Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a selection of Frequently Asked Questions and How-tos for MAKARLU. 

PRODUCT INFORMATION

MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast are all-in-one exercise and myofascial release products. Highly versatile and adaptable, they are each made up of several components.

MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast are used in countless ways to promote movement and myofascial release.. They are used to facilitate:

    • Balance (both static and dynamic)
    • Flexibility (muscle, joint and whole body)
    • Strength (postural strength, core strength, functional strength)
    • Mobility (joint and whole body)
    • Joint range of motion
    • Proprioception
    • Tactile stimulation and challenges
    • Massage of soft tissue (including muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other connective tissue such as fascia)
    • Myofascial (muscle and fascia) release
    • Muscle recovery (including delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS))
    • Improved posture and postural awareness
    • Relaxation
    • Circulation
    • Pain relief

The Headlines


Lotus is slightly harder than Coast

While both Coast and Lotus allow you to vary the firmness by adding or removing inner domes, we chose to make Coast domes with a slightly softer material grade than Lotus domes, known as the ‘Shore hardness’.

Distinctive nodules

The large Lotus domes have angular nodules, while the large Coast domes have rounded nodules.

Nature-inspired colourways

Lotus and Coast each offer their own unique feel and aesthetic, thanks to the distinctive nature-inspired nodules, surface profiles, and colourways.

 

Read more about the key design features that set Lotus and Coast apart.

DIMENSIONS
Large Dome
Diameter: 12cm or 4.7″

Medium Dome
Diameter: 9cm or 3.5″

Small Dome
Diameter: 6cm or 2.4″

Rocker Base
Diameter: 14cm or 5.5″

WEIGHT
A complete pair weighs approx. 1.4 kg or 3.1 lb—this can vary slightly depending on the type of timber selected

MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast are for all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.

See the ‘Safety’ section below for those conditions where use is contraindicated (not suitable).

Move. Release. Feel.

Through the interplay of configurations, contours, sizes, and firmnesses, there is so much you can do with MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast.

We have endeavoured to not be ‘prescriptive’ in terms of what Lotus and Coast can or should be used for.

There are some ‘thought starters’ on our How Do You MAKARLU? page and YouTube Channel.

If you use social media, have a browse of our Instagram as well as the tags #makarlu #howdoyoumakarlu for inspiration from those already using MAKARLU. And please feel free to also share your own ideas.

MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast are tools for the whole body. They can be used to encourage movement of the entire body by facilitating balance, strength, flexibility, mobility, and proprioception. 

Or the various components of MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast can be used to promote movement of more specific body regions including the feet, toes, ankles, knees, hips, lower back, mid back, upper back, neck, shoulders, arms, forearms, wrists, and fingers.

With a focus on specific musculoskeletal structures – MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast can be used to release, relieve and massage to help with muscle and joint tightness, stiffness, pain and soreness—in turn promoting movement. Some particular soft tissue areas that can be focussed on include the plantar fascia, foot muscles, calves (gastrocnemius, soleus), peroneals, hamstrings, iliotibial band (ITB), tensor fasciae latae (TFL), quads (quadriceps), glutes (gluteus maximus, medius, minimus), erector spinae, quadratus lumborum (QL), lats (latissimus dorsi), rhomboids, traps (upper, middle and lower trapezius), muscles of chewing/mastication (including temporalis and masseter), rhomboids, pecs (pectoralis major and minor), deltoids, biceps, triceps, wrist extensors, and hand muscles.

Read more about what ‘myofascial release’ refers to, when it might be beneficial, and how you can do it. 

Don’t just use the MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast domes on the floor—in-built magnets lets you use the domes vertically by sticking them to your fridge, poles, filing cabinets, your car and more.

The ability for the domes to be used vertically and also ‘hands-free’ makes self massage, muscle release and gentle mobilisation of stiff joints that much easier – great for relieving hard to reach niggles and tight points.

This feature can benefit those who are unable to get up and down off the floor easily, and is also useful for moderating pressure to suit individual preference. The increase in pressure can be controlled by gradually leaning or pushing harder against a dome or a combination of domes. This pressure adjustment can be harder to manage when lying on the floor on top of massage balls, golf balls, tennis balls, foam rollers, etc.

When the ability to use vertically is combined with the capacity to vary the firmness by adding or removing inner domes, the possible custom applications  grows. Magnets also allow the domes to be positioned easily and precisely where they are needed, then held securely and hands-free.

