallet and cell handy.

Aesthetically beautiful tree design, but could be functionally better. Holds two mats (5mm & 3mm) but the soft fabric is not supportive. The bag ends flop and turn the simple act of placing a mat in a bag into a chore. The snaps work well, but do not allow for complete closure or upright storage. Shoulder strap is not adjustable and carrying the bag lengthwise is cumbersome. would prefer a longer and deeper bag, stiffer fabric, complete closure, adjustable shoulder strap and upright carry.

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Gaiam Tree of Life Yoga Mat Tote Bag

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June 30, 2010 Starting July 1 Journaling exercises: 10-11 a.m. July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Leeza’s Place at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, 113 Republic Ave., Joliet. this memory workshop, using journaling, will help people exercise the mind and strengthen memory, and at the same time help reduce stress by releasing the intensity of feelings. Participants will use questions from the book “Journaling, the footprints of your life … ” available for purchase at Leeza’s Place. R.S.V.P. to 815-741-0077.Starting July 7 Memory Preservation through Scrapbooking: 10 a.m. to noon July 7, 21, and 28 at Leeza’s Place at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, 113 Republic Ave., Joliet. Workshops help create Family Memory Books for the caregiver and their loved ones. Scrapbooking supplies provided; bring pictures. Free. R.S.V.P. to 815-741-0077.July 8 New siblings class: 6-6:45 p.m. July 8, Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St., Morris. Class is for ages 3-7 who are preparing to welcome a new brother or sister. Cost is $10 per child. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7301.July 11 Prenatal class: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 11, Hedges Clinic, 222 Colorado Ave., Frankfort. during this two-day class, participants will learn about labor, delivery, recovery, post partum and other birthing options. Class is free. To register, call 888-660-4325.July 11, 18, 24 Birthing center tours: 1:30-2:30 p.m. July 11, 18, 24, Silver Cross Hospital, 1200 Maple Road, Joliet. To help new parents prepare for the birthing experience. To register, call 888-660-4325 or visit silvercross.org.July 12 Emerging treatments for back problems: 6:30-7:30 p.m. July 12, Silver Cross Hospital, 1200 Maple Road, New Lenox. Dr. Chintan Sampat will discuss the latest treatments for back and neck pain. To register, call 888-660-4325 or visit silvercross.org.

Blood drive: 3-7 p.m. July 12 at 117 W. Washington St., Morris. Hosted by the American Red Cross Grundy County chapter. each presenting donor will be entered into a drawing for one of three pairs of White Sox tickets. Call 815-942-1046.

July 13 Talk on Alzheimer’s Disease, Communication and Grief: 11 a.m. to noon July 13 at Leeza’s Place at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, 113 Republic Ave. Joliet. Dr. Olimpia Paun will discuss the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Free. R.S.V.P. to 815-741-0077.

Program on memory loss: 6-7 p.m. July 13, Paradise Park, building 1031, 1023 S. Cedar Road, New Lenox. Program is designed to explain the difference between normal, age-related memory changes and more serious problems of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Call 815-744-0804.

July 15 Spark that brain: 5:30-6 p.m. July 15, Senior Star at Weber Place, 600 S. Edward Drive, Romeoville. Dinner is included. To register, call 815-744-0804 or visit alz.org/illinois.July 17-18 Prepared childbirth weekend class: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, July 17; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 18, Silver Cross Hospital, 1200 Maple Road, Joliet. Participants will receive instruction from a registered nurse on breathing, relaxation and floor exercise techniques. Cost is $60 per couple, which includes lunch. To register, call 888-660-4325 or visit silvercross.org.July 18 Hearing screening: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18, Braidwood City Park. Sponsored by Braidwood Lions Club. Free. anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 815-458-3190.July 20 File of Life and Yellow Dot programs: 11 a.m. to noon July 20 at Leeza’s Place at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, 113 Republic Ave. Joliet. Local experts will explain the File of Life and Yellow Dot programs available for seniors. Free. R.S.V.P. to 815-741-0077.July 22 Baby basics: 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 22, Silver Cross Hospital, 1200 Maple Road, Joliet. a class geared to help parents learn about baby care and health. Cost is $15 per couple. Call 888-660-4325 or visit silvercross.org.July 23 Blood drive: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 23 at Grundy Bank’s Brown Bag Friday, 201 Liberty St. in Morris. Hosted by the American Red Cross. Call 815-942-0130.July 24 Super Saturday childbirth: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 24, Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St., Morris. Class covers the basics of childbirth. Cost is $60. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7301.July 28 Breast-feeding class: 6:30-9 p.m. July 28, Silver Cross Hospital, 1200 Maple Road, Joliet. a certified lactation consultant will teach the basics of breast-feeding. Newborns welcome. Cost is $10. To register, call 888-660-4325 or visit silvercross.org.Aug. 21 Kandy’s 5K Walk: 10 a.m. Aug. 21 at Pilcher Park in Joliet. Walk to benefit Leeza’s Place and the American Brain Tumor Association. Call Leeza’s Place at 815-741-0077. Ongoing Scoliosis screening: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Silver Cross Health Center, 12701 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen. To register, call 877-694-7722. the screenings are free and available for children and adults.

