Specialist Yoga Gear For Yoga Junkies . . . And Beginners

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Yoga is one of those fantastic activities which you can do anywhere (almost!), you don’t actually need any special yoga equipment, you don’t actually need a special yoga setting and you don’t really need any special yoga clothes, but once you get bitten by the “yoga bug” then you’ll find that if you do have a few bits and pieces of special yoga equipment, and you do treat yourselves to some special yoga clothes . . . then your whole yoga experience will be even better.

Now don’t get me wrong . . . I’m not saying that a new yoga mat and a pair of yoga pants will enable you to replicate the pose in the photo . . . . in fact I think she’s wearing normal pants . . . . it takes hours and hours of dedication and practice to do that (and some of us still never get to quite that stage of yoga finesse) but if you have the right yoga gear to get you into the frame of mind, help you with your yoga and keep you comfortable then you’re certainly on the right track.

Clothes For Yoga

Yoga clothes need to be comfortable, as well as stretchy! There’s a great range of clothes available which is just perfect for you to practice your yoga, whether you are a relative beginner who attends classes or you’re a bit of a pro who practices yoga at home alone (always be sure that you will be able to untangle your body safely without assistance).  As with any other physical activity you need to warm up and keep your body warm to enable you to perform yoga positions safely.

• Yoga pants - available for both men and women. They need to be very flexible, can be quite tight fitting around the waist and hips but are often loose around the ankles . . . bootleg is very popular although I’ve never actually seen anybody doing yoga whilst wearing boots . . . . hmmm, interesting!
• Yoga capri pants – are also popular and are particularly comfortable for practicing yoga in warmer weather.  There are some great designs around too . . . . lots of hearts and lotus flowers!
• Yoga shoes – not necessary, PUT YOUR MONEY AWAY!
• Yoga vest tops – are a popular choice, and although . . . to be honest . . . they’re not really different from many other vest tops which are made from nice flexible fabric with a little lycra thrown in, by having your own set of special yoga clothes it does kind of get you in the mood . . . for Yoga!
• Yoga t-shirts – ditto the vest tops, but they’re great for when it’s a little cooler and you need to keep your shoulders warm. They still need to be form fitting though, so that your yoga instructor can make sure you’re doing it right!
• Yoga layers - we all know about the value of layering our clothes right . . . add a few layers for starters, peel them off one layer at a time if you get a bit hot under the collar. Well, there’s a great range of yoga clothes which are designed for layering, long sleeved tops, wrap-arounds, loose, box-shaped tops designed to fit over your yoga vest top and your yoga t-shirt . . . I’m sure you’ve got the idea by now! 

Yoga Mats

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Yoga mats are possibly the most important piece of yoga gear you’ll need. Something comfortable to lie down on (floors are just so hard . . . and often dirty), your yoga mat will provide you not only with cushioning but also with grip. They’re often available in a variety of lengths so that even extra tall people don’t have their feet hanging over the edge of their mat.

They are available in a range of colors, a range of fabrics (yoga mats made from sustainable products are very popular these days . . . people who love yoga are generally a pretty environmentally friendly bunch), machine washable and even have their own yoga mat bag . . . what more could you ask for?

Yoga Music

People practice yoga for many different reasons, but generally relaxation comes pretty high on the agenda. That’s why some well chosen yoga music can really add to your experience. It can help you to relax whilst practicing your favorite poses. That’s why there’s such a wide selection of yoga music available on DVD, CD and MP3, or why not pick your own favorite music to do yoga to. Yoga music is a great way to relax when you’re not actually able to practice the moves too. For many yoga workouts classic jazz is the sound of choice.

Yoga Blocks, Bricks and Props

Yoga beginners might find some of the moves and poses difficult, in fact, I’ll re-phrase that, beginners of yoga will find some of the moves and poses difficult . . . if not impossible. That’s why there’s a great selection of lightweight blocks, bricks and other props available which will help you to take the strain until your flexibility improves. You do need to use these props whilst under the expert guidance of your tutor to make sure that you are using it appropriately, but they really can help to kick-start your yoga experience safely and comfortably.

Why Do Yoga

According to Patanjali, one of the greatest yoga sages of all time – Yogashcittavrittinirodhah (Yoga stills the fluctuations of the mind). Tada drashthuh svarupe’ vasthanam (Then the true self appears.) – thought you might appreciate the translation!
People enjoy yoga for a whole bunch of different reasons, ‘cos yoga is good for you on many different levels.

• Yoga makes you feel better . . . pure and simple.
• Yoga helps you to tune in, shape up and chill out, all at the same time 
• Yoga helps to manage or control a whole bunch of illnesses and conditions, including arthritis, back pain, asthma, blood pressure, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, headaches, epilepsy, heart disease, stress etc. etc. etc.
• Yoga improves your muscle tone, strength, stamina and flexibility
• Yoga boosts self esteem
• Yoga improves the circulation
• Yoga creates a sense of calm and well being
• Yoga lowers fat

If you like to hike, yoga will help keep your muscles from getting stiff.

You know what . . . I asked “why do yoga?” . . . I think it speaks for itself . . . “why NOT do yoga?” . . . it’s GREAT!