The older we get, the more life adds on responsibilities. And with these responsibilities comes the heavy weight that we put on ourselves, otherwise known as the silent killer- Stress. This is why it’s not surprising that yoga has really gained popularity over the past few years, and is currently considered one of the top go-to solutions for leading a healthier and stress-free lifestyle. If you’re new to it all and aren’t really sure where to begin, this is where we step in to help. We’re going to provide you with a list of yoga essentials that you need to have if you’re going to do this right.
The Right Clothes
The whole point of yoga is to release stress and stretch your otherwise tensed up muscles. So it doesn’t make any sense if you’re wearing workout clothes that are still a bit restricting. There are clothes made particularly with yoga in mind, and it’s best that you stick to them. The ever-famous yoga pants is your number one priority. You won’t be able to execute any of the moves correctly without them. They’re made from fabric that is able to withstand stretching and not have you feel suffocated from the heat your body produces as you work out. They’re also made to absorb the sweat so that you can focus and not feel icky. The same goes for the tops- make sure that they’re either tank tops or lose shirts that won’t get in your way as you move from one position to the next.
Yoga Mat
The most important part of your workout is the yoga mat because you cannot work on a surface that is too hard, because you’ll only end up hurting yourself. You also don’t want to have the risk of slipping so it’s imperative that you get yourself a decent mat. The cork mat options shown at 889yoga.com/gear/best-cork-yoga-mats/ are also a good direction to go, because cork is certainly not slippery, and it’s also an environmentally friendly option. They’re also bacteria resistant so that’s another factor to keep in mind. It doesn’t hurt to have more than one over the passage of time in case you feel like switching things up, or if you want to have one for class and one for your home sessions.
Hydration
Yoga is generally not as high intensity as other workouts, but just because you’re not on the floor wheezing and out of breath, it doesn’t mean you are not exerting energy and working your body out. Yoga can be deceptive in that manner, but in the best way possible. Your muscles are getting the workout they need, but in a much more subtle manner. This is why you might think that you don’t need to hydrate as much, but you certainly do. Always have your water bottle at the ready, and make it a habit to have electrolytes as well to replenish your salts and minerals, you’ll find that they will energize you too.
Towel
Considering the fact that you will break into a sweat at some point, and that you will be using your yoga mat quite a bit, it’s a good idea to invest in a couple of yoga towels. These are designed specifically for yoga so that they are slip-proof, just like your mat. They’re easy to wash and there’s a wonderful variety available to purchase online or at any store that sells sports and yoga supplies.
A Bag
Getting a separate bag for all your things and another for your mat can be a bit of a pain, so it makes more sense to get a yoga bag. These are made with your workout in mind. You can carry the mat, your water bottle, towel and any other items you may need easily all in one bag and there are some really cool and stylish options available.
Your Favorite Scent
The whole point of yoga is being able to exercise your body and to find peace of mind. And this is achieved through focus and stimulation of the senses. This is why it’s a good idea to spray your favorite scent on the mat or the yoga towel, or look into some essential oils. Essential oils are encouraged because there are certain flowers and herbs that are known to promote relaxation, so give that a shot.
Make sure that you get everything listed here, and you should be ready to go! To have the ideal yoga experience, make sure that you’re in the right state of mind and that you aim to find comfort first from all the items that you use, because that’s the whole point of yoga. You’ll find that when you have all essentials, your experience will become that much more fulfilling.
