Fitness Fridays: New Products to Try

Submitted by natasha on Tue, 2011-10-18 23:18

Spoonk, an eco-friendly portable acupressure mat, was featured at this year’s Sundance Festival, and garnered rave reviews. Made with eco-foam, covered in 100% cotton or hemp, and spiked with non-toxic plastic disks, this age-old concept is a healthy one that can improve sleep, enhance relaxation, and relieve stress.

The actual acupressure disks were a shock at first, as my body was unused to the sensation. I found that wearing socks or a lightweight t-shirt while on the mat relieved the discomfort and made the experience more enjoyable. I used the mat daily; 15 minutes mid-day on the upper back, which tends to tense up during long hours at a computer, and 10 minutes on my feet in the evening. The sensation is enjoyable and after a few days I was able to relax more easily.

The Spoonk Mat can also be used for yoga, meditation, and stretching. While not as therapeutic as a massage, few of us can afford a daily masseuse, and this just might be a good alternative. The mats are stylish and come with a carrying/storage bag. Available at multiple retail locations or online at SpoonkSpace.com. ($69-79)