Boost energy and athletic performance with…algae?

Source: PureGoodness

Source: PureGoodness

Yep, you read that correctly. Move over kale, there’s a new (blue-green) sheriff in town: algae.

Utilized by astronauts and Olympic athletes for decades, it boasts a thousand times more nutrition than any other fruit or vegetable and has the highest concentration of protein in the world, according to NASA research. And now that eating “green” is red-hot in health and fitness circles, algae is poised to make a massive comeback.

Spirulina is a variety of freshwater blue-green algae that was among the first plant life on Earth. It is so concentrated with nutrition that 40 years ago, the World Bank and United Nations declared it to be the healthiest food in the world. Not only is it an excellent source of protein – all in the form of essential amino acids for muscle, health and cellular growth – but it also has more than 40 nutrients for full-spectrum health and natural nitric oxide for immediate and enduring physical and mental energy.

Here are a few of the nutritional highlights of spirulina:

    • Provides 12 times the amount of bio-available protein as steak
    • Is composed of 60-64% protein compared to meat (27%) or soy (34%)
    • More beta carotene than any other whole food
    • 58 times more iron than raw spinach
    • 12 times more iron than beef liver
    • Richest source of antioxidants – necessary for health and anti-aging
    • Richest source of vitamin A (which helps your eyesight)
    • Richest plant source of GLA to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure

Now, I happen to be a huge fan of supplementing my diet with superfoods to fill in some of the inevitable nutritional gaps, so when the folks at ENERGYbits contacted me to try their 100 percent organic spirulina product, I had to see for myself if it lived up to all the hype.

EnergyBits1

According to ENERGYbits, you need at least 20-30 tabs per serving to feel a difference and at least 30 tabs per day to experience a change in your health, but since I had one tin of bits to test, I decided to space them out a…ahem…’bit.’

You can chew ’em or swallow ’em whole (they’re tiny, and only one calorie each), so I opted for the former during my first go-around, but they tasted just like they smelled (kinda fishy) and really stuck to my teeth, so I made a mental note to swallow the rest whole.

While I can’t exactly quantify the results (especially with the smaller servings I took), I did use them mid-marathon training and was pleased with the results. I tried a handful before a morning run for a little energy boost, and they didn’t upset my usually-sensitive stomach. And since the they also pack lots of good protein, I popped some after a few of my longer runs, too, for help with recovery.

The final verdict: If you’re trying to up your daily quota of green foods, like me, or are concerned about filling in some of those nutritional gaps I mentioned above, algae is a great option, and ENERGYbits are a convenient way in which to do so. Personally, I’m also excited to incorporate them into recipes, such as protein shakes and fruit smoothies, to help round out my diet.

Want to experience ENERGYbits for yourself? Just use the promo code “BLOG” in the coupon box to receive a 10% discount on your next order!

Thanks to the folks at ENERGYbits for providing samples for review; all opinions are my own. 

Bethenny Frankel’s “skinny” take on pumpkin treats

Source: Bethenny Bakes

Source: Bethenny Bakes

Her Skinnygirl empire has been a hit with the health-conscious crowd, so it’s no surprise that Bethenny Frankel, newly-minted talk show host and former celebrated natural foods chef, would take a stab at delicious guilt-free versions of popular pumpkin recipes for fall.

Below are two classics that Frankel reworked with her talent for “fix-ology” – a term she coined for the ability to take calorie-rich foods and revamp them into healthier versions without compromising flavor. For more of Frankel’s favorite healthy recipes, go to Bethenny.com.

Bethenny Frankel’s Pumpkin Spice Muffins (Makes 1 dozen)

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups oat flour
  • 2 cups raw sugar
  • 2 T unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup unsalted walnuts
  • 12 muffin cups

Directions:

  1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine raw sugar, melted butter, oil, eggs, pumpkin and water. Beat for 90 seconds, or until well mixed.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices, stirring until no streaks remain.
  3. Combine flour mixture and pumpkin mixture. Stir in nuts and cranberries; stirring only until all ingredients are mixed.
  4. Cover batter, and allow it to set at room temperature for 60 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  6. Place muffin cups in muffin holders and fill 2/3 of the way full.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until muffins tops spring back when lightly touched.
  8. If the muffins will be frozen, allow them to cool for 1 hour, then tightly wrap in plastic wrap; store in freezer zipper bags.
  9. To reheat, wrap loosely in foil and bake for 5-10 minutes at 350°F. (Or they may be reheated in the microwave wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel.)

