Known for its positive effect on the mind and body, Yoga has been one of the favorite exercises for both women and men. While indeed the action and exercise tend to look rather simple and relaxing, the top benefits of yoga come from proper regime and equipment. Isn’t yoga equipment pretty much nothing? There are some essential and additional items you should consider.
Yoga Clothing is The First Yoga Equipment List You Should Buy
Clear without saying that most yoga studies will demand the students to wear something appropriate. Yoga is not only doable or limited to class. You can even do it at home and build your flexibility as a beginner. That is why some basic clothing can suffice the needs. Topped up with good consideration, you will enjoy the exercise more.
1. Yoga Tops
Due to the varying movement, many will say that the best yoga tops should have narrow fits. The idea is to keep the shit from falling over the head when doing certain maneuvers or movements. A form-fitting T-shirt or tank top that fits snug can suffice. The key is a top that won’t disrupt your movement and is breathable. And also avoid using cotton.
2. Legging Or Pants
Legging and pants come in varying styles and models, sometimes they become a trendsetter. For Yoga, those legging is not only a fancy take for the workout but also apparel that needs to be more flexible, comfortable, and breathable. Many materials and models help suffice your need or preferences.
Take an example for those who are concerned about coverage when stretching and bending. If so, pick something like pants or high-waisted leggings. Leggings are also available in varying sizes or lengths, which you can pick as preferred. If you are in a slow yoga class, wearing something like loose-fitted pants is also a nice option as essential yoga equipment.
3. Yoga Shorts
While yoga is seen as a feminine sport, men can also join in it. That is why you can find yoga shorts made for males with built-in liners. Some designs also include longer pants up to the knee. All in all, yoga tends to have some difficult motions and positions. Be sure to pick one that gives the needed coverage as well as is comfortable to wear.
4. Breathable Underwear
Since yoga can build up heat, sweat, and moisture, it is best to consider breathable underwear. In many ways, always avoid wearing cotton clothing since it only retains heat. Buy underwear that has good breathing material, does not move on your body, and fits. At one point, some people even wear formfitting without any underwear.
5. Sports Bra
Sports bras offer a fitting size and have enough coverage for the upper body. But not everyone has to use a sports bra. Most of the time, high-intensity classes will have more twisting and going upside down. That is why a fitting bra will help. A classic bra will also work for low-intensity yoga. So pick one that fits your activities.
What To Consider Before Buy Yoga Clothing
Since yoga clothing come in varying shapes, design, and models, you can pick whatever fit your need or preferences. Some yogis love to add some fancy clothes to up their fashion. But remember that yoga is a pretty intense workout with a chance of a unique position and very sweaty results. Thus, pick something comfortable, breathable, and flexible.
In many cases, the best tip for picking clothes is to pick something that is not saggy or too tight. Furthermore, pick a fabric that does not chafe and bind. A breathable material will be a great option. So avoid something made out of cotton. Flexible clothes can include something that won’t disrupt your movement, such as rolling up or hiking up.
Yoga Mat
The next essential yoga equipment to consider is a yoga mat. Even though you can do yoga right on the floor, a great mat help ensure your safety. The major purpose of using a mat is to provide much-needed traction. It adds extra grip on the floor, thus you won’t need to worry about slipping. Yoga items also have many styles and materials, but be sure to pick one fitting your needs.
Picking The Best Yoga Mat and Comfort for Your Exercise
1. Weight And Thickness
Your option of yoga mats in the market can range from one very thin to thick ones with a weight of 7lbs. But if you are not sure, pick something on the standard side with around 1/8 thick mat. That is enough to add a strong grip to the floor. If you are into air travel, pick one under the travel mat category since it is made specifically with portability.
Depending on the activity itself you will also find different thicknesses and weigh more helpful. A thinner mat is something you need for more active poses and balanced yoga. A thicker mat with extra cushioning is best used for therapeutic practices. It is more comfortable for the knee and forearm, which is a great option for a senior.
2. Durability and material
Yoga mats with their texture, thickness, and weight are made with different materials. The options include PVC, TPE, and ECO or natural mats. Each has a different effect and durability or price. Natural ECO materials are made out of jute, organic cotton, or rubber. Eco is loved due to its texture and traction but lacks durability.
TPE or thermoplastic elastomer is a blend of plastic and rubber polymers. TPE is more environmentally friendly than PVC and some are fully recyclable. It is less durable than PVC but still has the same thickness and traction. PVC will be the most durable and has a better floor grip. However, it can be a bit slippery when covered in sweat. PVC is also not environmentally friendly.
