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