| Yoga props can be expensive and confusing. But are | | | | scary images! After the mat I would rank the strap as |
| they necessary? No, yoga props aren't necessary but | | | | 2nd most important. Lots of poses can be broken |
| they can make life a little easier. | | | | down into smaller steps, we are not all pretzels. A |
| To do yoga really all you need in yourself. No special | | | | strap is useful for all levels of users, to helps use reach |
| clothes, fancy props or expensive instructors. There | | | | our toes or to aid us into getting into poses easier. |
| are a few things that can make yoga a little easier | | | | Depending on your budget an old neck-tie can work |
| and a lot more enjoyable. | | | | just fine. Not all facilities have props to borrow. |
| The Mat | | | | The Block |
| If you are going to purchase one prop a yoga mat | | | | I'm ranking the block third most important yoga block. |
| would be the first thing to look into. When I started | | | | There is a wide range of materials used for blocks, |
| practicing they were expensive and far between. Now | | | | dense foam, cork, fiber, bamboo and I'm sure some |
| you can get a mat pretty much anywhere but before | | | | others. A phone book works great when practicing at |
| you buy one do a little of research. There are | | | | home but if you're traveling anywhere to practice you |
| standard sizes of mat's but they work for standard | | | | may want something a bit lighter. I find the cork and |
| size people. If you are taller, look for a longer mat. If | | | | wood a bit hard, but the dense foam isn't the best |
| you have sensitive knees or back look for a thicker | | | | environmentally friendly item. Try out a few and make |
| than average mat, I always use two mats stacked | | | | this call for yourself. |
| together and find that most comfortable. A newer | | | | Comfortable Clothes |
| development in mat's is the material. The price range | | | | You don't need expensive and fancy clothes for yoga |
| and material vary. There are mats made artificial | | | | but you do need comfortable, breathable clothes. For |
| products, which can off-gas so make sure to be | | | | women it's best to have a well fitting top so that when |
| careful of the content if you are allergic to rubber and | | | | you are hanging out upside down you keep your |
| or latex. There are now recycled mats, eco mats and | | | | dignity. I would advise against short shorts just for |
| many others. Evaluate your needs, wants, money and | | | | everyone's piece of mind. Avoid ties, belts, zippers, |
| priorities before purchasing. | | | | snaps or buttons would be advisable. |
| The Strap | | | | There are other props such as bolsters, blankets, |
| Depending on your age this one could cook up some | | | | sandbags and more but the above are the basics. |