Bethenny Frankel’s Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients for crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed finely (approximately 9-10)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Ingredients for filling:

  • 2 8 oz. containers reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup raw sugar plus 2 teaspoons
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 can of 15 oz. pumpkin (do not substitute pumpkin pie filling!)
  • 1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, butter, applesauce, and ground ginger.
  3. Press into the bottom, and about 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake crust 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Set aside to cool.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup raw sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Mix eggs in one at a time, blending well after each.
  6. Set aside 1 cup of the mixture. Blend 1/4 cup raw sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar and nutmeg into the remaining mixture.
  7. Spread the pumpkin flavored batter into the crust, and drop the plain batter by spoonfuls onto the top. Swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
  8. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until filling is set.
  9. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, and allow the cake to cool before removing pan rim.
  10. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Fave Fix: Corazonas heart-healthy tortilla chips

Corazonas

Think chips have to be a guilty pleasure reserved only for cheat days? Think again.

I was in search of a healthier option to pair with my favorite guacamole recipe when the folks at Corazonas reached out to see if I’d like to check out their line of cholesterol-lowering crisps (wait, isn’t that an oxymoron?!).

Well, as it turns out, these puppies are infused with something called plant sterols, which have been shown in more than 140 clinical studies to help fight heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.

In fact, researchers from The University of Canada recently published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showing that people who followed a “Portfolio Diet” consisting of foods like oatmeal, almonds, soy protein, eggplant and plant sterols lowered their LDL levels by almost 13 percent over a six-month period (as compared to those who followed a low-fat diet and experienced only a three percent reduction).

But how do they taste?

Great, actually. They’ve got the same crispness of your usual tortilla chips, but without the usual grease that hits your gut (and your waistline) after the fact. And they’re available in three flavors – Lightly Salted, Squeeze of Lime and (my personal favorite), the zesty Black Bean & Cheese pictured here.

corozonas1

Now this doesn’t mean you can eat the entire bag in one sitting (everything in moderation, people!), but Corazonas tortilla chips do fall into the Portfolio eating plan and offer an impressive 18g of whole grain and 3g of fiber in each serving.

Now that’s some smarter snacking you can really take to heart!

Thanks to the folks at Corazonas for providing samples for review; all opinions are my own. 

On marathoning and marriage

Source: Jordan Siemens

Source: Jordan Siemens

Between all the miles logged in training (i.e. time to think) and the fact that Hubby and I recently celebrated our seven year anniversary, I’ve been noticing some parallels between marathoning and marriage.

If you look at it as a race – not in the competitive sense, but in wanting to have a rewarding and successful journey – many of us get caught up in the ‘start.’ We struggle because ‘we’re young,’ ‘we don’t have any money’ or [insert whatever excuse here]. Truth be told, that’s a sprinter’s take on the subject when what would serve us better is more of a marathoner’s mentality.

See, sprinters know that the start is a critical element because time is of the essence when there’s little ground to cover; there’s no room for error. But marathons, on the other hand, are just the opposite. Even with a rocky start, we have the luxury of time to bounce back and ultimately have a great race.

Source: London Evening Standard

Source: London Evening Standard

Why? Because it’s not the start that’s important; it’s the endurance.

That change in focus can empower partners for ‘the long haul’ when it comes to pushing through conflicts without hitting the proverbial wall and quitting. No, there are no quick fixes to either marathons or marriage (and neither are painless!)…but I think we’d all agree that the potential reward is worth all the effort.

Now, I’m by no means an expert at either marathoning or marriage…but I thought I’d share a few of the nuggets of running wisdom that I believe just may translate into more moments of wedded bliss.

1. Have a goal in mind. 

Just as we choose races to stay motivated, it can help to set milestones for your marriage. Having common goals help both parties to get on the same page, and having something to work toward keeps you moving forward rather that getting stuck in a rut.

2. You get out what you put in.

If we want to get technical here, pretty much anyone who wants to do a marathon could probably cover 26.2 miles, but for the best possible experience, it’s smart to prepare properly. This means putting in the work up front to reap the rewards on the back end. There’s something to be said for a little hard work, dedication and delayed gratification – that means sticking to a training plan and putting some real effort into figuring out what it takes to whip your relationship into shape, as well.

3. Run your own race.

The most critical piece of racing advice is to not start out too quickly. Trying to keep pace with faster runners will only bite you in the behind in the second half of the race when you burn through your energy stores and hit the wall with a thud. The same can be said for marriage; just as every body is different, so is every union, so you’ve got to work toward your own personal best…not someone else’s.

