Okay, so you’re ready to take your first yoga class. Many people choose to practice yoga thinking it’s not that much demanding both on their body and budget. Don’t be one of those people! While yoga might seem easy at first, the biggest mistake you can make is thinking that you just need to own a pair of leggings to get started. In fact, without being properly prepared with the right yoga gear, not only will your practice be less effective but you also risk getting hurt. With that being said, here’s everything you need gear wise to ensure your yoga sessions go as smoothly as possible.
Yoga Mat
First things first! When it comes to yoga gear, it’s best to start with the base – a good yoga mat. Whether you’re practising at home or going to a yoga studio, a yoga mat is an indispensable piece. Not only is practicing on a mat a lot more comfortable than on a hard floor but more importantly – it creates traction for your hands and feet so you don’t slip and injure yourself. A good place to start your search is at a reliable yoga gear dealer where you can find a variety of yoga mats both for newbies and serious practitioners.
Yoga Blocks
Before you build up your strength, you will need a great deal of support to perform those tricky twists. And the best way to get the support you need is with the help of yoga blocks. Not only do yoga blocks provide you with support, but they are also a great way to improve your flexibility and learn how to balance yourself. They are made of all sorts of materials such as wood, cork and foam, each being suitable for different exercises. But as a beginner, you might find it best to stick to the foam variety and later move on to the others. Since some poses will require you to hold the blocks in your hand, make sure that they are the right size for you.
Yoga Bolster
Even the easiest yoga poses that only require you to sit or lie down can be physically demanding. After all, sitting and lying on the ground for long periods of time is not exactly comfortable. To help you cushion the impact, you’ll need a yoga bolster. The bolster is a type of pillow that helps your muscles relax and achieve better alignment during certain poses. It comes in many shapes – as a cylinder, a rectangle, and crescent-shaped. Before buying, make sure to check the fabric as well as whether it fits your exact needs.
Yoga Strap
Like blocks and bolsters, yoga straps are also a vital piece of yoga gear for beginners. They assist newbies in performing various intricate poses with their bodies. Since nobody is born with the body strength and knowledge to do yoga, all these accessories are designed to help you until you’re ready to perform the movements on your own. But besides assisting you in performing a wide spectrum of poses, yoga straps can also be used to increase your flexibility.
