Yoga Equipment
Most people have the perception that Yoga needs prepping – that it needs special mats, clothes and specific warm up exercises of the body. Being in the yoga instructors market since many years, we can assure you that all these measures are presumptuous.
The only thing one needs to get into the zone is a big heart and a small ego. Mentally prepare yourself for initial difficulty, as yoga asanas can feel like torture on the muscles.
However, you’ll feel the difference within a week or two, and will be more accepting of your body shape and the challenges you’ll face while working towards a healthy lifestyle.
The biggest advantage of yoga is that it doesn’t require vast spaces or special equipment. You can wear your most comfortable pyjamas, find a secluded corner and you’re set! To ensure comfort during long yoga sessions, place a mat or a soft blanket on the floor.
The clothing to be worn during a yoga workout should be stretchable and sweat tolerant, ideally made of jersey. Thick materials can cause rashes on contact areas due to friction, which may hamper your ability to sit through an asana or the whole session. Other props can be used for support such as a chair or a hard wood block. Make sure to find a well-ventilated spot with plenty of sunlight.
You can also set the ambiance with soothing music, and if you’re doing yoga at night you can light scented candles to set the mood. Yoga is traditionally performed barefoot, but wearing socks is a personal preference. Yoga is ideally performed one to two hours after a full meal – or on an empty stomach.
Yoga is an excellent stress reliever, so it is ideal that you do not strain yourself in the first few days. Different body types take time to adjust to even simple yoga asanas, more so if you haven’t been exercising in the last few months.
Start with easy yoga poses, and take breaks when you feel pain or fatigue. Include breathing and meditation exercises before and after each yoga session. An individual yoga session may not be lengthy, but should be executed daily.
