Yoga Gear Buying Guide

Yoga does not require very much equipment. It is an activity that focuses primarily on your body rather than using a lot of pricey equipment. You will need comfortable clothing and a yoga mat.  There are many other pieces of equipment that are not necessary, but may facilitate in mastering certain poses or stretches.

Yoga Equipment You Need

Yoga Apparel

Yoga-friendly clothing  is a must. Regular workout clothes  are great, but ladies should look for tops  that are snug that won't fall down when doing poses that require you to hang upside down. Clothing should fit well and not be too baggy. Since yoga focuses on stretching, make sure you can move and stretch (in every which way and direction) without anything tearing. A sports bra  is recommended for women to help with balance. Popular Brands Prana  OMgirl  Gaiam

Yoga Mats

Yoga mats  help with gripping and comfort. They come in a variety of colours for everyone's personal preference. Yoga mats are also called "sticky mats"  and are great for stretching for sports, running, or exercises (so you may want to consider purchasing one even if yoga isn't your thing). Popular Manufacturers Gaiam  Airex  Wai Lana  Asana  Hugger Mugger  Ultima

Yoga Equipment You May Want

Straps  These are great for beginners or anyone having trouble with a difficult stretch. The straps swing around your arms or legs and allow you to hold the pose for longer and pull on the straps to bring your legs or arms to the proper position.	Bolsters  These give added leverage under various parts of your body to add support, comfort, stretching and to align the body.	Blocks  These come in wood,  cork,  and foam.  The wood ones are more durable, yet the cork and foam ones are far more comfortable. The blocks keep you sturdy and help with alignment and stability.	Rugs & Blankets  Rugs and blankets replace mats in certain types of yoga, such as Bikram and Ashtanga yoga. They are also warm and great for chilly rooms and warming muscles.	Exercise Balls These are the key to adding flexibility to your back. Stretching your back by laying with your back on the ball will help you do most of those painful-seeming stretches you see in yoga books  and videos.

Cushion  These are great for added comfort, especially on your tail bone if you will be sitting for awhile.	Bench  Benches are used mainly for stretching your back, like an exercise ball  would.	Lift  A special piece of equipment for performing headstands.	Shoes  Most yoga is done barefoot, but if you are practicing outdoors on your own, comfortable and flexible sneakers  are a must.	Mat Bags  Many mats come with a bag, but if you lose, rip, or don't get a mat with a bag, the mat bags are sold separately as well. They are especially when you have an errand to run before yoga and need to take your mat with you.

External Links

• Yoga.About.com-- An article describing basic yoga gear and their uses.
• Ezinearticles.com-- How to buy the best yoga clothing.