WARNING - the Brazilian Mat is highly addictive!
592810
Seriously, where has this been all my life! I received my Brazilian mat in the mail a couple of days ago, hoping to use it just to clean up some of the dirt and dust that's constantly getting tracked on the staircase runner in our home. I opened the package and proceeded to use one of the sheets on my steps as directed. I was immediately amazed. These things pick up EVERYTHING and they're so easy and simple to use! Next thing I knew I was basically cleaning my entire home with just one sheet! These things go a long way!! I am so incredibly impressed! I brought some into my car, which gets extremely crumby & dirty due to my having two young children, and wow - what a lifesaver!! The Brazilian mat will definitely be a staple in my car going forward!! No more crumby car floor and cupholder! :) I am a traveling photographer and I often travel to clients homes and some jobs can get a bit messy - I definitely see these coming in handy! I will be bringing these with me for sure. I know the packaging only mentions pet hair but seriously the possibilities are endless, you can use these for ANYTHING!
1177735
I have only been using this mat for a week, but I love it! Its the perfect amount of cushion and firmness. I have a Manduka PROlite mat (thinner than this one), and that one is great too because its light, has a lifetime warranty, and is a nice dense rubber... but I practice yoga regularly and I find that it's not quite thick enough for my sensitive knee. I wanted to purchase a thicker mat and decided to try another brand and saw a lot of good feedback on the Jade Fusion.
Pros:
-The Jade mat is a different kind of rubber than the Manduka, it's more porous and a tad squishier. I would definitely recommend it for ppl with sensitive knees.
-This one gets less slippery when sweaty compared the Manduka rubber.  However, I prefer putting a microfiber towel down anyway to keep it cleaner.
-I like that you can practice on either side of it. The Maduka mat seems to have a top and bottom, so I only practice on one side.
-I love to teal color, it's vivid and beautiful!
Con:
The only slight criticism is that it smells a bit plasticky at first, it has faded after using it a hand full of times. I would recommend wiping it down with a natural cleaner before use to speed up this process.

I have only ever written 1 other review on Amazon. I practice a lot of yoga and have had a lot of mats and really think this is worth the price!
1976742
I love this mat. I've done yoga and hot classes in the past and this year decided to do home practice. I decided to treat myself as I began this endeavor and a family member suggested Jade or Manduka.

After reading up a bit I decided on Manduka because I like the closed cell feature (supposedly bacteria and other stuff doesn't seep into the mat) and seemed easier for me to clean. I was also intrigued by the density people wrote about and the weight (a con for some). It's 9 lbs! But then I'll be using it mostly at home and maybe a class here or there but I would be driving to those classes.

I love how it sits on the floor. It doesn't budge and feels luxurious (I guess especially coming from my cheapo mat). I know others have mentioned the slipperiness: I only noticed it on the first two days of use during downward dog. After that my mat has been getting only gripper. I didn't do the sea salt scrub either. That being said I am a novice and have not tried any advanced poses like a head stand, but my feet have had no issues slipping in warrior poses or any other ones that are using opposing actions.

Despite not being "cushy" my knees and wrists don't feel like they're hitting the floor so I haven't experienced any pain in low lunge or again, downward dog. The mat just allows you to do what you need to do without distraction.

Hope this is helpful, coming from a novice! I haven't tried it in hot yoga yet but others have commented using a towel, or Manduka's yogitoes or eQua towels to do the trick. I'll update my review after some time to talk about how it held up!
3242978
I love this mat. I've practiced hot yoga twice on it so far and it's just perfect. The right amount of cushioning and the towel-like microsuede is soft and not slippery at all when wet. And it's truly gorgeous. Plan on purchasing the commuter mat soon, because I got it for my husband and I'm already a bit jealous!
99126
I first saw Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) in a video arcade, and thought that it looked fun but overpriced, as are most coin-op games these days.  A couple of years later, my boyfriend's roommate lends me his copy and a mat, and all of a sudden I'm spending all my spare time excersizing!  Most of my friends are amazed (I'm generally about as couch potatoish as one gets), but the game itself is well thought out and addicting; and with the added benefit of good excersize, how can it go wrong?  I just hope my grades don't suffer!
1251160
I'm really not one to review products unless I feel strongly, and I admit, the feeling that spurs me on is usually negative. But not in this case. I am a former soccer player who is years out from her last match and I've gained too much weight. I'd always been interested in ballet, and now that I am trying to lose weight, am especially interested in trying to get myself down to a ballerina's body (with a little more meat on it than a real ballerina, of course). I had done a lot of research on amazon between the numerous ballet-themed DVDs here on Amazon and saw a lot of good reviews for this one in particular, so I took the plunge.

