The must have yoga equipment

The popularity of yoga has been increasing over the last few years and shows no signs of slowing down. It has become a favourite with celebrities and is gaining attention from both the media and the medical profession as its benefits are realised. These benefits are not just physical, although its ability to improve your breathing, flexibility, and posture are impressive, it also has a whole host of emotional benefits and is being hailed as a great way to improve mental health, boost memory and aid concentration.

The practice is becoming popular everywhere, from those practicing it at home, to employers actively encouraging it in the workplace and the many thousands of people who go to classes on a weekly, however, if you’re new to yoga how do you know what equipment you need to get started?

This article looks at some of the must have yoga equipment that you should get your hands on for practicing yoga. From picking an outfit that will help you get the most from class, to accessories that will improve your session and help you feel good about yourself there are some great options for anyone from a beginner to a seasoned pro.

1. 1. Yoga Mat

This one might seem obvious, but it’s definitely worth a mention. Your yoga mat is somewhere that you are going to spend a significant amount of time when you are practicing, so it’s important to invest in one that is comfortable and you enjoy being on.

If you practice yoga regularly then you’re going to want a durable high-quality mat. Although these might seem a bit pricey initially they are totally worth it, and if you think about the cost on a per use basis than the return on investment becomes clear.

Our yoga mat is a great example of a durable, high-quality mat. Lightweight and high performance it’s comfort and cushioning help it provide stability and comfort for practising all your yoga poses. It is slip resistant without being sticky and is 100% latex free, which is great for those with allergies. The mat is also easy to clean, so you can be sure it will have a long life span.

If you’re just starting out then initially you may want to opt for a standard yoga mat from your local sports store, but it’s a guarantee that as soon as you’re spending more than a couple of hours a week on it you’ll be looking to upgrade to a higher performing model.

1. 1. Yoga Bag

Now that you’ve got your yoga mat you’re going to need something to carry it around in! If you’re going to and from class then a yoga bag is another investment that you won’t regret.

A yoga bag is basically a purse that you can easily carry your yoga mat around in, without the fear of it unrolling as you walk down the street. It will also help to protect your mat from the elements such as rain, dirt and pollution that you may encounter when you’re out and about, and if you’ve invested in a good quality yoga mat then protecting it is definitely recommended.

Yoga bags come in all shapes, sizes and colours and you can pick them up in many different places. At Ana Heart we have a yoga bag that is 100% cotton and even includes a pocket for your water bottle and a zip pocket for your phone/valuables, meaning that it’s the only bag you need to take with you to class.

1. 1. A quality pair of yoga leggings

Yoga leggings are both fashionable and practical for Yoga. When you’re practicing yoga you want to invest in a pair that are supportive, wick away sweat and allow you to perform your poses with ease. Yoga leggings have become a fashion statement and are now available in styles ranging from full length to cropped and in every colour/pattern imaginable.

When choosing your leggings you should make sure that you invest in a quality pair and avoid any that are too thin as these will quickly become see through and need replaced.

At Ana Heart, we believe in supplying the best quality leggings in a durable fabric and have a number of styles available so that you can express your personal style. Not only that, but our leggings also transform effortlessly into an outfit that you can go shopping or out to brunch in, making them a great wardrobe staple.

Choose a pair that you feel comfortable in and you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy Yoga more!

1. 1. A practical pull over

Layers are always recommended when you’re attending a yoga class so that you have clothes to take on and off as required. A good quality pull over is a key item of clothing to have, it’s great for wearing to and from class to keep warm or to wear during the beginning of class when you’re not yet warmed up.

Whether you prefer a hoodie or a sweater we have a variety of styles available to suit your style, each with their own unique detailing to help you stand out at class. Made withhigh-qualityy fabric they’ll be sure to keep you warm and provide you with a great option for layering your look.

Yoga is a great practice for giving you time to relax, stretch and breathe, but in order to enjoy it stress free you need to ensure that your yoga equipment is fit for purpose.

Investing in good quality yoga equipment will support your practice and help you feel good while doing it. Your equipment is there to support your practice, so it should be so good that you don’t have to concern yourself with its presence e.g. you don’t want a mat that curls at the corner that you’re constantly having to push down as that distracts you from what you’re really there for.

Hopefully you’ve found these tips useful for choosing your yoga equipment. It really is all about finding the equipment that works for you so you can truly enjoy the experience of your class.