When you first start doing yoga, it's hard to know what you
really need to buy. The [url=http://www.prior-fitness.com/yoga-mat/]
yoga mat[/url] continues to develop so much clothing and equipment
that you might feel you need to spend hundreds of dollars before ever
stepping foot in a studio.
The good news is, you actually need very little to get started. That
said, if you're starting a home practice, or you'd feel
better purchasing yoga-specific apparel and equipment prior to your
first class, here's what you need to know.
It should go without saying that most [url=http://www.prior-
fitness.com/aerial-yoga-accessories/]aerial yoga accessories[/url]
want you to wear something to class, but you don't need scores of
printed yoga pants or designer gear to be accepted by your peers.
Start with the comfortable, breathable athletic apparel you already
have on hand, and purchase mid-level basics for anything you're
missing.
Pants or Shorts: You can't go wrong with a few pairs of solid-
color yoga pants in black, dark grey, navy, or brown. You can mix-
and-match these tights with a wide variety of tops, and if you
purchase high-quality options, they can last a long time.
If tight pants aren't your thing, look for jogger-style pants or
the popular harem-style pants that have elastic around the ankles.
These pants are stretchy and offer a little extra room, but due to
the ankle elastic, they'll stay in place throughout your
practice.
Shorts are a popular option for guys, and they're also
appropriate for women, especially if you plan to try hot yoga. Just
keep in mind, you may want to wear form-fitting spandex shorts or
looser shorts with connected tights underneath because some poses
require you to position your legs in a way that could leave you
uncomfortably uncovered with looser, running-style shorts.
Tops: It's important to wear tops that are fairly form-
fitting so your shirt doesn't fly over your head during forward
bends. Wicking material is helpful, especially if you tend to sweat a
lot or if you plan on attending a hot yoga class.
Because yoga rooms are sometimes kept cool, you may want to bring
a light cover up or sweater with you to class. You can wear it until
class starts, and if you keep it by your mat, you can put it on
before the final savasana.
Sports Bras: If you're a woman, make sure you wear a sports bra.
While [url=http://www.prior-fitness.com/yoga-mat/tpe-yoga-mat.html]
TPE yoga mat[/url] tends to be a low-impact activity, a decent sports
bra can help keep your "girls" in place as you transition
between poses, making your practice more comfortable.
Hair Ties or Headbands: Whether you're a man or woman, if you
have long hair, you need to secure it in place before you start class
to prevent stray locks from falling in your eyes and face. A basic
hair tie or headband should do the trick.
Yoga Socks: To be clear, yoga socks are not a requirement to
attend a class. In fact, it's preferable to do yoga barefoot.
That said if you can't fathom the thought of taking your socks
and shoes off in front of strangers, invest in a pair of yoga socks
with grips on the bottom so you can keep your feet covered while
maintaining good traction. Standard socks absolutely won't do, as
you'll end up slipping and sliding all over your mat.
These days, you can buy yoga apparel practically anywhere, and
it's not unusual to see yoga pants priced at over $100. Don't
feel you need to lay out that much cash for a single pair of pants!
Target, Amazon, and YogaOutlet offer quality options for well under
$50. Buy a couple pairs of pants and a few tops, and you'll be
set for months.
As you commit yourself to your practice, you may decide to add
trendy prints or styles to your wardrobe.
In gyms and yoga studios, it’s commonplace to use a yoga mat, also
called a sticky mat. The mat helps define your personal space, and,
more importantly, it creates traction for your hands and feet so you
don’t slip, especially as you get a little sweaty. The mat also
provides a bit of cushioning on a hard floor.
