Yoga bags are sold empty or in kits with a mat and a few props. A bag is useful when practicing yoga in a studio or at the gym. However, don’t buy the bag first. Purchase your mat and other equipment and then you will be able to determine the size and type of bag that will work best for you. If you use props in your practice, a yoga bag is an essential piece of equipment. For example, Hatha yoga uses straps, blocks and other props. A good bag is needed to carry the supplies to the studio and … Continue reading →

In the world of yoga props, there are many tools available to help the beginner or people having trouble with specific types of asanas. A backbend bench is a product that is designed to help stretch the back muscles, calves and shoulders, as well as providing support in specific poses. While a backbend bench is certainly not a necessary piece of equipment for the average yogi, it can offer specific benefits for some people. The benefits of these products include relief of back pain, hunched backs, stress and hypertension. A backbend bench can help with several asanas, and not just … Continue reading →

Yoga bolsters provide support in yoga poses. A bolster can be used to support the head and back in poses that require you to lie on your back. They are also useful for support in seated forward bend and can support the head when doing inversions. Using a bolster for support offers the benefit of allowing you to relax into the pose. Bolsters come in several shapes, including cylindrical, rectangular, breathing bolsters, neck rolls and meditative cushions. The most commonly used bolsters in yoga classes are the cylindrical and rectangular types. Cylindrical bolsters are firm and rounded. Rectangular bolsters are … Continue reading →

Yoga cushions are sold with other props to enhance the practice of yoga. This isn’t an essential piece of equipment for every student of yoga, but it does offer benefits in certain situations for some people. Whether or not a yoga cushion would be beneficial depends on several factors. One is the type of yoga you are practicing. Some forms of yoga, such as restorative and Iyengar yoga, use props frequently. Another factor is your own level of fitness and flexibility. If you have problems with poses, such as seated forward bend or wide angle seated forward bend, a cushion … Continue reading →

Yoga towels are a piece of equipment that you may or may not need. A yoga towel can be helpful for using on top of your yoga mat. When you don’t have a yoga mat handy, a towel can be used as a substitute. However, the towel in place of a mat isn’t the best choice. If you only buy one piece of equipment, get a good mat. You can use them occasionally in place of a mat. For example, say you are going away for a weekend and the hotel offers a yoga class in the morning, but you … Continue reading →

If you are shopping for yoga supplies, you may have seen yoga blocks and wondered if you should get them. Next to the yoga strap, the block is the most commonly used prop in yoga. Beginners as well as more advanced practitioners sometimes use these blocks as they are learning new and more difficult poses. Some yoga classes and beginning yoga DVDs use blocks in the practice. When you sign up for a new class, ask what props are used and if they are provided. The cover or description of the DVD should mention what props are used, such as … Continue reading →

In some yoga classes and on some DVDs, you will notice yoga props being used. Hatha yoga classes, particularly beginner level classes, often use props. Maybe you’ve shopped for a yoga mat and wondered if you should buy the straps and blocks sold next to the mats. Yoga straps can be beneficial for beginners, as well as more advanced students. For beginners, the use of a strap helps deepen the stretch and perform the asanas, as you are learning. For me, the strap helped with poses such as seated forward bend. Straps help advanced people perfect more complex poses. This … Continue reading →

Yoga practice requires movement into a variety of poses. The poses range from simple to more complex asanas. Due to the freedom of movement required in a yoga practice, the right clothing is essential. Yoga apparel is expensive in specialty shops and some studios, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to have comfortable clothing. Yoga clothing can often be found through online retailers at an affordable price. The downside to this idea is that you can’t try on the clothes before buying, so be careful about size selection. Some discount stores, such as Target, have yoga pants and … Continue reading →

The most basic and essential piece of equipment that is needed in the practice of yoga is a good quality mat. A yoga mat is one thing that everyone needs, from beginners to yoga to the most experienced practitioners. Yoga mats vary widely from the cheap ones available at any discount store to the ecologically friendly, and often expensive, brands sold in some studios and online. A cheap mat will do the job and can be found for under $20. Some yoga practitioners, particularly those attempting to lead a natural and chemical free lifestyle, refuse to use the cheaper yoga … Continue reading →