This yoga mat is 1/4 inch thick and is a standard 68 inches long by 24 inches wide.

Of all the accessories available for yoga, a mat is one of the most important. A yoga mat provides a stable, supportive surface for poses and stretching.

When it comes to choosing a yoga mat, a few of the key things to look for are thickness, length and width, and stickiness.

1. Thickness

Most yoga mats come in thicknesses of 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch. Some travel mats come much thinner, as little as 1/16 inch, for a compact roll that fits in your suitcase, but these thin travel mats are not recommended for regular use. A 1/8 inch mat costs slightly less than a 1/4 inch mat, but the 1/4 inch mat provides extra cushion. If you want a little more comfort and padding, choose a 1/4 inch thickness. If you want a firmer surface, choose a 1/8 inch thickness.

2. Length and Width

Yoga mats are available in different lengths. If you are on the short side, you may be able to save money by purchasing a shorter mat. If you are tall, however, you may need a longer mat in order to correctly hold certain poses. Mats that are wider than average are available for yogis who need or prefer a larger surface area.

3. Stickiness

The amount of grip that a mat has depends on the material used, the texture of the mat, and how much the mat has been used. The more you use a yoga mat, the stickier it will become.

The Professional Series massage table is "sturdy, comfortable, and the quality of a professional table."

We know our massage tables are high quality, but you don’t have to take our word for it. See what other customers have to say about the Professional Series portable massage table, available in black, cream, and plum:

“I am EXTREMELY PLEASED with this massage table! It is very comfortable, looks very well-built, and feels quite sturdy. Of course, I will be able to give a much more accurate assessment in about six (6) months, after I have put it to the test. …If you want my true opinion of your massage table in 6 months, just let me know—if there is one thing I almost always have, it’s an opinion.”
- Conrad

“This is a very easy to set up table and very sturdy. I’ve had no problems with it and my clients are happy.”
- Danny S. Aldana

“Excellent [company] to work with. The products arrived on time and were better quality than anticipated. Also, the massage table went on sale within days of purchase and at our request the [company] refunded the new sales price difference…talk about service! We would highly recommend them!!”
- Josh M.

“Excellent quality product, professional, arrived just in time for Christmas as promised. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and the quality of a professional table. My family loves it. Quality is just as it looks online. Holds a heavy person easily. Very content with the purchase. Would totally recommend this company and its product.”
- GHT

“This table is exactly what the description said and I couldn’t be more pleased. It’s very sturdy and could hold up to around 350lbs. I’m very happy with the table.”
- Ngan

“Product is very well built. My wife and I have used it almost every day and we are extremely satisfied.”
- Mike

The Aspire Massage Table comes with a standard 30 inch width.

Massage table size depends on two things: the size of the therapist and the size of your typical client. The table needs to be narrow enough to allow easy access to the client but wide enough for the client to fit comfortably on the table.

Why Width Is Important

In considering massage table size, the most important dimension is table width. The width of the table will affect the ergonomics and working posture of the therapist, and it will affect the comfort of the client.

Choosing the right massage table width helps prevent muscle strain in your back and legs. The healthier you can keep your body, the longer you will be able to work as a massage therapist.

If you are shorter than average and have short arms on top of that, reaching across a wide table to reach the client places undue stress on your body. The further you need to reach, the harder it will be for you to maintain proper ergonomics.

Recommended Width

Standard width for a portable massage table is 29-30 inches. As a general guideline, therapists with a height of 5′4″ or shorter should choose a table no wider than 29 inches. Therapists ranging from 5′4″ to about 5′10″ should consider a table up to 31 inches wide. At a height of 5′10″ or taller, therapists can select a table up to 33 inches wide.

The Professional, Deluxe, and Euro-Light (shown above) massage tables come with side arm extenders. Side extenders can be added to the Elite and Renew Series tables.

Width and Client Comfort

Although therapist height and ergonomics are important, so is client comfort. If your clients are too wide to fit comfortably on the table, they will have a hard time relaxing. One option that allows you to choose a narrow width and still make your clients comfortable is to find a table that can accommodate side arm extenders. These side extensions allow the client’s arms to fit comfortably on the table as well as allowing the therapist to step in closer to the client for better access.

Some table models are contoured for a narrow width at the middle of the table and a wider width at either end. This gives the therapist easier access but still leaves enough room for the client’s shoulders and arms to fit on the table.

Width and Portability

Keep in mind that narrow tables are more portable because of their lighter weight. If you plan on carrying your table around, you may want to choose the narrowest width recommended for your height range.

