Yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise. It is a discipline that aims to harmoniously blend the mental and physical aspects of your self via postures, meditation and breathing exercises. To help you towards this goal there are a variety of yoga exercise equipment. This includes basic equipment like mats and blocks, and more advanced types of equipment such as benches for backbending exercises and ropes. At the outset, it should be noted that the author is no yoga expert ! The reader is advised to consult a professional in the field for proper use of yoga exercise equipment. In fact, you should also consult your physician before using any sophisticated equipment to ensure that it is ok to use for exercise.
Yoga Clothing
For yoga exercises, comfort should be your priority and not fashion. Tight jeans and figure-hugging tops are a strict no-no. Wear light and loose apparel for easy movement. Ideally, the clothes that you wear should be of cotton material. You can also opt for the popular Lycra and spandex pants that are available in the market today. Nylon, polyester, and other types will cling to you and just cannot soak up the sweat that forms during exercises. Apparel designers have come up with clothing exclusively for your yoga exercises, such as tank tops and t-shirts ($30 - $35) and pants that are cropped to a level just below the knees ($40 and above). Some even have yoga symbols and mantras on them. When performing certain exercises, yoga gloves are also recommended for good grips. Do remember to remove all your jewelry before doing any exercise.
Yoga Mats & Blankets
A yoga mat is the first and basic item that you need for yoga exercises. It is a multi-purpose mat, whether you need to lie down and relax, sit and meditate, or attempt a yoga pose. The main and obvious reason to use a yoga mat is to act as a soft buffer to your body, preventing it from any harm from the hard flooring. Whether it is made from cotton or PVC, it is recommended that your yoga mat have thick cushioning, at the same time not being heavy. It should be smooth to touch and not have any rough edges. It should also be made of material that can be easily washed. Yoga mats can cost as little as $30 - $35 for the basic ones. There are also yoga mats specific to a particular exercise, such as for Ashtanga Yoga.
In order to slightly raise the height of a yoga mat, some exercises need the use of a yoga blanket. This is placed on top of the mat, thereby providing for a thicker absorber in case of a fall while taking a difficult pose.
Yoga Cushions
Generally referred to as Yoga Bolsters, yoga cushions are those that have shapes in accordance with the exercise for which they are used. For example, there are bolsters specially for reducing stress on the spine in certain types of exercises. Then there are bolsters in the form of a cylinder to be placed below the knees. Yet other bolsters are exclusively for leg exercises. Prices start at about $45 - $50, depending on the shape and size.
Yoga Balls
Extremely popular items in yoga exercise equipment are yoga balls. A yoga ball helps you maintain good balance and makes your body more flexible. By stretching your body over its shape, your muscles slowly relax. It is a great tool to strengthen various parts of your body, especially the lower section of your back. It is a useful aid for many yoga exercises, including ones for Pilates. Yoga balls come in various sizes and heights, as per the exercise requirement, with some costing less than $30.
Yoga Blocks
The purpose of yoga blocks is to help you with awkward postures and movements during an exercise, by giving you assistance without too much of a strain on your body. It is great support tool for a yoga asana. Yoga blocks do not come only in the conventional foam material. Lightweight and stable blocks made from bamboo are increasingly becoming popular options. One such block costs about $15 - $16. Hollow wooden blocks made from beech with rounded edges costs above $35.
Yoga Straps
A yoga strap is basically used to maintain a particular pose for a considerable period of time. It is generally made of cotton, has a buckle, and comes in various lengths. Costing about $6 - $7, it is especially useful to those learning yoga exercises for the first time. A unique product that has recently come out in the market is in the shape of a ladder ($10 - $11), aimed to help you in certain yoga poses.
Yoga Kits
Instead of buying individual items, you can opt for purchasing a yoga kit containing all the relevant equipment that you need for yoga exercises. A basic kit for beginners could cost less than $50. It will generally contain a yoga strap, a foam yoga block, a yoga mat, and (very useful !) a workout video. There are also kits for specific exercises. For example, a kit for exercises that strengthen the ankles will contain two padded ankle weights with a workout video. This could cost about $15 - $16.
Etc
In addition to the equipment used during yoga exercises, there are other items that are a part of the environment where you do the exercises. This includes incense sticks, the fragrance from which enables you to relax; musical chimes to soothe the mind, and special aromatherapy oils. Due to lack of space, it is not possible to provide a complete list of yoga exercise equipment. As mentioned earlier, do consult a professional before buying or using any type of equipment.
