| If you are just beginning to take yoga classes, it may | | | | or just bring your own if you know you'll need it. In |
| be difficult to know exactly what to buy from the | | | | addition, it is always a good idea to bring water to |
| "yoga and fitness" section of a store. Do you really | | | | replenish you during and after class. |
| need your own yoga mat? What are the blocks and | | | | If you are going to practice yoga at home -- which for |
| straps for? Do you need to keep your mat in a bag? | | | | many people is an important aspect of their yoga |
| The good news is that if you have already purchased | | | | lifestyle -- you will need to buy some props to have on |
| yoga accessories, you will be able to find a good use | | | | hand. In addition to a mat, you may want to purchase |
| for them in your yoga practice. If you decide not to | | | | a couple yoga blocks (also called bricks), which are |
| buy anything at all, you will still be able to take yoga | | | | used to help you balance and stabilize yourself during |
| classes in most studios. If that seems confusing, here | | | | some postures. You may also want a yoga strap |
| is a little more guidance for you. | | | | (also called a belt), which you can use to pull yourself |
| It is not necessary to purchase a mat if you are just | | | | deeper into stretches. |
| beginning yoga lessons. Most studios will provide mats | | | | If you are doing restorative yoga or meditation at |
| for a small fee. However, as an enthusiastic yogi, I | | | | home, you should consider purchasing pillows (called |
| encourage everyone to purchase a mat. They are | | | | bolsters) to help support your body. Bolsters come in a |
| generally inexpensive and take up very little space. It | | | | variety of different sizes and levels of firmness. You |
| will save you money in mat rentals and provide you | | | | may also want a yoga blanket, which can substitute |
| with a "home base" of sorts as you travel around to | | | | for a bolster in many postures and has a variety of |
| different studios searching for the one that best suits | | | | other uses. |
| you. If you are a yogi on the go, it may be a good idea | | | | If you're not sure which props to buy, you can wait to |
| to purchase a yoga mat carrier. You may not want to | | | | see which props you use in your favorite yoga |
| mix your funky yoga mat with the other things in your | | | | classes. As you become more familiar with the styles |
| bag after a class. | | | | of yoga that you enjoy most, you will know which |
| All other blocks, straps, and pillows are usually provided | | | | yoga accessories are a "must have" for your home |
| by the studio. Some yoga studios do not provide | | | | practice. |
| towels, so it is best to check with them ahead of time | | | | |