Lotus Touch Nut-Free Massage Lotion

The quality of ingredients used in the massage oil, lotion, or cream that you use on your clients can make a big difference in the health and comfort of your skin and your clients’ skin. Since your hands are constantly immersed in massage oil throughout the day, it’s important to make sure that the ingredients are nourishing your skin and not causing your skin to react, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Certain chemicals or ingredients, such as nut oil, can cause negative reactions for yourself or your clients. Since sensitivities vary for each client, it may be a good idea to avoid common allergy-inducing ingredients and opt for products that use only natural ingredients, free of parabens and other man-made chemicals. You’ll not only be doing your clients a favor, but you’ll be doing yourself a favor as well.

OneTouch Massage is a distributor for two brand name product lines designed for therapists looking for all natural or nut-free oils: Lotus Touch and Bon Vital. These companies take pride in their products as they strive to meet the developing needs of today’s massage therapists and bodyworkers.

Lotus Touch Oils

One of the most common reactions to massage lubricants is caused by nut oils. With the increase in nut allergies in recent years, more and more therapists are searching for nut-free oils. Lotus Touch responded to requests from therapists by developing a completely nut-free line of massage oils, lotions, and creams. But instead of stopping there, they raised the bar higher by using only the purest, most natural ingredients in their products, including the finest seed oils, botanical extracts, and essential oils. Their products never contain nut oils, mineral oils, direct alcohols, or man-made chemicals that can dry out and irritate the skin.

Bon Vital Naturale Oils

In response to the need for all-natural massage products, Bon Vital launched the Naturale line—an all natural and organic line of massage lotion, oil, cream, and gel. These products include natural preservatives rather than synthetic preservatives such as parabens. The result is a formula that offers all the healing and enriching benefits of natural, organic ingredients. The Naturale line is unscented to accommodate clients who may be sensitive to fragrance.

This hot cabi towel warmer has a stainless steel finish for a professional, clinical appearance.

Hot towel treatment is a great way to pamper your clients and enhance your services. With the right equipment and a little preparation time, you can easily add a new level of luxury to your spa or massage business.

Towel Warmer Equipment

Some therapists use a skillet, roaster oven, or crock pot to heat up their towels. While these options might “make do,” they present problems. First of all, much of the heat from these appliances escapes into the room, heating up your massage or spa room and making it uncomfortable for the therapist and client. Second, the clanging noise from lifting a metal lid is not a very relaxing sound for the client to hear. It disturbs the serene atmosphere that should pervade the massage room. Finally, using kitchen appliances in your treatment room could make your business appear “cheap” and unprofessional.

Your best and most professional option is a hot towel cabi. It retains heat, rather than allowing it to escape; the door is quiet and won’t disturb your client; and it gives your business a professional appearance, particularly with a stainless steel finish.

Heating Towels and Preparation

Hot towel warmers are designed to maintain their temperature throughout the day. To make your routine easier and and make sure the towels are ready when you need them, we recommend preparing the placing the towels in the warmer at the beginning of the day. This gives the cabinet and towels enough time to heat up fully. Then leave the cabinet on throughout your workday, removing towels and adding fresh ones as needed. Note that the larger the hot cabi and the more towels you place in the cabi, the longer it will take for the towels to warm up to a therapeutic temperature.

Unlike roasters and crock pots, hot towel cabis are designed to heat the towels to the optimum temperature and keep them hot for longer after you remove them from the cabinet. Another trick to keep the towels hot is to place a dry towel on top of the moist heated towel for added insulation.

A hot stone heater must be "cured" or "smoked out"
before using it for the first time.

Before you start using your new hot stone heater, it needs to be “smoked out” to prepare the heating element for use. This is a normal process for any stone heater. Once the heater has been smoked out (also known as “cured”), it will no longer give off smoke or odors, making it ready for use in a spa or massage environment.

Follow these steps to prepare your new stone heater for use:

1. Unpack your hot stone heater and remove the water reservoir, all packaging material, and all information labels. Place the unit in a well-ventilated area (garage, carport, etc.) on a heat resistant surface.
2. Check the voltage rating on the label on the bottom of the heater. Only plug the stone heater into an outlet that meets the voltage rating listed on the label.
3. With the Temperature Control in the off position (turn the knob counterclockwise as far as it will go), plug the stone heater into an approved electrical outlet.
4. Turn the Temperature Control to the “Preheat” setting and allow the stone heater to operate for approximately 60 minutes or until any odor or smoking disappears. Some smoke and odor are a normal part of curing or “smoking out” the heating element and will not occur again during normal spa use.
5. When curing is completed, turn the Temperature Control counterclockwise as far as it will go to turn the appliance off.
6. Unplug the stone heater from the wall outlet and allow the unit to cool.