I got it quickly (Thanks, Amazon!) but was intimidated by the 60 minute tagline. It's been a LONG TIME since I'd worked out for longer than 30-45 minutes, and what's more I'm usually so bored by exercise DVDs that I'm checking the clock every couple of minutes, and am battling to make it through the 30 minutes.

Color me surprised when, even though every part of my body was burning, I hadn't checked the clock once and I was already at 45 minutes! It's all body weight strength training. Each move is done in 4 successive 8 count sets; sometimes there's a break after the 4 sets, sometimes you move directly into a new 4-set exercise. Your muscles will definitely start to burn! Even my legs, which are my strongest part of my body thanks to years of soccer, gave into the burn eventually. And once you get there, guess what, you have a couple more sets to go!

The DVD comes with the option of with or without music (i.e. instructor's voice only). The music is really beautiful relaxing classical music that made things go by quickly. Plus, the instructor's voice is very soothing. She just oozes sweetness and it makes you want to go the extra set or two so you don't disappoint her, even though she's obviously not there. She's very soft spoken, and she keeps count well and I just generally found it a pleasing experience.

Another plus is that the instructor pauses for quick mini-stretches after almost every set. I've only done this one time, but I do think this will 1) make sure that even though you're fatiguing your muscles you won't be unbearably sore tomorrow and 2) make sure your muscles don't bulk up, but rather get long and lean like a ballerina (hence, ballet beautiful).

Three things to note. First, there is a brief arms exercise where you do tricep dips that might hurt people with weak wrists like me. You bend your knees, keeping your legs zipped tight together, arms behind you with fingers pointing towards your back. You then lift your body up off the ground and do the tricep dips from that position. I found that really hurt my wrists, so I did the dips without adding the strain of lifting my body up at the same time - I still felt the burn! Second, this isn't a full 60 minutes. The dvd itself runs for about 55 minutes, and there are breaks between the different sections for different parts of the body. But you truly do work out every part of your body, and somehow manage to feel at peace the entire time you're doing it, and even more blissful afterwards! Third, there is no dedicated stretching period - if you want a good long stretch, you'll have to do that on your own.

Overall, this is the best workout DVD I've done, and I have LOTS of them! This will be a great strength training one to throw into the mix.
145793
I love how thick this mat is compared to the last mat I bought, it's like stepping onto a cloud. It definitely makes holding positions much more comfortable and the included strap makes taking it on the go simple. It also comes with a two year warranty in case you have any problems. I highly recommend this mat; whether you intend to use it for Yoga, Pilates, or just for doing things like crunches, I think you will be satisfied.
3129995
Hemalayaa and Bollywood is a new concept for me.  I recently purchased "Beautiful Belly" with Hemalayaa and will never use another work out video instructor.  She is fun with a great attitude.  The video has three different 12 minute workouts and a five minute warm up to keep boredom at bay.  I started out doing the warm up, plus one of the three circuits.  I am now able to do the full workout and my abs have never felt stronger!

Some of the dance moves require a lot of hopping and twisting so make sure your lower body joints are warmed up!  If you are a klutz (like I can be) and the moves get too complicated, try doing jumping jacks or shimmying to keep the heartrate up.  The idea is to mix cardio moves intermittenly with more specific ab work.  You might want to research some very basic bellydance moves before starting because she may use words you are not familiar with.  However, you can always just copy her movements.

IMPORTANT:  This woman is obviously highly trained and very flexible.  DO NOT attempt to make your moves look like hers unless you're very advanced.  Most people will not form the perfect "Cobra" or "Downward Dog" the first time they try.  She should talk more about your ability level, but since she doesn't, just keep it in mind!