Final Bit of Advice: It is important to remember that you are doing yoga exercises for your good health. So if, at any time, doing an exercise causes even a slight twinge or you are uncomfortable in any way, stop right away. Don?t continue with the exercise at risk to yourself. Whatever the type of equipment that you buy for yoga exercises, keep a few points in mind:
? It should be safe
? It should be comfortable
? It should provide good stability
Yoga Clothing
For yoga exercises, comfort should be your priority and not fashion. Tight jeans and figure-hugging tops are a strict no-no. Wear light and loose apparel for easy movement. Ideally, the clothes that you wear should be of cotton material. You can also opt for the popular Lycra and spandex pants that are available in the market today. Nylon, polyester, and other types will cling to you and just cannot soak up the sweat that forms during exercises. Apparel designers have come up with clothing exclusively for your yoga exercises, such as tank tops and t-shirts ($30 - $35) and pants that are cropped to a level just below the knees ($40 and above). Some even have yoga symbols and mantras on them. When performing certain exercises, yoga gloves are also recommended for good grips. Do remember to remove all your jewelry before doing any exercise.
Yoga Mats & Blankets
A yoga mat is the first and basic item that you need for yoga exercises. It is a multi-purpose mat, whether you need to lie down and relax, sit and meditate, or attempt a yoga pose. The main and obvious reason to use a yoga mat is to act as a soft buffer to your body, preventing it from any harm from the hard flooring. Whether it is made from cotton or PVC, it is recommended that your yoga mat have thick cushioning, at the same time not being heavy. It should be smooth to touch and not have any rough edges. It should also be made of material that can be easily washed. Yoga mats can cost as little as $30 - $35 for the basic ones. There are also yoga mats specific to a particular exercise, such as for Ashtanga Yoga.
In order to slightly raise the height of a yoga mat, some exercises need the use of a yoga blanket. This is placed on top of the mat, thereby providing for a thicker absorber in case of a fall while taking a difficult pose.
Yoga Cushions
Generally referred to as Yoga Bolsters, yoga cushions are those that have shapes in accordance with the exercise for which they are used. For example, there are bolsters specially for reducing stress on the spine in certain types of exercises. Then there are bolsters in the form of a cylinder to be placed below the knees. Yet other bolsters are exclusively for leg exercises. Prices start at about $45 - $50, depending on the shape and size.
Yoga Balls
Extremely popular items in yoga exercise equipment are yoga balls. A yoga ball helps you maintain good balance and makes your body more flexible. By stretching your body over its shape, your muscles slowly relax. It is a great tool to strengthen various parts of your body, especially the lower section of your back. It is a useful aid for many yoga exercises, including ones for Pilates. Yoga balls come in various sizes and heights, as per the exercise requirement, with some costing less than $30.
Yoga Blocks
The purpose of yoga blocks is to help you with awkward postures and movements during an exercise, by giving you assistance without too much of a strain on your body. It is great support tool for a yoga asana. Yoga blocks do not come only in the conventional foam material. Lightweight and stable blocks made from bamboo are increasingly becoming popular options. One such block costs about $15 - $16. Hollow wooden blocks made from beech with rounded edges costs above $35.
Yoga Straps
A yoga strap is basically used to maintain a particular pose for a considerable period of time. It is generally made of cotton, has a buckle, and comes in various lengths. Costing about $6 - $7, it is especially useful to those learning yoga exercises for the first time. A unique product that has recently come out in the market is in the shape of a ladder ($10 - $11), aimed to help you in certain yoga poses.
Yoga Kits
Instead of buying individual items, you can opt for purchasing a yoga kit containing all the relevant equipment that you need for yoga exercises. A basic kit for beginners could cost less than $50. It will generally contain a yoga strap, a foam yoga block, a yoga mat, and (very useful !) a workout video. There are also kits for specific exercises. For example, a kit for exercises that strengthen the ankles will contain two padded ankle weights with a workout video. This could cost about $15 - $16.
Etc
In addition to the equipment used during yoga exercises, there are other items that are a part of the environment where you do the exercises. This includes incense sticks, the fragrance from which enables you to relax; musical chimes to soothe the mind, and special aromatherapy oils. Due to lack of space, it is not possible to provide a complete list of yoga exercise equipment. As mentioned earlier, do consult a professional before buying or using any type of equipment.
Final Bit of Advice: It is important to remember that you are doing yoga exercises for your good health. So if, at any time, doing an exercise causes even a slight twinge or you are uncomfortable in any way, stop right away. Don?t continue with the exercise at risk to yourself. Whatever the type of equipment that you buy for yoga exercises, keep a few points in mind:
? It should be safe
? It should be comfortable
? It should provide good stability
