The Sustainable Yoga Practice: A Return to Intentional Movement

As the global wellness community continues to evolve, yoga remains one of the most powerful tools for self-regulation, balance, and transformation. But just as we’ve become more mindful of our breath and alignment, there’s a growing call to extend that awareness beyond the mat—toward the materials we practice on, and the impact our lifestyle has on the planet.

In this new wave of consciousness, sustainable yoga is no longer a niche—it’s a movement. And at the center of this movement is the search for eco-friendly yoga mats that support both our bodies and the Earth beneath us.

Why Sustainable Yoga Matters

The heart of yoga is rooted in ahimsa, or non-harming. Traditionally, this principle is interpreted in how we treat others and ourselves. But today, many yogis are expanding this definition to include how we interact with the environment—choosing to practice in ways that are not only personally nourishing, but ecologically respectful.

Unfortunately, the yoga industry has long been dominated by gear made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other petrochemical-based materials. These mats are not biodegradable, difficult to recycle, and can release harmful toxins during production and disposal. It’s an ironic contradiction: practicing inner peace on materials that pollute the Earth.

That is why so many modern practitioners are turning to eco-conscious alternatives— making intentional swaps that align their practice with their values.

What Makes a Yoga Mat “Eco-Friendly”?

The term eco-friendly yoga mat can sometimes feel like a buzzword—but not all mats are created equal. A truly sustainable mat considers multiple factors:

• Materials: Natural rubber, cork, organic cotton, or recycled materials are all biodegradable or low-impact alternatives to plastic-based mats.

• Production Ethics: Brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, responsible manufacturing, and minimal waste are key players in sustainability.

• Longevity: A good eco mat is durable, which reduces the need for frequent replacements and lowers overall consumption.

• End-of-Life: Biodegradable mats are designed to break down naturally when disposed of, leaving no toxic residue behind. When these elements come together, they help support a circular, earth-respecting approach to wellness gear.

The Rise of Conscious Consumerism in Yoga

Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or new to the mat, you’ve likely felt the pull toward a more intentional lifestyle. From clean skincare and sustainable fashion to zero-waste kitchen swaps, consumers are seeking brands that reflect their desire to do better. Yoga gear is no exception.

Social media conversations, Reddit threads, and yoga studio bulletin boards are filled with recommendations for eco-friendly yoga mats that don’t sacrifice grip, cushioning, or aesthetic appeal. And while cost can be a barrier, many are finding that the long-term value—both practically and ethically—is worth the initial investment.

More importantly, each purchase becomes a small, daily act of resistance against disposable culture.

Building a Sustainable Yoga Routine: Beyond the Mat

Choosing an eco mat is a great first step, but a fully sustainable yoga routine weaves intention into every part of practice:

1. Practice in Natural Light

Reduce energy use by flowing with the sun. Morning or golden hour sessions enhance circadian rhythm and lessen artificial lighting needs.

2. Ditch Plastic Props

Opt for blocks made of cork or recycled foam, and straps or blankets crafted from organic cotton.

3. Use Non-Toxic Cleaners

Many commercial mat sprays contain harsh chemicals. DIY blends of water, vinegar, and essential oils work beautifully.

4. Shop Mindfully

Choose fewer, better items. Look for multipurpose gear that blends sustainability with design.

5. Support Local and Ethical Brands

From handmade bolsters to community-run studios, directing your spending toward small, values-driven businesses keeps your practice in sync with your principles.

A Quiet Recommendation: Gayo

If you’re currently exploring eco options, Gayo is a brand worth adding to your radar. Rooted in minimalist design and ethical production, Gayo creates thoughtfully made, eco-friendly yoga mats using natural cork, organic cotton, and eco PU materials.

One of the most loved options is their Cork Yoga Mat, which becomes grippier with sweat—ideal for hot yoga and dynamic flows. For those seeking something lighter or more travel-friendly, their Organic Cotton Yoga Mat provides a soft yet durable base for grounding practices.

What makes Gayo stand out is their holistic commitment to slow, sustainable movement

—something they explore in depth in The Slow Practice: 5 Simple Swaps for a More Sustainable Yoga Lifestyle, a practical guide to aligning your yoga routine with eco values.

You can explore their full collection of eco-friendly yoga mats here, and find the one that supports your movement while respecting the Earth beneath it.

Final Thoughts: Slowing Down as a Form of Activism

Practicing yoga sustainably isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being awake. When we pause to notice the materials we use, how they’re made, and where they go, we start to see how our practice can ripple outward. We become part of a quiet but growing revolution—one where wellness doesn’t come at the expense of the planet, but is part of its healing.