Laughter Yoga: 3 p.m. Fridays in the Willow Falls Recreation Center, 1691 Willow Circle Drive, Crest Hill. for seniors only. Free. To register to attend call 815-773-6229.

Free colon cancer screening kits: Offered by Silver Cross Hospital. With the kit, people collect a stool sample and send it to the hospital’s lab to be tested. Results are mailed back free for patients to share with their physician. To request a colon cancer kit, visit silvercross.org or call 888-660-4325.

Blood pressure check: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at the Silver Cross Health Center, 12701 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen. Walk-ins welcomed. for more information, call 708-364-6337.

Premier cardiovascular risk assessment: To learn if you are at risk for heart disease, Silver Cross offers a Premier Cardiovascular Risk Assessment. the screening includes a high-speed CT scan to measure calcium deposits in the coronary arteries (calcium score), 12-lead EKG, measurements of HDL/LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood glucose level, body mass index (BMI), and a personal consultation with a cardiovascular nurse. a 12-hour fast is required. Cost is $225. for those just wanting to learn their calcium score, this CT scan is available for just $200 at the Silver Cross Health Center, 12701 W. 143rd St, Homer Glen, as well as at the Hospital. To schedule an appointment, call 815-740-7076.

Calcium artery scoring: Silver Cross Hospital offers a quick and painless test using a high speed CT scanner that can measure calcium deposits in the coronary arteries to determine your risk of having a heart attack. Calcium artery scoring is ideal for men older than age 45 and women older than age 55 who smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of premature coronary artery disease. this scan is available for $200. Call 815-740-7076 for an appointment.

Senior fit exercise class: 9-10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital located at 100 Gore Road, just north of Interstate 80 in Morris; 8:15-9:15 Tuesdays and Thursdays at the United Methodist annex in Minooka; 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Fridays Coal City Public Library; and 7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Mazon Grade School. Senior fit classes are provided free of charge to individuals ages 55 and older. To register, call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364.

TB testing: Mondays by appointment at the Grundy County Health Department, 1320 Union St. in Morris. Cost is $15. Call 815-941-3419 to schedule an appointment.

Items for the health/fitness calendars must be submitted in writing 10 days prior to the Wednesday on which they should run. we prefer all items e-mailed to . You may also send them to: Health/Fitness Roundup, 13543 S. Route 30, Plainfield, IL 60544-1100 or fax to 815-439-7527. for more information, call Jean Edwards at 815-439-5312.

Health Calendar: Scrapbooking and memory preservation

Manduka Mats are the most expensive, highest quality mats available on the market today. in addition to being the most expensive, they are also the heaviest and bulkiest mats ever made. is the manduka product worth its price? is it a good idea to haul this chunky piece of natural rubber that weighs like a small tire to class?

We performed a detailed analysis of the BlackMat Pro (the top of the line Manduka product) to assist people who are hesitant to part with almost $90 for a yoga mat.

Setting for our review:

During our review we tested the Manduka Mat during regular beginners practice, during an advanced ashtanga secondary series and in a hot and steamy Bikram yoga class. our reviewers are mostly yoga practitioners with years of experience. in order to stay as objective as possible we surveyed a few beginners (though owners of manduka mats were hard to find among regular beginners).

The review and testing were conducted over a relatively long period of time. We were fortunate enough to find an owner who invested into Manduka Mats for her studio – not only did she let us practice on several different Manduka products, we were also able to ask other users about their experience with the Manduka Mat.

The review:

The short version reads – yes, this mat is worth every penny, but it’s not for everyone.

The longer version is as follows-

Grip

The Manduka Mat is made from high-quality natural rubber blend, that is extremely durable and sticky enough for 99% of surfaces. Most mats are double-sided – this means they can’t be too sticky, otherwise they would stick to your skin and make your practice really uncomfortable. the Manduka Mats have two distinct surfaces – one for practice and one for the floor. the floor part is extremely sticky and attaches to the floor firmly, the other side’s grip is more relaxed making your practice more enjoyable. We weren’t able to get this mat to bunch up under any circumstances, making it the most stable mat we’ve ever tried.

Weight

This mat is heavy, the 71″ version weighs almost 7 pounds. Weight is an important factor in durability – the material is very dense and will not wear out, and in stability – the mat stays on the floor no matter what you do. While the mat is extremely stable, the extra weight can be a factor when you carry it to the class. We think this mat is perfect for keeping at home or at a studio, but not for hauling around. Manduka people listened to this complain and created lighter travel versions, which are less expensive and definitely less durable.

Thickness

The Manduka mat is 1/4″ thick, which is perfect for almost anybody. this thickness is considered to be above average, adding to the weight. Some people, however, may prefer a thicker mat for extra cushioning. those who are just getting started and those used to pilates may need some time to adjust to this thickness. to us, a 1/4″ thick mat is perfectly fine.