4. Pace yourself.

If you’ve set a goal and trained toward it, it’s important to check in at regular intervals during the race to make sure you’re moving along steadily. The same goes for marriage. It’s not about showing your partner how much you love them in fits and spurts with the occasional grand gesture, but committing to treat each other well year-round because the little things really do add up.

5. Prepare for peaks & valleys.

For as many moments of triumph, there will be the inevitable time in the trenches. If you think you’re immune, you’re only fooling yourself, so it’s best to go in with a realistic approach and an open mind. Knowing that there will be ups and downs in your relationship will allow you to approach both with a good head on your shoulders. That way, you and your partner can ride the highs, work through the lows and realize that it’s all part of the experience – and not indicative of the final outcome.

6. Work through the wall.

It may be inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be fatal. Again, being aware of (and having a healthy respect for) the wall will help inform your plan of attack if/when it rears it’s ugly head. Instead of getting blindsided, throwing your hands up in the air and giving up, you’ll realize that sometimes it just takes a little extra push to work though what feels like hell – and that you may just come out better for it on the other side.

7. Rejoice in the journey.

Finally, in racing and in life, it’s all what you make of it. Having a sense of humor and not taking yourself too seriously (after all, I don’t expect to win a marathon…or a marriage-of-the-year award), helps keep things in perspective. One day, you’ll look back and realize that even though 26.2 miles – or whatever rough patch you may have been going though at the time – felt like it would never end, it was only a small segment in the grand scheme of your life.

What running wisdom do you apply to your relationships? 

How to avoid being haunted by Halloween treats

Source: EatingFree.com

Source: EatingFree.com

Let the holiday gobbling commence.

According to one article in USA Today, five percent of all candy consumption for the year will occur this week, starting with All Hallow’s Eve.

Even scarier? Most parents eat one out of every two candy bars their children bring home, says Harry Baltzer, vice president of the NPD Group, which does research on eating trends.

Chocolates rank first in popularity, especially among adults, followed by chewy candies and hard candy.

So how can you enjoy the season’s treats without playing tricks on your waistline? Below are a few tips for starting some healthy habits this Halloween:

    • Buy healthy treats such as raisins, popcorn balls, pretzels and toys (just be prepared for possible retaliation in the form of toilet paper)
    • If you’re giving out candy, don’t buy your favorite brand…it’ll keep you from skimming off the top while you wait
    • Feed trick-or-treaters a solid meal before they hits the streets to avoid snacking – that goes for parents, too
    • Partition the evening’s loot into three piles immediately: Enjoy now, freeze for later and give away
    • Finally…do enjoy your favorite candy on Halloween, and savor every bite so you don’t feel deprived of the fun

Happy Halloween, everyone!

SweatGuru takes the ‘work’ out of finding a workout

Working out just got easier!

Well…you’ll still feel the burn, but at least you won’t break a sweat trying to find local fitness classes, thanks to a new start-up officially hitting the scene today in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles.

SGhome

SweatGuru is a marketplace that connects consumers with fitness classes, facilitating discovery, booking and social sharing all in one, seamless online experience. The company also offers small and mid-size fitness businesses a free way to market classes online and an easy, affordable solution to manage their business.

“SweatGuru was born out of the need for a better way to manage my growing bootcamp business, take reservations and stay in touch with clients,” said Jamie Walker, SweatGuru co-founder and CEO. “As a fitness consumer, I also wanted an easy way to discover, reserve and pay for classes in my neighborhood.”

Here’s how it works: First, browse for classes nearby using the search box, view classes recommended for you, or search by class type. You can also filter by price, location and type, as well as follow instructors of trainers in your area. When you sign up for a class, you can log in using your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Google accounts and keep track of your purchase history and upcoming classes. Then, simply reserve and pay with a couple of clicks.

SGsearch

Fitness professionals can create a free a business profile and list classes on SweatGuru.com. Small or mid-sized businesses also have the option of upgrading to a paid account (monthly fees start at $19) for a simple, out-of-the-box way to manage instructor schedules, take client reservations and collect payments online.

“SweatGuru is built by fitness pros for fitness pros,” said Walker. “We will start by growing our network in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles, and look forward to expanding to other markets soon.”

The SweatGuru team. Don't let the goofy faces fool you; these folks are serious about fitness!

