By: Rose Reynolds
Yoga equipment, tools and props can be really useful to practitioners, especially to beginners, the elderly and those who are suffering from ailments.
Clothing: Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable. They should allow you to move freely, sometimes a shirt that is a little bit form-fitting is best though as it stops it from sliding up. It is also best to not wear pants or shorts made from lycra or a similar material as they may cause you to slip.
Shoes: Yoga is mostly done barefoot, the place you go to practice yoga will often request that you leave your footwear near the entrance.
Mats: Yoga mats, also called sticky mats, help to define your personal space but more importantly they provide traction for your hands and feet so stopping you from slipping and sliding.
Blocks: These can be used to make yourself more comfortable and to straighten out your alignment. They are great for when you have poses where you need to stand and your hand doesn't quite reach the floor.
Straps: Yoga straps are particularly useful in bound poses, when you need to hold on to a part of your body that you can't reach.
Bolsters: Yoga bolsters are shaped cushions, they are designed to give support, particularly to the back, legs and abdomen. They come in various shapes, sizes and materials to suit your needs.
Sometimes it is also useful to have a blanket to hand, you can cover your body during relaxation sequences.
Yoga equipment and props may not always be needed but they can offer extra support and comfort and help you to move deeper in to a pose.
Yoga equipment is designed to provide extra support to help you get deeper into a pose and help make your yoga practise more comfortable, relaxing and convenient.
