While the holidays were slightly interrupted thanks to the notorious ice storm here in Toronto, I did manage to find the time to try out some different types of yoga. My husband is determined to get into shape and so when he asked me to join him in his first Bikram Yoga class a few weeks ago, I agreed knowing full well that hot yoga wouldn't exactly be what I was looking for. Nevertheless, I was happy that we both gave it a try and that we did it together. Even though we likely won't go back, the conscious decision to begin this journey together seems to have set the ball rolling. My husband has since found an alternate yoga studio and has also been practicing diligently in the comfort of our own home by either following his prescribed practice or an ashtanga yoga DVD. I, myself, have found a weekly yoga class close to home and have pulled out some of my old yoga DVD's that I purchased when I started learning yoga nearly 15 years ago. And now, I have some new videos and yoga gear to help with my practice courtesy of Gaiam Canada.

An essential piece of yoga gear is, of course, a good mat. Gaiam offers a wide variety of stylish yoga mats in varying thicknesses, from 1mm to 5mm. The printed designs are beautiful and the colour selection quite vast. I received the Tree of Wisdom yoga mat that features a super-grip, textured surface for consistent non-slip performance. And it is made without the six most harmful phthalates. The current online price is listed at $29.99 at Gaiam.ca.

To gently release tension in hard-working muscles in the back, shoulders, glutes and feet, try Restore by Gaiam Hot & Cold Therapy Kit. It includes two Therapy Balls - one smooth, one textured - which are filled with a unique compound that enables them to safely retain either heat or cold, giving you one easy-to-use tool that can help increase circulation, relieve tension and massage stiff muscles. You control the temperature, motion and level of pressure for fully customizable therapy. Place the balls in warm water or in the freezer for added relief. The new online price is listed at $17.99.

I also received an additional video - Jillian Michaels Yoga Inferno. It contains two 30-minute workouts providing a vigorous and focused yoga practice to help burn calories and fat. The flowing sequences of power yoga will help transform your physique while building stamina, strength and mobility. Workout 1 uses body weight along with 30-second cardio intervals. Workout 2 incorporates the use of light hand weights, combining traditional resistance moves with classic yoga poses for a dynamic, flowing and challenging practice. Each workout offers both modified and advanced versions of the poses so you can progress at your own level. To me, it feels more like a cardio workout. While I prefer more traditional yoga workouts, I'll still keep this one on hand should I decide to change it up later on.  

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.