The SweatGuru team. Don’t let the goofy faces fool you; these folks are serious about fitness!

For more information and to scope out local fitness class schedules, visit SweatGuru.com.

I just ran 26.2 miles…now what?!

1394468_610296182347262_477887480_n (2)

If you read my race recap, you know that as soon as I crossed the finish line of my recent marathon, I actually told Hubby I never wanted to do it again. Ever.

But he called my bluff: “Ha. I give it two weeks, and you’ll be planning your next race.” 

As much as we joke (and he was right, by the way), it got me thinking about the inevitable post-event letdown.

You see, the marathon’s not over once you cross the finish line. Whether you ultimately rock it or it rocked you, there’s a lot of buildup to that big day. Those months of preparation become all-consuming and include hundreds of miles, a roller-coaster of emotions and a hell of a lot of commitment.

So how do you fight boredom, stay sane and find a sense of purpose once the intensity of training has ceased? It’s actually quite simple, when you think in terms of planning for it with as much care as you plan for everything that precedes the race…

Women on Road laying down1

1. Replenish your body. Now’s the time to re-stock what you’ve depleted during months of hard training and a grueling race. Not only will it help move the recovery process along, but rewarding yourself with a favorite treat can also help lift the spirits (just don’t make a habit of it).

2. Kick up your feet. Although it feels counter-intuitive to avoid the very thing that helps you release stress and anxiety (working out), it’s important to let your body rest and recover because it sets the stage for your next round of training.

3. Set a new goal. Think both short- and long-term here. Start by assessing your race performance, then set a master goal, along with incremental goals to help get you there. Maybe one marathon was enough, so you choose a new distance and focus on training toward that. Perhaps you’re hungry to PR in your next marathon, so you focus on building speed and endurance to create a stronger base. Or if this marathon was a stepping stone to a longer race (ultras, triathlon), you can use it as a learning experience to inform your training going forward.

4. Ease back in slowly. Hit it too hard too soon, and you may end up setting yourself back with illness or injury. The general rule of thumb is to take an easy day for each mile you run in a race, so now is the perfect time to pick up a non-impact cross-training activity that will help strengthen your running down the road.

5. Listen to your body. Again, it can be tough to shift gears after months of putting pedal to the metal toward a singular focus, but make a concerted effort to quiet your brain and allow your body to lead the way. Did you notice any weak links during the race? Are you feeling lingering aches and pains in particular spots afterward? Now’s the time to address imbalances so you can “train up” those weaknesses for the next time you toe the start line.

So where am I at this point? Well, I’m happy it’s done, but sad that it’s over.

I’m thrilled with how my marathon went, although there are some things I might tweak next time around. Yes, I said “next time.” And no, I’m not signing up for one in the immediate future…but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about giving that elusive sub-four goal another shot at some point.

For now, though, my main goal is to focus on increasing my speed so I can shoot for PRs at other distances — the half marathon and 10K, in particular. In terms of smaller goals in the interim, I crave the consistency of a regular training schedule, so I’ll be putting together a mix of speed-focused workouts, along with complimentary cross-training.

And, after allowing my body to properly bounce back, I’ll hopefully be ready to hit it hard in the next training cycle.

How do you beat the post-race blues? 

RUN10FEED10 race recap

Despite a cold, dreary, don’t-wanna-leave-a-warm-bed kind of morning, San Francisco’s running community gave Women’s Health a warm welcome for the 2013 RUN10FEED10 10K.

On the menu? Tackling 6.2 miles in exchange for providing 10 meals each for those going hungry in the surrounding area.

photo_header

Although I’m still recovering from last week’s Nike Women’s Marathon, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come out and support such a worthwhile event.

And we may be thin-blooded Californians, but a little fog wouldn’t keep us from descending on Crissy Field, where we huddled together to keep warm before the start.

r10f10_2

The course featured a loop around the marsh followed by a double loop to the Golden Gate Bridge and back, along the Golden Gate Promenade.

Great views, for sure, but I knew the two later loops may prove difficult – not only due the repeat factor, but also because faster runners would be doubling back and running alongside slower pace groups, which could be a recipe for some real confusion on the course!

r10f10_1

Women’s Health had it expertly organized, however, and there was a positive vibe among participants, volunteers and spectators that was palpable. I think we all knew we were there for a bigger reason than the race itself.

