“Yoga Equipment: Must-Have’s and Maybe’s”
May 07, 2009Yoga. The word conjures the image of a healthy body and a relaxed mind. But it can be hard to achieve those toned calves or a blissful state if you don’t have the right yoga equipment.
Owning your own equipment is a must if you’re practicing at home with the help of an online tutorial or a DVD. If you’re practicing at a studio, the instructor may provide extra mats, blocks, or straps for students. While borrowing equipment can be a great way to pinch pennies, it can also be a great way to catch germs, like the flu or MRSA. Unless the equipment is cleaned after every session, you’re likely sharing body fluids and sweat with the person who took class before you - Yuck.
That’s why it’s important to invest in your own yoga equipment. Some items should be on your must-have list, while others are nice, but not always necessary:
Must-Have
Yoga Mat: Since you don’t want your feet slipping out from under you while moving into a posture, the mat is a fundamental piece of yoga equipment. It also provides cushioning for your joints, which is especially important as we age. Most yoga studios provide spare mats, but if the thought of sharing foot germs and sweat with the person in the previous class doesn’t appeal to you, invest in your own.
Mats come in varying thicknesses. For most practitioners, a 3mm thickness is appropriate. If you have joint issues such as arthritis, consider investing in a thicker mat, perhaps with a 5mm thickness.
Yoga Block: Another must-have piece of yoga equipment is the block. Made from lightweight foam and molded in the shape of a brick, it’s usually placed under the hands or elbows to help your body stay in the correct position. In addition, practitioners may also sit on them—which is why you’ll probably want to cut down on the germ-factor and purchase one or two yoga blocks of your own.
Yoga Eye Pillow: This small pillow, often scented with lavender, is used to cover the eyes during the relaxation part of class. Not every practitioner likes to use a pillow, and if you’re one of those, you can scratch this off of your “must-have” list. However, if you prefer to use one, just say “No, thank you” to the communal eye pillows your studio might offer. The investment will be worth it when you find out the woman in the last class has a houseful of kids with pink eye.
Maybe
Yoga Strap: This piece of yoga equipment is a nice add-on for those who really want to improve flexibility. Shaped like a belt, it can be looped around the feet, shoulders, or back to stretch out reluctant muscles and ligaments.
Yoga Clothes: No, the “maybe” doesn’t mean that you have the option to go nude in class. If you’re strapped for cash, any loose-fitting clothes, such as sweatpants and a t-shirt will be fine. However, yoga clothes are specifically designed to allow you to move freely and easily. The materials may also be breathable and keep moisture off of your skin—great to have especially if you’re practicing Bikram, or Hot, yoga. If you can, splurge on a set of comfy yoga clothes.
Yoga is designed to create a relaxed state of well-being, but that can be hard to achieve if you’re worried about catching a communicable disease from your classmates. While it’s nice to know some of these tools can be borrowed, you’re better off investing in your own yoga equipment.
Chair yoga poses are great exercises for people with limited mobility or office jobs. Discover how to do chair yoga poses with expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.
Yoga Asanas will increase flexibility, circulation and digestive health, which will promote weight loss. Learn to loose weight with yoga using expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.
Find yoga class that are specifically targeted to maternity if pregnant. Find out more about pregnancy yoga expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.
Kayakalpa yoga is a cleansing technique used in healing. Discover more about Kayakalpa yoga with expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.
Ashtanga yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that involves six postures. Explore the benefits of Ashtanga yoga with expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.
Yoga increases flexibility and strength. Learn how yoga poses increase overall physical health with expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.
Iyengar yoga poses focus on aligning the spine. Exercise using Iyengar yoga poses with expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.
Yoga facial exercises can release tension in eye and jaw muscles. Learn to do yoga facial exercises with expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.
Wear form-fitting clothes when practicing yoga poses. Find out about the best yoga apparel with expert tips from a yoga instructor in this free fitness video.