Your hot stone heater is now ready for use!

The Renew massage table by OneTouch is now on sale for only $149. This budget-friendly table is just the right price for massage students, new therapists, and home users, yet there is no compromise on quality and craftsmanship. The beech hardwood frame is sturdy and holds up to 500 pounds of working weight. A plush 2 1/2 inches of foam provides a comfortable base for your clients, and the PU upholstery is nontoxic and eco-friendly.

The Renew massage table package includes a standard accessory kit with a forward arm rest shelf and an adjustable and removable face cradle that can be used on either the head or backrest end of the table. We also include a zippered carry case at no extra charge.

Package Includes:

• Portable massage table
• Removable and adjustable face cradle and pad (installs on either end of table)
• Adjustable arm rest shelf
• Table bag with storage pockets

Features:

• Sustainable hardwood construction
• 2 1/2″ luxury foam padding
• Ultra-soft PU upholstery
• Reiki end panels
• Integrated side carry handle
• Side arm extenders can be added

Specifications:

• Black color only
• 32 lb base table weight (34 lb with accessories)
• 72″ long x 28″ wide (table only)
• 36″ long x 28″ wide x 8″ thick (folded)
• Adjustable height from 24 to 37 inches
• 500 lb weight capacity

Meditation cushions are now available from OneTouch Massage. These cushions provide stable but soft support for traditional cross-legged and kneeling positions by raising the hips slightly above the floor.

The zafu and zabuton pillows are filled with organic buckwheat hulls and covered with 100% cotton twill material. The fabric covers can be removed for easy cleaning.

Zafu - available in black or white

OneTouch meditation pillows are available as a set (zafu and zabuton) or zafu cushion only. The meditation set offers increased comfort and support with the large square zabuton pillow acting as a buffer against the cold or hard ground. These pillows are currently available in black or white colors.

Round Zafu Pillow

• Traditional, round-shaped zafu cushion 13″ x 6″
• Filled with organic buckwheat hulls
• 100% natural cotton twill fabric
• Removable cover for easy washing
• Available in black or white
• Only $39.99
• Free shipping to the lower 48 U.S.

Zafu and zabuton - available in black or white

Zafu and Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set

• Round zafu cushion 13″ x 6″
• Square zabuton cushion 28″ x 29″ x 1″
• Filled with organic buckwheat hulls
• 100% natural cotton twill fabric
• Removable covers for easy washing
• Available in black or white
• Only $59.99
• Free shipping to the lower 48 U.S.

Finding the right size yoga ball is important for posture and stability while performing yoga, stretches, and other exercises. Your height, weight, and intended use for the ball are all important factors in determining which ball size you need.

Recommended Ball Size for Height

The following guidelines will help you determine the right size ball for your height:

If you are in between sizes or unsure which size to get, choose the larger ball. You can always slightly underinflate the ball to adjust it to your height. Smaller and larger size balls are also available for very short or very tall users.

If you plan to use the exercise ball for yoga or stretching, your instructor may recommend a larger size ball than the above guidelines in order to achieve proper form. Also, using the ball as an office chair may require a larger ball size to achieve the proper height and ergonomic sitting posture.

The 65cm yoga ball is recommended for users with a height of 5 foot 5 inches or taller.

Weight and Stability

Most balls can hold up to 600 pounds of weight. However, if you are heavier than average for your height range, we recommend purchasing a larger ball and adjusting the inflation level so that your feet are flat on the floor while you are sitting on the ball. This will make it easier for you to balance.

Look for an anti-burst ball that will release air slowly if punctured instead of exploding. Anti-burst vinyl is thicker than the traditional vinyl used in exercise balls, and it has a textured surface that keeps you from sliding around on the ball.

How Firm Should a Yoga Ball Be?

When you sit on the ball, your knees should be level with or slightly below your hips. If your hips are much higher than your knees, release more air from the ball.

The ball should be firm but not tight like a drum. It should have a little give when you sit on it, but you should not feel like you are sinking into the ball.

If you are a beginner struggling to keep your balance, simply let more air out of the ball to increase its stability. When there is less air in the ball, the bottom of the ball flattens out and provides a more stable base.

Advanced users who want a more challenge workout can increase the amount of air in the ball to make it less stable. A firmer ball makes the abdominal and core muscles work harder to stabilize the body.