In fact, the start was one of the most mellow (and polite) ones I’ve ever seen; no crowding or jockeying for position, which was nice.

r10f10_3

Since this was my first post-marathon run (exactly a week out), my plan was to go strong, but not all out. In the back of my mind, I was thinking about a possible PR since the conditions were favorable (cool weather/flat course), but I’d have to see how my body would react to running with some residual aches and pains.

r10f10_4

Before we knew it, it was time for the final iPod and GPS watch check…and were off!

I went out a little faster than I usually like, but I figured I could push the envelope with this shorter distance. It’s a completely different feeling/frame of mind than the marathon: There, you aim to settle into a comfortable pace for a few hours; here, you learn to accept the fact that it’ll be uncomfortable the whole time. But the faster you go, the sooner you’re done!

My right foot was acting up a bit the whole time, but by mile five I knew I was within reach of a PR if I could give it a push to the end, so I willed my breakfast to stay down as I picked it up for the small loop to the finish. I saw the clock ticking toward 49:00, so I picked it up for a final kick to see if I could hit a 48-anything.

Final time: 48:58 – a new PR by two minutes.

Another highlight: After I caught my breath, I caught up with @RunEverAfter at the post-race festival. She was volunteering at the race, and we chatted about how she’s crushing her marathon training. I’m thrilled for her progress and, once again, proud to be a part of our amazing local running community!

r10f10_5 (2)

Missed the race, but still want to help make an impact?

Here’s why you should: The FEED Foundation is dedicated to ending world hunger, partnering with organizations such as the United Nations World Food Programme, UNICEF, DonorsChoose.org and local food banks to fight hunger and eliminate malnutrition by providing school meals, nutritional supplements and education.

Here’s how you can: Click here to give to a specific FEED Fund, whether you want to support moms, victims of natural disasters, people affected by HIV/AIDS, and more.

For more information, visit TheFeedFoundation.org.

Fave Fix: Snikiddy’s smart snack swaps


Snikiddy

Football season is in full swing, Halloween is nearly here, and holiday parties are just around the corner…let the mindless munching commence!

Ok, ok – so it’s not necessarily bad news for nibblers: Savvy snacking can actually help you lose weight by staving off hunger and preventing overeating. That is, as long as you keep your wits about you when staring down a gauntlet of goodies.

A few tips:

1. Plan ahead. When hunger hits and you’re unprepared, you can get into some real trouble. Have something light and healthy (fruit and cheese, or even a handful of nuts and crackers) before you set foot into the party. That way, you can relax and enjoy yourself instead of making a beeline for the buffet.

2. Practice portion control. As with many things in life, bigger is not better. So say ‘no’ to supersizing, whether it’s your plate, your serving or (like me, often) your eyes in proportion to your stomach. Start with small tastes, eat slowly and savor every bite.

3. Pick replacements. Choose flavor-packed snacks that contribute to the feeling of fullness and satisfaction. And when you’ve got a favorite food that you just can’t pass up, find a healthier replacement to satisfy that craving…otherwise you’ll keep eating other stuff in an attempt to fill the void.

Case in point: Chips. Sometimes you just need that hit of salty crunchiness. But all the grease, artificial ingredients and extra calories? Not so much.

Well, that very same dilemma inspired Mary Owings Schulman, a mother concerned about her kids eating healthy, to create a company called Snikiddy, which makes snacks that promote good health.

Snikiddy’s all-natural snacks are made from non-GMO ingredients, are certified wheat- and gluten-free and come in three varieties – Cheese Puffs, Baked Fries and an eight-veggie crisp, Eat Your Vegetables.

These are some seriously good snacks. I even ran an unofficial taste-test among a group of friends and the consensus was that they are…delicious. If you like Pirate’s Booty, you’ll love the cheese puffs, and the fries packed a big punch of flavor in a crunchy little straw.

But the crowd favorite, by far, was the veggie crisps. Not only are they tasty and filling (one tester described them as “surprisingly substantial”), but they’re also super crunchy and flavorful, almost like pita chips. Plus there’s a full serving of veggies in every ounce.

But the best part? Finally, a great chip for scooping guac… you know, just in case you want a little extra-veggie credit next time you get a snack attack.

Thanks to the folks at Snikiddy for providing samples for review; all opinions are my own. 

Say hello to Namatse, goodbye to stinky yoga mats

Source: Namatse

Source: Namatse

Riddle me this, yogis: We wouldn’t dare re-wear clothing we’ve sweated in over and over, but why are we ok doing the equivalent with our yoga mats?