This video is fun and addictive.  The music is great and the set design is pleasing to the eye.  I want to go out and buy a coin belt to start bellydancing now!
3140196
I have many workouts on DVDs and this is one of my most favorite ones. Firstly, Mia is pleasant to look at - that helps to elevate the interest in following this DVD and staying with the workout. Secondly she has dynamite well-built body - that adds to the credibility of this workout. Thirdly it is fun. And finally and most importantly it really delivers the workout that makes you sweat and works seemingly every muscle in your body. I especially loved the abs section.  It is unlike any other abs routine I've tried before. There is punching involved as you do abs. Because now there is a "purpose" to doing abs - to land a punch  -  rather than mindlessly contracting abs, the abs routine is intense, game like, and intuitively facilitates a correct form.
3006622
Pure awesomeness! I'm a huge Insanity, Insanity Max 30, P90X enthusiast and have been doing it for years. Got tired of mopping up the sweat from the hardwood floors after every workout, not to mention have to do all the plyo on a wool rug not to bang too much on my downstairs neighbor's heads. This mat is perfect! Get the larger one for absolute workout freedom. I keep a towel on one side of the mat for all the push up and ab exercises while the other side is big enough to do those lunges and broad movement routines. Mat gains traction as you use it, so don't be thrown off by lower traction in the first couple of weeks. Love it! Thanks a lot guys!
1594533
I just recently got to try the mat even though i purchased it some time ago.  When it arrived, my teenage son immediately took possession of mat for his daily exercises and meditation in our backyard.  I finally started using it myself to warm up/down before my aerobic workouts.  I am amazed at the high quality craftsmanship of this mat; it is very comfortable (can't feel the patio stone underneath) and yesterday in the 93 degree weather it kept cool enough (you know how some materials just make you stick to them and sweat more than you should).

One other thing - we left it out during a 2 day rain (by accident) and i was also amazed to see that it still looks brand new and hasn't shown any signs of wear.

We are definitely going to buy another one of these so everyone is happy!
631455
I've been doing IMAX2, LoMax, IMAX3 and other workouts for several years; I was looking for something to spice up my step routines. Nekea was the solution! This workout is so much fun to the point of being addictive for me. As others have said, Nekea has a great personality; she is very genuine and encouraging. Some of the "quick feet" steps were a little difficult the first time around, but I am catching on. This is a great addition to the collection of the intermediate or advanced stepper. I appreciate the fact that the cardio lasts for nearly an hour. Also, the stretching and abs section is wonderful. I REALLY love this entire workout.
2892814
I have been using this mat regularly (3-4 times a week) for a couple of months. I have a love/hate relationship with it. It is amazingly dense and solid but not too hard. It has enough support so that your joints do not hurt when using it. I have had thinner, cheaper mats in the past that do not offer enough support. This one definitely gets a 5 star rating for that factor.  It also has a lifetime guarantee which is great! It stays put when you move and does not bunch up whatsoever.
I ADORE the longer length of 85 inches. It gives you so much space, especially in a crowded yoga class. My only problem with it so far is that my hands STILL slip when in down dog and my feet slip in warrior 2. Let me tell you, I HATE slipping in yoga! You cannot get into the full pose because you are working so hard to not slip and slide around. I use a towel on top of it which helps me avoid slipping, but then the towel bunches up and causes me to be a little annoyed. I have tried to "break in" this mat SEVERAL times as Manduka suggests (leaving it in the sun, scrubbing with salt and even dish soap to try to remove the slick "film" on top). Maybe it just needs MORE time to break in.
It is a little on the heavy side, but I don't mind that because for me, I am just carrying it to the car and back. Plus, you're going to yoga to work out, right?

OVERALL:
Pros-
Amazingly long length (you will love it)
Great density and support
HIGH quality
Lifetime guarantee

Cons-
Slippery (needs a lot of "breaking in")
A little heavy
4012232
I enjoy doing pilates and yoga to burn some energy and calories.  My original, rubber grip mat is getting worn out and, quite honestly, way beyond extinct in the world of yoga mats.  So, I took a chance on this new Combo Mat.  It comes with it's own carrying strap, a sturdy strap that is adjustable and easy to use

 This mat is made of super-absorbent microfiber on the top, adhered to a rubber mat bottom. It is super thin, and rolls up quick and easily.  This mat had more weight to it than I expected, but it stays put extremely well.  As advised, I sprinkled a little water on the top of the mat before using it as I had dry feet.  Once just a little dampened, there is absolutely no slipping and sliding around on this mat.