Yoga Straps
For its practical uses, Yoga Straps is one of the essential yoga equipment that people can use both at home and in classes. In its function, the main use is to help maintain certain poses during class. Most use it to help extend or hold their position, such as extending the reach of the arms to hold the feel.
With that function, the straps can create tension and muscle in the body. Again, straps are pretty versatile and flexible items used in yoga exercises that can cover varying motions or positions. It works simply by wrapping the strap around the area and holding onto it to maintain or make a position.
Yoga Blocks
Similar to yoga straps, the blocks have the benefit of helping yogis in practicing the exercises. It is a block made out of cork, foam, wood, or anything similar to serve certain purposes. With that, it also has various possibilities to help create yoga poses. As a helping item, it is nice to have one. Especially if you are trying to add more flexibility.
Optional Yoga Gear You Should Consider
1. Bags And Slings
Bags and slings in yoga are mostly made or function to carry the mat. Most of the time, using bags helps keep the mat clean and has its best condition. It helps a lot if you are going to haul and bring the mat back and forth from a studio regularly. Sometimes, it comes along with the mat. But you can also buy it as needed or depending on the budget.
If you are looking for a quick and simple way to take back the mat, the sling’s design should suffice. It is Velcro straps that allow the mat to keep in its rolled condition. Bags offers more option since some version also comes with an additional pocket to store clothes, small items, or personal stuff. Cost-wise, Bags, and slings can cost as low as $10.
2. Blankets
Blankets are mostly used as an additional tool to help students or yogis do their position. Many use it by folding and stacking it to lift hips during seated positions. It can also help by adding more cushy seating during sitting cross-legged positions. When it was cold, the blanket is nice preparation. But not everyone needs it, especially if you are doing home exercise.
3. Bolsters
Bolsters have a very similar function to the blanket, as a support of the body or to make some yoga poses more comfortable. It makes bolsters one of the additional equipment. It is not necessary, since you can use a similar cushiony foundation for your body. But some classes use it for particular yoga programs, such as prenatal or restorative yoga.
4. Wheels
As the name says, it is yoga equipment with a wheel-like appearance. It has a hollow with a circular shaped prop that is meant to help with yoga activities. It has a propping function similar to a yoga block. That is why, some people understand that the wheels help release tension, improve stretching, and improve flexibility.
Most yogis or yoga enthusiasts use the wheel to stretch their backs. It is done by adding extra support for the limbs while leaning back on the wheel. Since it rolls, users can stretch their bodies even further. As a practice, many use it by pushing the body back and forth to the areas where the pain is happening.
5. Resistance Band
A somewhat popular option for yoga, the Resistance band can help you do something more challenging. Investing in a set of resistance bands should be enough to improve your skill and performance. Please remember that the resistance band is different from the yoga band. The biggest difference is how the resistance has a different weight and resistance level.
This adaptability makes the band a certain level of usage and skills. You can buy a set with the lowest elasticity level to a few levels higher. With that, you can see an improvement in your fitness level through the training. The more resistance it has the less flexible it is, which naturally forces the body to become more flexible and stronger.
6. Roller
The yoga roller has a unique addition to its design, which makes the roller similar to wheels but also different. The idea is pretty simple, which allows the users to stretch and become more flexible. The biggest differentiation is how the foam roller is thicker and denser compared to the yoga wheel.
The thicker and denser design makes the foam the most capable item that helps relieve joint pains and back. Most of the time, the foam roller is smaller compared to the wheel. It also has a textured surface to add more traction and tension. Some people might need or need the equipment, so choose wisely before buying the item.
7. Sandbag
For a young beginner, you don’t need to consider some complex or weird items used for the exercise. Many people start to buy everything without knowing the function or how to use it. In this case, you can expect the items as it’s named. A sandbag is a literal meaning of weight made out of sturdy zip closure casing containing malleable weight.
In general, it is a weighted item that might feel too heavy for a beginner. But it will eventually build the body’s ability to fight the heaving feeling and move around. Surprisingly enough, much restorative yoga will use this item. It is because the weight helps add support and the feeling of being grounded, thus helping deal with damage and restoring muscles.
For a beginner in exercise, the yoga equipment is known to improve balance. It can be an anchor for various body parts. Thus, users can get the best out of it by standing on the foot with proper posture. If you see action movies, sandbags can be seen as a small weight wrapped around the foot or hand. It is recommended for a starter trying to do a mountain pose.
The list above highlights that Yoga is a very friendly and doable exercise. The workout barely needs anything fancy, except a comfortable and safe mat. Some items can fall into the optional gears. With that, you can start the exercise right away. No need to splurge, the key is to enjoy and fully commit. Even with affordable equipment, you can do yoga to its fullest.
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