Just like leaving your stinky gym socks crumpled on the floor for weeks on end, storing a rolled up, dirty, sweaty mat can breed mildew, funky smells – or worse, according to this article in The New York Times.

So when my pal Jamie Walker, founder of SweatGuru and FitApproach (also an avid ultramarathoner and yogi), told me about a new company that had come up with a solution, I was intrigued and had to check it out.

Enter Namatse (cute, huh?), the first yoga mat hanging solution. I sat down with company founder and co-creator Neal Margulis to talk about his latest business venture, as well as why we should be showing our mats some more love.

KineticFix: Clever name! Tell us a little more about what Namatse is.

Neal Margulis: Thanks; we’d like to think so! Namatse is our solution for rumpled, still-damp-from-your-last-class yoga mats. Instead of stashing your mat in the closet or trying to hang it over the staircase, we have created a sleek, durable and space-efficient clip that you can hang your mat from, keeping it flat and dry. Whether it be from a wall or in the shower, the Namatse clip makes cleaning, storing and drying your mat as simple as a child’s pose. Namatse reminds us to show our mats some love, saying “namaste” to longer-lasting, fresher-looking yoga mats for our favorite practice.

KF: Your sites says, “Be good to your mat and it will be good to you, too.” Why do we need better mat storage?

NM: Who wants to do yoga on a wrinkled and smelly mat? Yoga is a practice of compassion and gratitude, so why not show that same compassion and thanks to your mat? It’s much easier to stay focused and balanced when the ground beneath you (your mat) is flat and happy.

Namatse2

Source: Namatse

KF: Agreed! So how does it work?

NM: Namatse is super easy to use. There are three ways to hang your Namatse clip:

  1. First, Namatse easily mounts to your wall using the peel-and-stick 3M Command Strips, which are non-marking, extra-durable 100 percent-removable adhesives.
  2. Next, we include a set of screws if you’d like to permanently attach your Namatse clip to a wall.
  3. Finally, we also include a traditional hanger loop that attaches to the clip so the mat can be hung from a closet rod, over a door or even in the shower.

Then all you have to do is prop open the clamp, place your yoga mat how you’d like it to hang, and close the clip with it’s smooth, crafted edges over your mat…and voila! Your mat will appreciate it immediately.

KF: What was your inspiration for it?

NM: Once six year-old Arden [Neal’s son] found out the Yoga poses had animal names like ‘cat’ and ‘cow,’ it wasn’t long before he was making animal sounds and developing his own style of yoga. Having a clean, dry yoga mat accessible became a priority. Unable to find a commercially available solution, we started coming up with ideas, and Namatse was born.

Source: Namatse

Source: Namatse

KF: What was the development process like?

NM: I was very lucky to have the help of my dear friend, Greg Hayes, who has decades of experience turning smart ideas into sleek, highly-functional objects.

Together, we set out to make the ideal clip: one that was not just lightweight and sturdy, but also attractive and easy to use. We used advanced 3D printing to prototype a clip that can hold the heaviest mat made, but that is also easy to operate and doesn’t harm your mat.

The clamp easily props open for simple placement of the mat. The clasps are effective, but have edges that are gentle on your mat. To make sure Namatse fits any yogi’s lifestyle, we created the three options for hanging Namatse: mounted with screws, non-marking, removable adhesives, and a shower hanger. Then we chose high-quality, recyclable ABS plastic to tread lightly on our planet.

KF: And why the campaign through Kickstarter?

NM: We decided to run a Kickstarter campaign to help create awareness for our product, get real market feedback and, of course, help fund it. We’re a small, family business and really want this product to help solve people’s problems.

KF: Have people noticed any additional benefits as a result of using Namatse?

NM: Yes! Your yoga mat becomes a beautiful piece of art in your home that provides a daily reminder of how great your practice makes you feel and provides you an invitation to practice more!

Source: Namatse

Source: Namatse

KF: How long have you been practicing yoga & how’d you get into it?

NM: I’ve been practicing yoga for a little over one year. I started my love for yoga and practiced at the 2012 Wanderlust Festival in North Lake Tahoe.

KF: Got a proudest moment & toughest move you’re still trying to master?

NM: Although I can’t hold it for long, using brute force, I can push up from crow into a handstand. Even after a year of yoga, its still a challenge just to sit up straight.

KF: Any final words on why people should back Namatse?

NM: It’s time to show your mat a little compassion for all that it has given you!

Thanks to Neal for sitting down to chat; for more information and to help make Namatse a reality, visit the Kickstarter page here.