I love the fact that it is machine washable.  It can also be folded or rolled, making transport as easy as the route you choose to go.  Eco friendly, the rubber backing is made from biodegradable natural tree rubber and the ink is water based.  Even cooler, $1 from each purchase goes to support Urban Youth Yoga Programs.

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review
4165998
I can't say enough good things about this mat! It's long, which I love for doing yoga because I can go several poses and still be on the mat!! It's so soft and comfortable!! I also do weight lifting and aerobic exercises on it and it supports my feet, hips, knees, and elbows so good! I want to get another one because it's my favorite mat out of all the ones I've bought/tried!
1385077
Last month I got this this album as a birthday gift. It's awesome! It has an excellent variation of traditional belly dance music and techno/arabic one. Turbo tabla 2 and 3 are a brilliant drum solo made for the professional dancer who will keep up with the beat. It allows you an amazing opportunity to experiment with different moves or show off the moves you've mastered. Another great song is the first one (longa). Listen to it while your eyes are closed and imagine the universe as your stage. I am really thinking of performing it without coreographying it. It forces you to dance and move like a QUEEN!!!! If you know Flaminco, you can mix in a few steps in both songs 4 and 11. I also know that my finale will be song no. 10 coz of the energy of the music and the space it creates for the professional dancer. I buy a lot of belly dance music. In most cases I like maximum of 2 songs from the entire album. This is the only one so far that is INVIGORATING AND BRILLIANT in its entirety!
2309398
Used with the balance board, this is definitely the game to get if you want some great leg/ankle exercise and to work up a sweat without even realizing you're exercising.  I just got the game  and am already finding it very addictive.  You can play it with just the Wiimote and nunchuk or just the Wiimote, but the realism of using the balance board is what really makes the game for me.  There are six different areas of the board where you put your weight to move, turn and do different tricks.  You use the board in combination with the Wiimote.  For example, you use the A button to push your board along. I liked that you have the option of changing the sensitivity of the board.  I have it on the high for now, but as the game progresses and gets more difficult, I may change that.  For now, I like the way it feels and the way the board responds.

It takes a little while to get the hang of controlling the board to do different tricks, but once you get the hang of it, most of it is  intuitive.  And, like most games it gets more difficult as you progress through the game so no worries about not having enough challenge here.

The game starts in San Vanelona where a bunch of disasters have caused big time damage and an evacuation so you have room to skate without interference.  Playing in the career mode, the first thing you do is to learn how to make the board go and do simple maneuvers. After that, you're taken to a bunch of different locations like London, Paris and Barcelona and hooked up with a video journalist who takes videos of your character.  It seems like a pretty good story line and should add interest to the game as it progresses. There are challenges that you can either own or kill.  Owning a challenge lets you progress in your career, but killing earns you respect and gets you new stuff.

There is a party play or multiplayer mode too. One of the side games is called the Hall of Meat.  The object is to see how badly you can smash up your character.  You can do things like go at racing speed and then make him plunge off a bridge spread eagle or head first.  There are actually quite a few options of how to injure him.  You get points for broken bones, sprains and medical bills.  I know it sounds pretty sick but it made me laugh out loud. (Maybe I'm just a sick person.).  I think I'll bring the game out after Thanksgiving dinner when everyone is getting ready to nod off on the sofa and get them to play in this mode.  It should wake up the snoozers at any party.  The only complaint I have about the multiplayer mode is that the board has to recalibrate for each person which takes extra time and is a little boring to wait.  It would have been nicer if the game just held the settings in memory.

The graphics are good..  You have a lot of choices in the beginning, starting in the career mode, of how you want your character to look and dress right down to tops, bottoms and shoes in several different brands and logos.  You also get to choose the design of your board from several different real life brands.  Many of them are locked in the beginning.  I like having lots of choices over the way my character looks.  The locations look pretty good as well.

Even if you're a total klutz in real life and would never risk life and limb on a skateboard, you can look totally cool in this game. All in all, I think this it's well designed, is super fun, makes great use of the balance board and is good exercise.  What more could you ask for?  Two thumbs up for this one!