SAFETY

MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast both contain magnets, which can interfere with pacemakers. This warning is displayed on the underside of each dome. Anyone with a pacemaker should not use MAKARLU Lotus or MAKARLU Coast until use is approved by their relevant medical professional (cardiologist). The neodymium magnets in MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast are a grade of N48, size is 10mm diameter x 5mm thick. There are 9 magnets in total (2 in the small dome, 3 in the medium and 4 in the large).

MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast are suitable for children and adults alike, though should always be used with care and under the supervision of a responsible adult. The domes should not be chewed on. MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast contain securely embedded magnets—if for any reason the magnets become dislodged, ensure that they are not swallowed. 

If you have an injury, significant medical history or a specific condition, consult your healthcare professional prior to use.

When used correctly and safely, MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast can be useful for facilitating movement and relieving pain, though there are certain conditions where particular applications would be contraindicated (not suitable).

These conditions include but are not limited to: severe back pain, acute back pain, previous spinal surgery, nerve root pain, osteoporosis, cancer, spinal fractures, haemophilia, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis and some neurological conditions.

We extensively research, rigorously test, and thoughtfully select only the highest quality materials to form the components of our products. 

The Nesting Domes and Mat are made from high-performance thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Soft to touch and latex free, TPE is a premium quality elastomeric material which is often used for watch and fitness wrist bands. An advantage of TPE is its ability to repeatedly stretch and return to its original shape, creating a longer life and better physical range as compared to typical plastic materials.

The Rocker Bases are crafted from real timbers—Australian Spotted Gum, East Asian Bamboo, American Walnut, or European Ash.

The three domes of MAKARLU Lotus and MAKARLU Coast are latex free. They are made from high-performance thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a premium quality elastomeric material often used for watch and fitness wrist bands.

CARE

For a light clean

  • To remove lint and dust from your MAKARLU domes or bases, use a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free brush or cloth, such as the MAKARLU Brush. The Brush or cloth can be lightly dampened with fresh water if needed.

and/or

  • Run the MAKARLU domes (not the timber bases) under fresh water from the tap, before drying with an absorbent, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth, and/or allowing to thoroughly air dry.

For a more thorough clean (e.g. marks, residues, or hygiene for when sharing MAKARLU)

  • MAKARLU domes and mats are made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is safe to wipe with a small amount of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl), in conjunction with a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth or brush. 
  • The MAKARLU timber base can be given a firm buff and polish with a soft cloth. Isopropyl may affect the hardwax oil finish and is therefore not recommended for use on the timber.

Soaps, hand sanitisers, and other cleaning products shouldn’t be used.

The timber bases are coated with a protective hardwax oil which penetrates the hardwood, though they can still develop signs of wear and tear if used directly on certain floors. 

To reduce the chance of scratching, the timber bases should be used on a soft surface e.g. a mat, rug, carpet or towel, and not used on hard floors, cement in particular. If you wish to use your MAKARLU timber base as a slider but only have wooden floors, try placing a cloth or a furniture slider between the timber base and the floor.

Avoid exposing your MAKARLU products to extreme heat or prolonged direct sunlight.

ORDERS, SHIPPING, RETURNS

We accept credit card, debit card, PayPal (incl. Pay in 4), and Afterpay (Australian customers).

MAKARLU welcomes orders from just about anywhere (more than 190 countries). Please see Shipping & Returns for more info.

Once your order is dispatched you will receive an email with tracking information so you can track the status of your delivery.

Please give it a moment before trying again. If no luck, get in touch with us!

If your MAKARLU product was broken or faulty when you received it, please notify us within 7 days. See our ‘Shipping & Returns’ page for more info.

If an issue has occurred with your product at a later date, please get in touch with us and provide relevant details, i.e. a description of the issue together with pictures if possible.

MORE

We accept applications from movement studios, health practitioners, and boutique retailers. 

Read more on our Wholesale and Affiliate page.

The Australian Spotted Gum timber bases are crafted by a local woodworker on the Gold Coast, Australia. 

The MAKARLU domes are produced nearby in South East Queensland.

The MAKARLU team are in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Contact Us.

If there’s something that isn’t covered on the Frequently Asked Questions and How-tos for MAKARLU page, then please get in touch—we’d love to hear from you.