I know a lot of people decide to hit the gym at this time of the year and who can blame them after all that rich holiday food? I’m going to share with you two DIY projects that will make working out just a little more bearable.
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DIY #1- Yoga Mat Spray
Roll out that yoga mat and hop to it!
Cobra into Child’s pose and…
What is that smell? Yeah, that’s your yoga mat.
You exercise, sweat profusely and rub your skin all over a mat that’s laying on the floor. Sounds kind of gross, right? How often do you clean that mat after you’re done with it? Most of you probably roll your mat right up and throw it in a corner like it has offended you somehow. (Or is that just me?)
After a while, that mat is going to start to stink a little, or a lot, depending on how regularly it has been used. With this easy DIY spray, you can spritz your mat after each use and prevent odour.
What you will need:
- water
- white vinegar
- essential oil of your choice
- spray bottle
Instructions
1. Simply mix one part water and one part vinegar in the spray bottle.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil. Try Tea Tree Oil, Lavender or Lemongrass but really you can use whatever fragrance you like.
After your workout is done, spray the mat liberally, then wipe it down with a wet cloth. Once the cleanser has been completely removed, rub the mat with a dry cloth. Repeat this process on the other side of the mat and allow the yoga mat to air dry.
You can purchase some yoga mat spray cleaner if you don’t fancy making your own.
DIY #2- Foam Roller
The second DIY project is also pretty simple. We’re going to make a Foam Roller.
A foam roller is used for self-massage. It helps to soothe sore, tight areas and speed up muscle recovery in a process called myofascial release. (Don’t worry, I bit my tongue trying to say that word too.)
What you will need:
- 24 inch length of PVC pipe, 6 inches in diameter
- Foam (I used 1 inch thick foam because I had it left over from another project but use the thickness you like.)
- Faux leather
- Duct tape
- Marker
- Scissors
Instructions
1. Wrap the foam around the PVC to see how much you will need.
2. Mark the measurement using the marker and carefully cut the foam with the scissors.
3. Wrap the cut foam around the PVC and tape the edges together.
4. Wrap the faux leather around the foam-covered PVC to measure the amount required.
5. Cut the length with the scissors and wrap it around the PVC.
6. Tape the edges of the faux leather down the middle and along the edges of the roller to hold in place.
That’s all there is to it! Now you can massage those sore muscles like there is no tomorrow. If you are new to foam rolling, see here for some easy exercises.
You can also purchase a foam roller if you’re not interested in making your own.