Yoga is said to be the oldest practice of self-development known. It started in India which dates back about 500 years ago. By exercising Yoga, one can gain information and benefits on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Moreover, it encourages the individual to focus on his or her capabilities as well as self-awareness. There are several methods of Yoga. This includes physical postures, breathing control as well as meditation.

But most of the time, people engage in Yoga to shape up and to improve one’s health and well-being. Only a few are really into pure mediation and reflection without doing or performing the Yoga asanas. 

It is said that Yoga is not a series of steps to be followed but an evolving process. Through time, one who practices it is cleansed and aware of his being. As a result, he perceives life as good and does well in many aspects. 

Yoga has become a common practice nowadays and has influenced millions around the world. Yoga is open to all people of different ages, faiths, and lifestyles. One need not pay for a personal tutor or attend a prestige Yoga class. There are books and references which you can use if you want to learn Yoga self-taught. 

However, you must choose a kind or form of Yoga that is apt for you and your lifestyle. It is also important to know your own qualities so that your learning is guided. It is because each kind of Yoga has its own unique form of meditation. New forms of Yoga are also developed nowadays.

 3. Bikram yoga

Bikram yoga is done in a warm room of about 40 degrees Celsius. Hot yoga is a derivative form.

4. Ashtanga yoga

An active form at a reasonably fast pace. Power yoga is often a shortened version of ashtanga, where the exercises can differ from class to class.

6. Vinyasa yoga

This form is also active and dynamic and is similar to ashtanga yoga. The difference: with vinyasa, there is no fixed series.

7. Kundalini yoga

Dynamic physical exercises are combined with powerful breathing techniques, mantras, chakras, and meditations.

8. Yoga Nidra

It is the most peaceful of the eight. It is performed lying down and is an exercise to get into the deepest possible relaxation.

Yoga equipment

Yoga Clothing

Yoga clothing for men and women are probably the most basic among the yoga supplies; these days, yoga clothing has become fashionable and even signature, but the most important aspect of yoga clothing, “comfortable and sweat absorbent”, should not be compromised as ease of yoga performance may depend on it. It is advised that you pick clothing that will not prevent you from moving freely. In this way, you can stretch and optimize your flexibility skills.

Yoga Bolsters

Yoga bolsters are cushions that are shaped to fit its use for the various styles of yoga such as Ananda, Kripalu, and Bikram yoga, and are basically designed to give support to certain body parts, specifically the abdomen, legs, and back, to enable yogis to pull off a number of yoga poses, as well as being able to perform it more comfortably.

A piece of very useful yoga equipment in performing Supine and passive postures, yoga bolsters acts as a support for straitening even the most inflexible backbone in instances where a yogi requires to properly heap the spine and align the body.  Aside from being support, when used with a yoga mat serves as a lower-body cushion that makes a more comfortable yoga session.

Yoga bolsters can also be utilized to ease tension in the upper and lower back, abdomen, legs, and neck in performing difficult poses.

This yoga equipment also comes in an assortment of sizes, colors, materials, and shapes designed to better fit one’s preference and need.  However, there are several types of yoga bolsters, as well as various kinds that one should know about to be able to choose which one best suits the need. Here are some types of yoga bolsters, each having their unique dissimilar purpose:

Rectangular and round bolsters

These yoga bolsters help stretch and relaxes the body in the most needed areas, generally under the knees, and to relieve lower back pressure.

Cylindrical Bolsters

These bolsters are used either parallel or perpendicular to the spine, or to lengthen the lower back through placing it under the knees.  They are also excellent support for yoga forward bends, as well as for many other yoga poses.

Zafu

This is used for raising the hips, and rendering whatever cross-legged type of yoga sitting position to be stable.  Zafu is perfect for people who perform yoga meditation.

Breathing Bolster

This type of yoga bolsters assists in breathing deeper easily and relaxing.  It is generally used to provide support to the long muscles on the two sides of the spine, enabling them to fully relax.  It is also used as an inclined surface, allowing the right and left sides of the chest to drop and stretch towards the floor, permitting deeper and slower breathing.

Blocks

What is a yoga block?

A yoga block is a yoga aid, also called a yoga prop. A yoga block is made of wood, foam, or cork. The latter two materials are popular for yoga blocks because they are softer and therefore kinder to your joints. 

WHY DO YOU USE A YOGA BLOCK?

A yoga block is often used in exercises such as Trikonasana or practicing backbends. But a yoga block can also be used in other yoga postures.