So the next time you step onto your mat, ask yourself: Is this space supporting just me… or something more?

Ready to Start Your Sustainable Yoga Journey?

Explore Gayo’s full range of eco-friendly yoga mats and mindful movement tools. Align your values with every breath, every pose, and every product.

How To Advance Your Yoga Practice.

Yoga is one of the best ways to improve your physical, mental and emotional health. Not only is it a great strength and cardio workout, but it also can improve your overall mood and energy levels. If you've been doing yoga for awhile, you might feel like you're stagnant in your practice. It's easy to begin to get used to your yoga routine.

Just because you've been doing yoga for a while doesn't mean that you don't have room left to grow in your yoga practice. To help you better develop as a yoga practitioner, here are some tips on how to advance your yoga practice.

Photo credit: Veith House.

Change Up Your Routine
It's good to go to the same classes on a regular basis. This keeps you in shape and ensures that you continue to enjoy the mental health aspects that yoga has to offer. However, while having a routine can be healthy, it can also be a bit boring.

If you feel like you're in a yoga rut, consider trying some new classes or styles. If you always go to the same power yoga class, consider trying a hot yoga class. You can also try more daring forms of yoga, such as partner or aerial yoga. You don't have to give up your regular classes, but throwing some new styles of yoga into the mix can be very beneficial in advancing your practice.

Invest In Some New Gear
One of the simplest ways to get excited about your practice again is by investing in some fun new gear. If you're using a simple mat, consider investing in a nicer one that will better cushion and support you while you move through poses. A few new outfits for class can also help you to feel better and more confident in class.

Change Up Your Diet 
If you do yoga regularly but feel like you aren't moving forward in your practice, your diet could be to blame. It's hard to exercise your way out of a poor diet. Most yoga professionals recommend a plant-based, low-fat diet for maximum performance in yoga classes. While you don't have to become a complete vegan, it is a good idea to add more fruits and vegetables into your daily eating plan. It's also a smart idea to cut back on fat and dairy if you really want to improve yoga performance.

Go Abroad
Yoga-based vacations are becoming increasingly popular. They're a great way to get reignite the spark that you have for your yoga practice. One of the most popular destinations for yoga retreats is India, which is where the practice was born. There are many luxury travel companies that offer packages for visits to India. There are also many yoga retreats based in the US and the surrounding islands. These retreats are a great way to be around other yoga devotees and to expand your practice.

Consider Teacher Training
For many practitioners of yoga, training as a yoga instructor is an inevitable undertaking. There are few yoga devotees who don't eventually undergo teacher training after years of practicing yoga. Even if you don't plan to teach yoga professionally, teacher training is an amazing opportunity for anyone who's passionate about yoga. These courses usually only last for a few weeks, but they're very intensive. Students spend all day doing yoga and taking classes on the science behind the yoga lifestyle. It's a great opportunity to really take your yoga practice to the next level.

Take A Break
It might sound counterproductive, but taking a few weeks away can sometimes help if you're feeling frustrated with your yoga practice. However, don't let this break turn into you just lazing on the couch and snacking on junk food. Instead, try some other athletic classes, such as Pilates or spinning. During your break from yoga, you can explore different forms of exercise and enjoy being a beginner again. When you return to the yoga studio, you'll have a new sense of excitement for your practice.

If you follow these tips, you can reignite the spark that you have for yoga. No matter who you are, it's normal to occasionally get bored with something you do regularly.

How To Lead A Healthier Life.

Although most people want to feel as if they are bursting with energy and life at all times, the reality is typically quite different. In fact, majority of the people are generally plagued with at least one chronic condition that compromises mood, decreases immunity, and complicates weight management. Nevertheless, individuals who are serious about leading a healthier life can definitely do so. Get the process underway right now by utilizing some or all of these handy health tips:

Photo credit: Rita Maher.

1. Don't Sweep Minor Conditions Under The Rug.
One of the reasons that many people fail to optimize their health results from their unwillingness to take minor conditions seriously. Don't make this mistake. Even something like periodic feelings of chronic fatigue can be indicative of a more serious issue.

With this idea in mind, make sure that your conditions are accurately diagnosed so that you can eliminate them quickly and correctly. If you think you may be experiencing a serious condition, you can obtain testing kits from organizations like Diagnostic Automation. This company offers a wide range of testing kits, including the rapidtest.

