10 Pieces of Yoga Gear You Will Be Happy You Purchased
In order to better enhance your yoga practice and enjoy more relaxation, happiness, and calm in your life, try purchasing these ten essential pieces of yoga gear to aid in your exercise enjoyment. Yoga is a demanding activity that requires coordination and comfort in order to properly move through the poses. Although yoga is a sport of limited movement, there are a few essentials that can enhance your physical enjoyment of your workout while aiding in proper alignment and movement. As your physical comfort is the number one priority in yoga, it is important that you facilitate the connection between your mind and your body in order to enjoy the best results. These 10 articles of yoga gear are all meant to enhance your experience.
Manduka Black Mat Pro
A mat is first and foremost the essential piece of equipment you will need to practice yoga. Mats are available for relatively cheap. However, if you are an avid yoga practitioner it is better to invest in a lovely mat that promises to hold up, rather than risk replacing one cheap mat with another over the course of your yoga career. Manduka mats are the highest-rated mats available. Durable enough to sustain heavy use with little wear and tear, this 1/4-inch thick mat also comes with a lifetime warranty should anything happen to it. Perfectly tuned to support and balance every move, this mat is one you'll use for life.
Be Present Pants
Since the practice of yoga demands fluid movements from the body, it's important that you can move from pose to pose freely without restriction, revealing clothing, or discomfort. Pants keep you cozy in cooler studios without adding bulk or weight. You can feel good about your body and your purchase when you wear Bamboo Intention Pants from Be Present, a modern clothing line for yogis. Featuring a fold-over waistline and side slit, they make moving around easy again.
Yoga Straps
If you're an experienced yogi, you might not need the help of yoga strap as much as a novice. However, even pros get tight muscles. When that happens, a yoga strap is a great help to have on hand. Use it to deepen your stretch or help support specific poses that your body might not be able to sustain just now. If you can't find one at your local yoga boutique or studio, just grab a lightweight cotton scarf or piece of fabric.
Blankets
Sometimes the studio provides you with blankets, but other times you'll wish you had brought your own. Blankets can be folded to provide extra support like a bolster, or to cushion the spine in seated poses. Blankets are also great for an added layer of warmth during relaxation poses. Try a lightweight fleece or cotton blanket for some additional insulation.
Yoga Blocks
A great prop for deep stretches and bends, a yoga block assists you when you can't quite reach the ground or aren't yet flexible enough. These provide necessary support and are usually lightweight enough to toss in your gym bag. Try an all-natural cork version embossed with the ever-appropriate tree of life from Gaiam and let your inner soul blossom.
Towel
Surprising to some is how much they sweat during yoga. Keep your mat clean and dry to reduce slippage with an all-natural, extra-absorbent and quick-drying hygienic towel. Try eQua's great version in bright blue.
Yoga Tote
Don't risk your mat unrolling and getting all gross on the ground. Stash it away in a chic yoga tote made in environmentally friendly canvas. The Damask Printed Yoga Tote bag from Gaiam is a unisex version in natural and black with a great screen-print and pouch for your money, keys, and phone. The tote slings easily over the shoulder for easy carrying.
Sweatshirt
Not all studios are kept heated, and early mornings can get cool. Stay loose and comfortable with a breezy, swingy sweatshirt from luxe line Stella McCartney for Adidas. With batwing sleeves, organic materials, and a flattering taupe hue, this original sweatshirt is sure to wow.
No-Slip Yoga Socks
If you have a problem with sweaty feet or sticking the pose, try Gaiam's No-Slip Yoga Socks. Specially created for practicing yoga, these socks mimic the freedom of being barefoot while preventing any accidents. Not to mention they reduce your exposure to any foot fungus. The socks are both simple and practical.
Mat Spray
Taking care of your gear is important and can ensure its lifespan. After a rigorous workout, cleaning your yoga mat will remove any lingering stickiness or residue while preventing nasty buildup of bacteria or fungus. Made from delicious smelling all-natural and organic essential oils, this mat spray is proven antiseptic and antibacterial while retaining the non-slip qualities of your yoga mat. Even better, it moisturizes your mats fibers to better maintain its lifespan.