It also depends on the yoga style how often and how much you use a yoga block. For example, it is less often used in Vinyasa Yoga and again more often in Yin Yoga. 

BUY ONE OR TWO YOGA BLOCKS?

If you do a lot of Yin Yoga, it is recommended to buy two yoga blocks. This gives you different heights, so you can support yourself at the right height for you. It is also more common with Yin Yoga that you place a yoga block on both sides of your body so that you can support it with both hands. 

SIZE OF A YOGA BLOCK

A yoga block has different sizes. So you have the traditional yoga block that looks like a brick. You also have a thicker version of this and one that is much thinner and wider.

The “normal” yoga blocks that resemble a brick are the most used and most yogis, therefore, buy such a yoga block. The XL version of this block is to bring the ground even closer and a somewhat thinner yoga block is often used for the shoulder stand, for example.

Yoga Mats

Yoga mats are used in practicing yoga, especially as it involves positions or postures that need to be on flat ground or floor in performing its asanas, and having a yoga mat allows better convenience whether outdoor or indoors.

There are a lot of various yoga mats that one can choose from, ranging from sticky mats, ultra mats, Maha Yoga mats, Eco Yoga mats, Prana Yoga mats, premium black mats, and travel yoga mats. The type of yoga mat you choose will depend on the type of yoga you practice. The mat helps define your personal space.

Sticky mats

If you want a mat that is perfect to cover your practice area and provide steadiness when practicing the poses, Sticky Mats is just right for you. These yoga mats are thinly made and also comes in a variety of colors. It has a light feature that makes it easy for you to carry during a class.

The good thing about these yoga mats is that it has a guide which is indicated by marks that shows you where to place your feet and hand. If you are a beginner, of course, you are not yet oriented and used to the hand and foot placements. These yoga mats are just perfect in mastering those poses. These mats are extensively helpful in preventing you to slip off and sliding.

However, there is a style on how to keep the mat sticky. The technique is to sprinkle a small amount of water on the mat and let it air dry. Using sticky mats is appropriate and applicable to all types of yoga.

Ultra-thick sticky mats

There are also those ultra-thick sticky mats which are known as the Ultra Double Thickness Mats. These yoga mats provide cushioning and stability which is very useful in applying to some certain poses.

These ultra-thick yoga mats are perfect for Ashtanga practitioners because they have the tendency to move or jump from one pose to another. Most people love using ultra-thick yoga mats because it provides the most convenient cushioning that no other mats can give. Practitioners use these mats in their classes.

A disadvantage of this mat is the aspect that also offers the advantages: the thickness of the yoga mat can give you the feeling of making less contact with the ground because the mat is a lot softer. This allows the balance postures to be slightly more challenging.

Travel Mats

As the name implies is perfect for traveling. If you are the travel-type person and couldn’t get away with your daily dosage of yoga exercise, this would be a perfect choice. Travel mats can be thrown in your luggage or suitcase when you are on a trip or on a vacation.

Travel mats are exclusively made because it should be handy. Its thin property is perfect to bring anywhere. You can just fold it and shoot it in your bag and you’re on the go.

Cotton mats

If you are practicing Ashtanga or Bikram Yoga, Cotton Mats are perfect for you. Cotton Mats are made for absorbing your sweat. These cotton mats will help you to stay in shape and not slip off. If your mat is not absorbent, then it is quite dangerous because the wet surface can be very slippery. The damp mat is good for gripping so that your feet and hands stay just where you place them.

Now that the different mats are introduced, it’s all up to you to choose the best yoga mats that is ideal for the type of yoga you wish to practice.

Yoga Mat Bags

The Yoga Mat Bag is perfect for carrying your yoga mats to work, class or anywhere you want to go. The yoga mat bag usually has enough space for your extra shirts, water bottle, and other accessories. It is ideal for travel that keeps one’s yoga mat protected and clean.  Most importantly, the process of bringing one’s own yoga mat to yoga class becomes easier, so they can practice anytime and anywhere they deem proper. 

Blankets

Yoga studios often have stacks of blankets available for students to use during class. Grab yourself one or two blankets at the beginning of class. The folded blankets are props to sit and lie on during class. For instance, when sitting in a cross-legged position, it’s nice to put a blanket under your sit bones to elevate the hips above the knees. They come in handy for all sorts of things during class, and if it’s chilly you can use them to cover yourself during final relaxation at the end of class. 

Straps

Straps are particularly useful for bound poses if your hands do not reach each other, and for poses where you need to hold onto your feet but cannot reach them.

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