For you to enjoy every benefit of your commitment to practicing yoga, please note that consistency and regularity are keys. You can’t go into one session and skip three or four just because you’re sore, had an unexpected engagement, or were too stressed out.
For the body and mind to change, you need to practice yoga consistently. Remove all obstacles, real or imagined and stay committed. Your rewards will be better health, better emotional balance, and a happier, more fulfilled life!
The popularity of yoga has given rise to an industry that specializes in yoga equipment, accessories and clothes. The internet is a true market place of things yoga and product lines are as varied and diverse asthe many teachings and postures of yoga.
If you’ve ventured into your neighborhood sporting goods store, or even a department store, you’ve likely seen an array of yoga equipmentthat features very happy and peaceful looking people sitting on ayoga mat, or using a yoga towel. Indeed, for someone interested in yoga, this is like a kid in a candy store. There has never been a time in the marketplace where yoga equipment was so
easy to find, and indeed, so affordable!
With that being said, it can be rather confusing as to which equipment does what. They all seem to have such happy looking people on the packaging; how do you know what’s worth investing your money on?
Well, ultimately, the answer to that important question will be determined by the kind of yoga that you want to experience, and also,your own preferences. Some people, for example, don’t want to sit on a mat; they prefer the firmness of the floor. Other people find that sitting on the floor is painful and can lead to back and tailbone ache; and as such, a yoga mat is essential. So, rather than prescribing here what you should buy and what you shouldn’t, let’s instead focus on the various neat things that you can easily buy, and you can use this information to help you make a wise decision.
Yoga Mats
Let’s start with the famous yoga mat. Now, as a ge neral rule (to which there will always, of course, be exceptions): be careful with the supermarket version.A good yoga mat has a good grip on the floor, which is important if you have to perform complicated maneuvers and postures. They typically measure about 2 feet in width, and are available in a slew of rainb ow colors.There are yoga mats to fit all levels from beginner to advanced, and you have a choice of thickness. Many yoga stores will provide mats with efficient cushioning. Yoga mats are also available for children.
Yoga Towel
Don’t forget your yoga towel. There are also skidless towels and some manufacturers make super absorbent ones – also, in what some retailers call, “chakra colors.”
Yoga Bags
Yoga bags look rectangular – almost tubular – they are designed to hold your yoga mat and towel and other accessories. Most products have a shoulder strap and are made ofdifferent materials, nylon being a common one. There are low end yoga bags retailing for $12.00 and they go up to $50.00, depending on make and size.
Yoga Straps
Those who do a lot of yoga flexibility routines often opt for yoga straps. These straps help them stretch their limbs, and to hold poses longer.
Yoga Sandbags and Bolsters
There are also yoga sandbags and bolsters that help your body balance and provide support as you perform your poses, stretches and positions. They are also available in many colors.