Yoga Equipment
Yoga, unlike other forms of exercise, requires very little equipment. There is no specialized and expensive equipment to purchase.
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 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.
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.
Different Types of Yoga
If you're considering taking a Yoga class, you should know that there are several different types of Yoga. While any style of Yoga will fit
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What is Astanga Yoga?
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and Anga means limbs. Astanga yoga was popularized by the Yoga guru Shri. K. Pattabhi Jois.
The...
Yoga is more than an exercise; it's a lifestyle
Yoga today has become synonymous with Yogasana, a form of exercise. But Yoga is much more than an exercise. It's not a sport, but an art, an education, a way of healthy living. 'Asana' is only one part of yoga, not the whole yoga.
Today,...
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