2. Use Stress-Busting Techniques.
Although stress is an inevitable component of life, it must be managed. If you experience unmediated stress on a regular basis, you can make yourself susceptible to numerous diseases and mental illness.

Luckily, there are multiple methodologies you can deploy to decrease the power and prevalence of stress in your life. One of them is daily meditation. Investing in a monthly massage is another wonderful way to decrease your stress levels.

3. Develop SMART Goals.
If you really want to lead a healthier life, make a point to develop goals. Doing so will help you get specific about what health outcome you're trying to attain and which steps you will take to realize your objective.

When you begin writing your goals down, make sure that they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Specific. An example of a great health-related SMART goal would be "I will jog on the treadmill for one hour four times a week to lose one pound a week."

If you've decided that you're no longer satisfied with your life due to a chronic condition that detracts from your mood and energy levels, now is the time to deal with the issue. By implementing some or all of the health techniques listed here, you'll likely find that your level of mental and physical well-being begins to skyrocket!

Spa-turdate at Maja Thai.

After several rainchecks and countless cancelled appointments, my friend Sylvia and I somehow made our weekend schedules to jive. And so yesterday, we finally had the chance to check out Maja Thai - the newly-opened spa in town.

We've been planning to go to the spa together for the longest time. Sylvia and I had been planning this since the start of the year, our busy bodies and tight schedules just wouldn't permit. Until yesterday, that is. And so off to Maja Thai we went, for some much needed and well-deserved R&R.

This hut thingy sits just beside the spa's entrance.

See?  And that's my friend, Sylvia, by the way.

OOTD: Striped Top, Forever 21. Shorts, Dorothy Perkins.
Flipflops, Havaianas. Tote,  Bijoux Terner. Wristwatch, Vera Wang.

First impressions of the place? The atmosphere is very welcoming - with its well-lit and spacious waiting area, minimalist interior design, decorative pieces that scream Thai, and furniture that's very Kenneth Cobonpue.

Lovely furniture

My favorite spot in the waiting area.

Pretty lantern sitting by the counter.

It doesn't get more Thai than this. :)

Chic lighting.

Their staff are very cordial and friendly, too.

Sylvia at the counter. :)

Sylvia and I actually had GCs for this particular visit, which were given to us by our friend Aljer. (Thanks, bro!) Our GCs were good for any of these three Massage Services: Thaw Relaxation (foot massage), Klatem Bliss (back massage), or Totem Vigor (body massage).

We went for the latter, and added a 30-minute foot massage (Php 200, regular rate) on top of the body massage. The foot massage was given first, and we were ushered to this room with massage chairs and foot spa machines.

Photo credit: Maja Thai

Those chairs are the comfiest ever, and Joan, my masseuse for the day, was pretty good. My only gripe was how cold this area was. Or it's the spot where I was seated that's cold. I could feel the A/C blowing towards me, and by the time my foot massage was over, I was sniffling like crazy.

We were then transferred to this room for our body massage. As you can see, the mattresses are laid on the floor. That's because the form of bodywork of the traditional Thai massage is done this way - on the floor.

Photo credit: Maja Thai

In a Thai massage, the receiver (ergo, the one being massaged) is positioned in a variety of yoga-like positions during the course of the massage. Deep static and rhythmic pressures form the core of the massage, which energizes the body, rejuvenates the spirit, and calms the mind.

Just to give you an idea of what happens in a Thai massage, there's cracking the knuckles, pulling fingers, toes, ears, even hair, walking on the recipient's back, and arching the recipient into bhujangasana (or cobra position). Quite a challenge, huh? But believe me, your body will feel light and relaxed once all the pulling and cracking are done.

And then you can cool down with your drink of choice - a glass of water or a cup of ginger tea. I went for ginger tea, and so did Sylvia.

Tea time!

This pitcher is so pretty. 

After our one and a half hour massage. :)

All in all, our 'spa-turdate' at Maja Thai has been nothing but pleasant. This visit will not be the last, and I'm already looking forward to our next 'spa-turdate'. I'm thinking of getting the Holistic Rejuvenation (Php 525, promo rate) next time; it's a combination massage that covers the foot and the entire body. I just hope this date will not take another four months to happen, haha.

Girl bonding at Maja Thai! :)

Maja Thai Massage and Wellness Spa
2nd Floor Allysa's Arcade
Brgy. San Benito, Alaminos Laguna
(right across Toyota San Pablo)
049.527.3839 / 0932.877.9959
0928.447.8369 / 0926.747.0879