Yoga Equipment

Yoga Supplies for Getting Started

Unlike many other athletic activities, yoga doesn’t really require a lot of equipment or supplies to get started. The most useful items are discussed below.

• Since proper form is essential to a successful yoga practice, most yogis wear clothes that are tight enough to allow for quick alignment checks. Baggy t-shirts are not recommended, since the fabric is likely to fall over your head during inverted poses. Although many people prefer to practice yoga while barefoot, yoga shoes can be useful if you practice outdoors or simply dislike showing your bare feet.
• A yoga mat keeps your hands, feet, and elbows from slipping on the floor. Yoga mats are available in many different colors and price ranges, although the more expensive mats tend to be a bit thicker and provide additional padding for greater comfort. Most yoga mats can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, but some can even be thrown in the washer and dryer for greater convenience. If you’re taking a yoga class at your local gym, choose a yoga mat that comes with a complementary carrying bag.

Basic Yoga Exercise Equipment

yoga blocks and strap

Once you’re familiar with the fundamentals of yoga, the following props can help you master more advanced poses and take your yoga practice to the next level:

• Yoga blocks allow you to develop your flexibility in a safe and effective way by providing the support you need to perform the more difficult poses. When used behind your hands, heels, or hips, they help you do poses with the correct alignment.
• Yoga straps let you grasp feet, legs, hands, and arms that may be just beyond your reach. Like yoga blocks, these pieces of yoga equipment help you develop the flexibility needed to perform upper-level poses. In addition, yoga straps let you bind your limbs together to make it easier to hold a pose for the recommended length of time.
• Yoga sandbags are soft, pliable weights that help you stabilize and intensify certain stretches. They generally weigh about 10 pounds each.

Advanced Yoga Supplies and Props

Serious yogis may want to invest in the following yoga equipment:

• An inversion sling is a specialized piece of yoga equipment that helps to relieve back pain by facilitating low back muscle stretching and providing additional spinal traction. Slings can also be used to stretch shoulder, chest, and groin muscles.
• Yoga ropes are wall-mounted devices that help you develop strength and flexibility. They assist in the practice of backbends or forward bends, make it easier to stretch your shoulder muscles, and help to create spinal traction.
• If headstands cause neck pain, a yoga headstander will help by distributing your weight through your shoulders and palms. However, your hands will still remain at floor level in the proper headstand position.

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