Yoga Accessories for Beginners
Entering the world of yoga can be a little daunting. You may find yourself asking, “What mat should I buy?” Or “What the heck is a yoga block?” All normal questions for those who are beginning their journey into yoga. While some experienced yogis like to use an organic mat and incense sticks and yoga blocks, while others prefer to just practice on their bedroom floor with a rug and rolled-up towel. If you’re starting out with yoga and want to know the jobs and functions of varying yoga equipment, keep reading!
Why Use Yoga Equipment?
While it’s possible to go through life and practice yoga without using yoga equipment, yet still be a skilled yogi, those that choose to invest in yoga equipment do so for a multitude of reasons. Yoga equipment can be used as support for older bodies, helping to assist when it simply doesn’t move the same way it used to. Others can use the help during pregnancy. Practicing yoga during pregnancy is something many mothers-to-be tend to lean towards, seeing as it can help loosen certain muscles used during childbirth, or even just the stress of the pregnancy itself. Whatever it may be, having a little support can go a long way.
Yoga Block
Yoga blocks or bricks are used to help act as a support or cushion while practicing yoga. Some will place the yoga block under your lower back to relieve built-up stress and make it easier to either lift their knees or hold the weight that would’ve pressed on their hips. You can also use a yoga block to make some poses more difficult if used in a certain way. Yoga blocks come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from super comfy, almost pillow-like, to practically a brick. Depending on what feels best to you, there is something for everyone.
Yoga Mat
At the beginning of Yoga, many yogis practiced out in the element, forging a connection between the earth under our feet to our very beings. Sadly, most of us don’t have the beautiful outdoors at our fingertips, and sometimes practicing on soggy wet grass isn’t very appealing. Yoga mats can be really helpful for traction and grip, as well as comfort and even style. There are so many choices to finding the right mat for you, start looking now!
Yoga Straps
Yoga straps are used for helping to enhance a person's stretch while doing a certain pose to enhance the difficulty. These are also often used in the gym when working out, squatting, or doing leg ups. They add a level of resistance when used that can make a stretch more difficult, but more thorough. These are great for when certain poses and stretches have become too ‘easy’ and you want to challenge yourself just a little bit!