Yoga Equipment and Accessories

Yoga Equipment and Accessories

Yoga, unlike other forms of exercise, requires very little equipment.  There is no specialized and expensive equipment to purchase. Only basic things like Yoga mats, pants and clothing are necessary to perform the exercise. These are not expensive items.

Yoga Clothing

Clothing should be loose fitting and comfortable, allowing for freedom of movement and flexibility.  Exercise pants, t-shirts, and shorts are perfect for practicing yoga.  One great thing too about yoga is that it is usually done barefoot.  The single piece of equipment that is required is a mat, often called a sticky mat.  The yoga mat helps to keep you from sliding on a bare floor, as well as providing a cushion for your body.

Yoga Mats

Yoga mats are quite reasonable, usually under $20.00, and many studios and yoga workshops have mats for rent.  It is probably preferable, however, to have your own personal mat, as they do tend to become soiled and worn out with repeated use by other classes.  Generally, there will be some sort of storage locker or place where you may keep your mat in between yoga classes.

Yoga Props

Some equipment, or props, is optional, but you may want to consider purchasing it after beginning yoga.  Props assist in bringing the body into proper alignment, help in avoiding injury, and allow maximum benefit from yoga poses.  It is usually unnecessary, however, to buy these as they are furnished by most studios.  Blankets provide padding and warmth, if necessary, and can be folded and used in a number of yoga positions.  Other props used in yoga are foam blocks, for standing poses, helping to extend your reach, and yoga belts, for supporting and aligning your back while doing stretching exercises.