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NEW PRODUCTS, HOT TIPS AND FAST FACTS.
Fashion, fitness, health and tech hacks
Fashion MAKE A STATEMENT
Stella McCartney has partnered with Adidas to launch a limited edition collection inspired by well-known female e athletes – and it’s the perfect combination of style and performance. The Statement Collection is a range of bold – but practical – designs, and includes bras, tights, ts, jackets, footwear and accessories for any activity. To shop the range, visit Adida Adidas stores or go to www.adidas.co.za
Tech OPEN EARS
The These Aftershokz Trekz T Titanium wireless headphones were designed with athletes in mind. The comfy w wrap-around headband is lightwe lightweight and flexible. Bone conduction technolo technology delivers sound through the vibration of the b bones in your face, ensuring your ears remain open to ambient sound. This model boasts many advanced features and promises a dynamic audio range and rich bass. The features include Wireless Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity and multi-point pairing, sweat and dust resistance, LeakSlayer technology to reduce natural sound leakage and dual noise-cancelling microphones. About R4 495; takealot.com
Fashion CASUAL AND CHIC!
Summer is all about espadrilles! The eye-catching Amanzi collection is light and playful, and the gorgeous designs are sure to match summery pastels perfectly. Visit www.espadril. co.za for more.
Outdoor GOT YOUR BACK!
Outdoor enthusiasts will love this lightweight hydration solar backpack. It holds 1.8 litres of water and has a built-in solar panel, so you can charge devices while y you’re on the g go. The solar panel stores up to 2 000mAh energy and char charges the waterproof battery pack (6.5W). The bag comes with enough pockets and compar compartments for all your essentials. About R R1 349; takealo takealot.com
Wellbeing (MAT)TER OF FACT
Your yoga mat needs to keep you stable in your poses and should be storable and portable, yet comfy and cushy. Here’s what to consider when buying a yoga mat:
MATERIAL
Plastic (PVC) is a popular and affordable choice but it isn’t ecofriendly, absorbent or durable. Plastic is also slippery. Eco mats are friendlier on the environment, but less durable and more expensive. Rubber (TPE) mats offer a lot of give when changing positions and a fair amount of stick, but they’re not absorbent. And if you’re sensitive to latex they could cause an allergic reaction. Open-cell rubber mats have a looser weave and are more sticky and porous. They offer good stability and are non-slip, but need regular cleaning. Closed-cell rubber mats have a tighter weave, so they don’t pick up odours as quickly and are easier to clean, but they can be slippery. Jute mats are eco-friendly and absorbent, but the texture is rough. Cotton mats are eco-friendly and absorbent but pivoting might be difficult because of the cotton fibres’ resistance. Cork mats are naturally antibacterial and extremely grippy.
THICKNESS
The average thickness of a yoga mat is 3–5mm.
Texture dictates how much traction the mat provides, and its overall feel and comfort. Jute yoga mats have an organic roughness, while PVC mats are slightly textured and have a softer feel. If you want to avoid PVC mats, a rubber, jute or cotton yoga mat is your best bet.
MAKE SURE IT’S A YOGA MAT
They’re distinguished by stickiness on both sides. The side that’s in contact with the floor anchors the mat so it doesn’t shift, while the upper surface keeps moist hands in place. Check the stickiness on each side.
A yoga towel is a good investment. It’s the length of your mat, and the silicone or rubber nodules prevent slipping. It also absorbs sweat well (great for hot yoga), is light and washable.