A yoga mat is an essential piece of equipment for any type of yoga practice. There are many colors and materials to choose from. While most are rectangular in shape, a few companies are now selling round yoga mats. Round yoga mats are circular and about six feet in diameter. In most cases, a foam material is used, similar to rectangular sticky mats. The biggest benefit of using a round yoga mat is the freedom of movement and the ability to move into poses easily. With the typical rectangle shaped mat, you sometimes need to stop and turn or move … Continue reading →

Yoga poses that place the weight of the upper body on the wrists, such as arm balances, can result in discomfort or pain. For some people, this pain interferes with their practice. Wrist pain can be related to problems with the wrists, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, but some people with no wrist problems experience strain and discomfort. Of course, the exercise industry offers a product to solve the problem. Yoga gloves are designed to reduce the pressure and strain on the wrists in certain yoga poses. The gloves are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear throughout the … Continue reading →

Yoga shorts look like workout shorts, but are specifically designed for yoga. Opinions vary on this subject and some people love them, while others prefer pants. If you get hot during practice or if you are practicing Bikram or another form of hot yoga, shorts will be cooler. Yoga shorts are specifically designed to for comfort. The shorts are designed to allow fluid motion in your yoga class. The shorts need to stretch and have seams that won’t rub and irritate your skin. Yoga shorts are made in a variety of fabrics. Some are natural cotton and cotton blends, others … Continue reading →

Chairs are often recommended as yoga props for pregnant women, seniors, or anyone having difficulty or with a health condition that requires additional modification of asanas. At home, people often use kitchen chairs or folding chairs, but these may not be adequate, stable enough or the right height for the best practice. There are yoga chairs sold specifically as props for this purpose. These chairs are designed to assist students in achieving proper alignment in the asanas with the modification they require for comfort. Yoga prop chairs are designed for stability. Leaning the wrong way on a typical folding chair … Continue reading →

Yoga shirts are designed to provide comfort and freedom of movement when performing even complicated yoga asanas. There are some things you should consider when selecting yoga shirts. Comfort is important when selecting shirts to wear to yoga class. You want a fabric that allows you to move easily and a cut that won’t restrict movement of the arms and body. A shirt that is too tight or has an odd cut will restrict movement and can impair circulation. Look for a fabric that breathes well and stretches, such as cotton, spandex or blends of both fabrics. A cotton shirt … Continue reading →

The clothing you wear when practicing yoga is important for comfort and freedom of movement in the asanas. The last thing you want is pants that bind or limit your range of motion. Yoga pants are made for movement in a yoga class. The pants are cut to allow the freedom of movement that is necessary when performing even complicated asanas. The ability to move freely without cutting off circulation is important for gaining the full benefit of your practice. Lately, it has become easier than ever to find great deals on yoga pants in stores and online. More stores … Continue reading →

In most cases, yoga is practiced in bare feet. However, if you feet get cold or sweaty, you may want to wear socks. Now you can with yoga socks. Yoga socks are specially designed socks with non slip soles that keep the feet warm while you are practicing yoga. The non slip sole will keep you steady in the asanas, so you won’t lose your footing and fall during your practice. The non slip soles provides improved control and balance in the poses. In addition, the use of the socks is a good alternative, if you are concerned about hygiene. … Continue reading →

Inversions such as shoulderstand and headstand are considered by many to be the pinnacle of a yoga practice. Not only are they pretty impressive, but inversions offer abundant health benefits, such as enhancing a feeling of well being, improving circulation and calming the mood. Although the inversions are beneficial, they are extremely challenging. These are not asanas that will be mastered in a class or two. There are many stops along the way. For example, most people start with poses such as feet up the wall pose, which offer support in the pose. Props are often used to provide support … Continue reading →

Software designed for yoga teachers is a great gift idea for a yoga instructor or anyone who loves creating their own practices. Teachers use yoga software to create varied practices to meet the needs of their students and provide a supply of fresh material for classes. Even if you aren’t a teacher, but design your own sequences for your home practice, you may find yoga software helpful. You can put together a balanced practice that has a good mix of balance, standing, twist and restorative poses, or create a practice to target a specific area of the body. There are … Continue reading →

Shoulder stand is one of the most challenging postures of yoga. For some people, the pressure on the neck is too much, causing discomfort and pain. The use of a specialized yoga prop, often called a shoulder stand bench is one way to make shoulder stand attainable. The purpose of a shoulder stand bench is support for the body in the pose. A bench is great for relieving tension and pressure in the neck, shoulders and lower back. A shoulder stand bench takes the weight off the shoulders and neck, allowing the student to relax and experience the pose. On … Continue reading →