| One of the great things about yoga is that you can | | | | it's new in the Western world. Originating in India, it's |
| practice anywhere, without any equipment at all. It's | | | | been around for thousands of years in different forms. |
| also possible for just about anyone to do yoga, no | | | | The most popular type in the US and Europe is Hatha |
| matter what their age or fitness level, although | | | | Yoga, although you may encounter other types as |
| adjustments may need to be made to the exercises. | | | | well. Yoga can help you feel more relaxed and |
| When you perform yoga, you should be sure to wear | | | | energized, less tense, and help you get a fitter, healthier |
| comfortable, loose clothing made from natural, | | | | body. Remember that doing yoga isn't just about the |
| breathable fibers. | | | | postures. You should also allow it to affect your mind |
| Traditionally, this type of exercise is done barefoot. | | | | and emotions, removing tension and anxiety. All yoga is |
| However, it you're in an environment where that's not | | | | easier with the right equipment. Here are some basics |
| convenient, or you're not comfortable with it, you can | | | | that you might encounter in class: |
| also wear socks, or soft slippers. | | | | Yoga mats provide more cushioning if you're practicing |
| It's best to practice on an empty stomach. This means | | | | on a hard floor, like poured concrete or hardwood. |
| avoiding large meals shortly before attending class, | | | | They also help you get traction, preventing slipping of |
| although it's okay to have fruit, energy bars, or granola | | | | the hands or feet, which can spoil a yoga position or |
| an hour or so before class. You may want to drink | | | | even cause injury. |
| some water before you begin, as well, so that you | | | | Yoga bolsters are a specialized type of pillow that |
| don't become dehydrated or light-headed while | | | | gives support for the abdomen, spine and legs. |
| practicing. Be sure that your stomach isn't full enough | | | | Yoga blankets add more softness and warmth to |
| to be uncomfortable when moving, and clear your | | | | yoga mats, which are often made of plastic or foam. |
| head and throat before beginning. | | | | They can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed, |
| However, just because you can do yoga with no | | | | helping you get into the right mood for yoga. |
| equipment doesn't mean that a few items can't make | | | | Yoga straps are made from nylon or cotton, and can |
| practice easier. Some equipment can help you achieve | | | | help you if you need to grab a certain body part for a |
| postures more easily, or help you balance. Proper | | | | pose, but can't stretch far enough. They add greater |
| alignment is also easier to achieve with the aid of yoga | | | | flexibility to poses, and allow you to hold them a little bit |
| equipment, particularly for beginners. This is because it | | | | longer than you would be able to unassisted. |
| helps support the muscles, and removes a lot of the | | | | While yoga equipment isn't vital for yoga practice, it |
| strain that some poses cause. For advanced | | | | can be helpful, particularly if you have a disability, injury, |
| practitioners, this kind of equipment isn't necessary, as | | | | or are just getting started. Remember that it's okay |
| the muscles and connective tissues have been trained | | | | not to be an expert when you begin learning yoga, and |
| to support the body. However, if you're just getting | | | | that modifying poses or using yoga equipment to help |
| started, you can hurt yourself doing an overly difficult | | | | you isn't cheating. This equipment is made to help you |
| pose. | | | | perform yoga more easily and get the most out of |
| Yoga has been helping people around the world get | | | | your workout. |
| into shape and feel at peace for a long time, although | | | | |