Slipping

Most regular mats on the market today suffer from one fatal flaw – once they get wet they loose surface traction. this is especially noticeable in hot yoga classes where people sweat excessively. there is a number of solutions – wiping your mat, using a special yoga towel that absorbs moisture, or finding a mat that has a natural fabric surface. the manduka mat almost does not suffer from this problem, the material is porous enough to absorb most of the moisture. During a hot yoga class we found that the sponge-like surface of the mat has an absorption limit, and once it’s reached moisture will start accumulating on the mat’s surface, creating an uncomfortable situation for heavy sweaters. to this day we don’t know of any mats that are completely sweat-proof. the Manduka products do a pretty good job, but they are also not 100% absorbent. We also found a small problem with the mat’ material – it absorbs moisture, and if not cleaned regularly, it will eventually start harboring bacteria in it’s pores. this mat needs maintenance, at least once a month.

Appearance, other issues.

As its name implies the BlackMat Pro is black like a tire. the look is classic, but may not attract many customers. on the other hand, we don’t know any other mats in this category that have the same appearance, so your mat is guaranteed to stand out.

The Company have recently released a limited edition Cherry version of their popular Manduka Mat at the same price. We would stick to a classic black.

The mat is made of natural rubber, which has a natural smell that most people find quite unpleasant. After washing the mat as the manual suggested we still found to be rather smelly. this is a problem with all rubber mats tested by YogaMatReviews, and it is something a customer has to live with for the first few weeks of practice. the smell eventually goes away and does not come back.

Overall/Conclusion

The Manduka Mat is a indeed a Rolls-Royce of yoga mats – it’s heavy, long, thick and extremely durable. if you are serious about your practice, you will need something like this mat, it is a worthy investment that will last years. the cushioning, slip resistance and floor grip are all well above average if not perfect. the only downsides of this mat are its weight and size. It’s perfect for home practice or to keep in a studio locker but not for carrying around, especially in public transportation.

Manduka Mat – An In-Depth Review

It’s Saturday after 7 p.m., and I’m alone in the office, writing and posting on the JFP website. On one hand, I’m writing this blog post; on the other, I’m debating others on another post. I also pulled up a news story turned in last night to edit it to get a jump on Monday.

If there’s one thing that Donna, Todd and I all have in common, it’s the fact that none of us work a 35-to-40-hour week. I’ve been giving our shared “affliction” a lot of thought lately, especially since I am challenged to limit my workdays (at least a few of them, anyway) to a “mere” 10 hours and not to work seven days a week.I admit—it’s a struggle.most of the people I know who are passionate about what they do don’t have a problem doing a lot of it. I’ve known motivational speakers, for example, who think nothing of spending weeks and months on the road, delivering and preparing for seminars. A few of them brag about only needing four hours of sleep a night and never complain of fatigue.Writing (or “having written,” in my case) is a joy. It doesn’t take much arm-twisting to get me to write, especially if the topic is something I’m passionate about. Finding the time to write, however, is often a different story. My days at the JFP are full before I ever do any reporting, interviewing, transcribing or crafting of stories. Making the time to even write a short column usually happens late in the evening or on the weekend, after the day-to-day stuff is done, and I have time to myself. I’m not complaining. I love most of my job (I don’t know anyone who “loves” 100 percent of their job. If you have a boss—or a client—there’s always a pain-in-the-ass aspect or two that you simply have to grit your teeth and get done). I love working with writers to hone and polish their craft, for example, which is a large part of my job. I love taking what others have written and filing off a few rough edges to make a piece shine. I love seeing the faces of writers when they turn in something really wonderful that they’re truly happy with, especially if I have been able to offer some help along the way. I love seeing a writer’s face light up when they see exactly what they need to do to make a so-so piece really good.Every Wednesday morning, I’m thrilled when another issue of the JFP lands on my desk. Mondays and Tuesdays, on the other hand, consist of hours of concentrated, demanding hard work, where every minor lapse in attention has the potential to become a major problem. Of course, every other day has its own set of tasks and demands, from planning issues to making assignments to the day-to-day administrative to-dos that keep everything in motion, in addition to the writing, teaching and editing I do every workday starting the moment my butt hits the chair.everyone at the JFP works hard; I’m no exception. But balance is the goal. So where do I find my balance? I recharge in solitude. I’m not a particularly social being; I never have been. It’s not that I don’t like people; I do. But being sociable is work for me. Sometimes I think if I didn’t have to come to an office every day, I would spend the majority of my time in my pajamas at a keyboard—alone. I’ve lived alone for close to 20 years (which is as much a function of my having a low tolerance for others as others having a low tolerance for me. )Do I love a good conversation? oh, yes! I can get as lost in a rousing debate or sharing stories with a friend as I can in writing. I am also perfectly content watching a good movie, reading a good book, perusing an art exhibit, traveling, listening to music, eating a good meal, riding a roller coaster or working up a sweat on a yoga mat. But none of those activities require company, and some of them can’t be shared. perhaps I’ve grown (more) fickle over the years, but the wrong company often detracts more from an experience than the right company can add. Taking my own leisurely time to stroll through a museum is bliss. Turning off my phone and reading a book straight through cover to cover is bliss.am I just making excuses not to change my work habits? maybe. I’ll keep looking.

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