When it comes to the practice of yoga, there are a few basic items that you should consider in addition to yoga mats and the proper clothing. Clothes that breathe well and are comfortable are recommended. Try to wear a shirt that is a little bit form-fitting, as you'll find most yoga poses will require your head below your hips and your shirt can slide down. It's best to not have some super-slick lycra-type pants since most poses may cause these to slip. Some good exercise shorts or pants are usually sufficient. You can practice yoga in just about any room in your home and in bare feet, so don't bother with carrying a bulky pair of athletic shoes around to the gym for after-work workouts, as most yoga studios will request you leave your shoes near the entrance anyway. Yoga mats sometimes referred to as sticky mats will help define your personal space and provide a foundation for traction when using your hands and feet. You will probably get a little sweaty, but you won?t slip! A good custom floor mat or cheap area rugs offer a suitable surface, but unless they are sticky, they may pose a problem with slipping.
Rubber mats and yoga mats provide a bit of cushioning, regardless of what type of hard surface on which you practice. They are only around $20 and if you?re just getting started, you?re advised to go buy one right away. You?ll find that most studios rent mats for a dollar or two per class session. If you like sanitary conditions, then you should definitely get a personal one. One disadvantage of rented mats is that a lot of people use them and they can get smelly between washings. Most studios will let you store your mat there if you attend regularly.
In addition to yoga mats, blankets are common and yoga studios have stacks of them available for their students to use during class. You?ll find that yoga mats are made of open cell natural rubber and offer excellent traction. Compared to your standard rubber floor mat, they are thicker, tougher and denser. You?ll find that these mats are made from natural rubber which is a renewable resource made from rubber trees. Most do not contain any ozone-depleting substances and are biodegradable. You can also purchase a nylon canvas bag to carry your mat in. Most are mesh woven at the center of the bag and they breathe well. You?ll find them in many vibrant colors such as pink, blue, lavender and many others. Most bags have convenient front pockets for keys, wallets, etc. Complete with an adjustable shoulder strap, this is almost a must when transporting yoga mats to and from the studio. Another useful tool is blocks. When it comes to yoga blocks, they are super strong and will support your full body weight. They aren?t mushy like a lot of foam products. They are lightweight and easy to use, and can offer you stability and support for proper alignment. Folded blankets are used to sit and lie on during class and act as props. As an example, assume you are sitting in a cross-legged position. It is comforting to place a blanket under your sit bones, as this will elevate the hips above the knees. You?ll find that they come in handy for all sorts of things during your session, and if the studio is cold you can cover yourself during the final relaxation at the end of the class. The yoga blocks are like blankets and can be used to make yourself more comfortable and improve your alignment. They are great for standing poses in which your hands don't reach the floor.
