Yoga Mats and the Other Basic Equipment for Your Yoga Practice

If you are just starting out in Yoga practice, you may want to know what is needed for a Yoga class.

First, mats are great whether you work out at home, in a gym or exercise class. It is normal to use a mat but if you are just starting, you may want to wait to buy your own. Most gyms have mats that are free to use or the gym at least will have mats that you can rent; the downside is they can get smelly between washing because many people use them. Mats can be bought for as little as $20 and if you are a regular at a studio, they may allow you to store it for your use when you are there.

If your budget doesn't have room for the purchase of a mat try a folded blanket in place of a mat if you are practicing your routine at home.

You'll want to wear comfortable clothes that will breathe. Your shirt should not be loose and flowing but formfitting because you will be doing poses with your head drops below your hips. If you are wearing a more formfitting top, you won't have the problem of your top sliding down. A regular pair of exercise shorts or pants will do fine. It's best not to wear anything slick because some poses you do could make you slip.

Now for the good news! Shoes are not needed for yoga. In most classes, the instructor will ask you to leave your shoes at the door. Yoga is practiced barefoot.

Optional Equipment

Blocks are like blankets and used as props to improve your alignment and make it more comfortable for your body. They are great for the standing practices when your fingers are supposed to touch the floor and they don't quite make it.

Straps are also useful for poses when your hands need to meet, and for poses that you need to hold on to your feet.

These items are just props and you don't have to buy them, however you find you need them for your at-home workouts. Most Yoga classes provide equipement.

Starting Yoga can be done on a small budget, whether you go to a studio or gym, or get a video to work with at home. Just remember, you need comfortable, breathable clothes, a top that is formfitting, regular exercise shorts, and no shoes!

Therefore, you have no more excuses! Get busy practicing your Yoga poses today.