It is believed that the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India first started practising yoga 5 000 years ago. This group of physical, mental and spiritual practices had spread throughout the world over the centuries, and today it’s a powerful method for stress relief and overall health maintenance. The many benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality.

There are a lot of types of yoga you can choose from, and they are all union between the body, mind and spirit. Whether you choose to do dancing yoga, acro or aerial, you are going to need some essential equipment for yoga. The following items can turn your yoga experience into a lot more pleasurable one.

Yoga Mat

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Whether you are practising yoga in the comfort of your home or in a yoga studio, the mat is considered the most important equipment for yoga. Firstly, it helps define your personal space and secondly, it creates traction for your hands and feet so you don’t slip, especially when get a little sweaty. Another advantage of using a yoga mat is that it also provides cushioning on a hard floor. Even though some gyms and studios provide or rent mats, you can’t be sure how often they’re being clean, since a lot of people use them. If you can afford it, the safest solution is to buy yoga products for personal use.

Yoga mats come in a variety of styles, sizes, materials and thicknesses. The standard yoga mat is 173 cm long and 61 cm wide. Regarding thickness, there are more dimensions available: from 5 mm up to 10 mm. Have in mind that the thicker the mat, the more comfortable it’d be. Also, make sure to choose a yoga mat from good material, that feels nice on the body, absorbs sweat and is also sturdy and durable. High-quality and durable yoga mats are usually made of an eco-friendly rubber material. You can find yoga mats in every colour, so you can select one that matches your style, yoga outfit or water bottle.

Mat Bag

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Owning such bag can help you when it comes to caring the mat around with you back and forth to the studio. It can also prevent your mat from losing its shape. Choose a light and portable, easy to fold mat bag that features an adjustable strap for easy carrying around.

Yoga Ball

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The yoga ball is known by many other names: Swiss ball, balance ball, physioball or fitness ball. Whatever you choose to call it, this is a very useful tool to implement into your yoga practice. The yoga ball can help you improve your posture, strengthen the core, improve balance and proprioception, and increase lower back mobility. Since they come in more sizes (55 cm, 60cm, 65 cm, 75 cm), you can choose one according to your weight.

Yoga balls can be used for many asanas, and here are two simple exercises you can enjoy during your home yoga sessions.

Child’s Pose

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The child’s pose is probably the most popular one. To do it on a yoga ball, you need to kneel in front of the ball and slowly sit back on the heels, with your hands resting on the ball. As you sit back, slowly roll the ball forward, relaxing the head and stretching through the chest. Shift the hips to the right and gently roll the ball to the left the stretch through the back, repeating on the other side. Hold each stretch for 15 seconds.

Lying Hip Stretch

For this exercise, you need to lie on your back and rest the right heel on the ball and bent the knee at 90 degrees. Carefully cross the left foot over the right knee and use the foot on the ball to gently roll the ball in, pushing out on the left knee to stretch the right hip. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat the same exercise on the other side.

Clothing

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You don’t necessarily need unique printed yoga pants or designer gear, but breathable athletic apparel can help you perform even the most complicated poses with ease. To be fully equipped for your yoga class, you’ll need the following items.

1. A comfortable pair of yoga pants that can allow you to push the limits of your flexibility further. These could be your regular fitness pants or the ones you use for running. You can choose either shorts or leggings, whatever you feel most comfortable in.

2. A yoga tank top from cotton or cotton blend that allows you to move freely while bending, twisting and doing different movements is also a must.

3. Lastly, you’ll need a pair of comfy sneakers that you should only keep for indoor use. Make sure they have light and flexible soles, so you can move freely and comfortably.

Water Bottle

Hydration during physical activity is one of the most important things. Having a water bottle filled with fresh water or lemon water next to you can help your body stay hydrated during your yoga sessions. If you opt for a bottle with nozzles, you can continue with your practice without having to stop to take off the lid. Simply put it within reach and enjoy your yoga session.

After you have provided all the equipment you need for yoga practice, the next step is to approach yoga with an open mind. Relax, breathe and watch your body doing the movements you thought were impossible.

The post Getting Good Yoga Equipment Paves the Way to a More Successful Practice appeared first on Ways To.

• The first move is called the supported back bend and you should start with your legs extended in front of you. The next thing you should do is place your yoga bolster behind you and line it up with your spine. Lean backward onto the bolster and make sure your head is being supported, if you are too tall support your head with cushions. Relax and stretch your arms out with your palms facing the ceiling. Tuck your chin in and either keep your legs out of bend your knees. This is great for restoring the natural curve of the spine all while stimulating your heart, lungs, and nerve system.

• The second move is called the supported two leg forward fold. You have to start by sitting with your legs extended in front of you. Start by wiggling your hips a few times until you can feel your sitting bones in full contact with the floor beneath you. With your knees a little bent place the yoga bolster on your thighs, on your stomach, and align with your legs. Gently lean forward over it and make sure you’re not rounding your back, place your hands either on the floor, on the bolster, or if you can reach, on your feet. This is great for your back, neck, hamstrings, and feet, it also it great at relieving insomnia and headaches.

• The third move is known as the two knee twist which you will also start with your legs in front of you. Put your yoga bolster on one side of you next to your hip, twist your body so you are holding both sides and gradually lower yourself over it until your chest touches. Bend your knees but make sure that you keep your knees and feet together. If you want to take this pose to the next level try turning your face away from you knees, if this it too much then turn it toward your knees. This is great at opening the muscles in between your ribs, it will also massage your organs and improve your flexibility.

• The fourth pose is called the waterfall and you need a wall for this. You will start by laying on back and lifting your legs up, slide your bottom to the wall and rest your legs against the wall. One you have gotten into a comfortable position press your feet against the wall to lift your pelvis and slide your bolster underneath your bottom. Once it’s in place relax your body, straighten your legs, and place your arms out to your sides. When you are finished relaxing make sure you hug your knees to your chest for a few breaths then roll over. This pose is great to reduce stress, to relax your body and mind, and lower your blood pressure.

• The fifth and final pose is called the child’s pose which you will start by kneeling and spreading your knees apart wider than your torso. If you have knee pain then I suggest you cushion them with something like a yoga mat. Place your bolster between your knees and gently lean forward until your head and torso are touching your bolster. You can put your hands out to the side or cross them above your head. This pose is great to lengthen your back and open your hips.

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