| Yoga is increasingly popular in the western part of the | | | | your mat easily. Many bags are designed for thin, short |
| world. Dozens of new "styles" have been crafted to | | | | mats and will not accommodate large, thick and sticky |
| accommodate the generally unfit, inactive, stressed-out | | | | mats, commonly used by beginners. |
| and obese Americans and Europeans. The public's | | | | Yoga towel |
| increasing demand for Yoga-like exercises drives an | | | | A piece of super-absorbent fabric, with tiny nibs that |
| expanding market of related products. There are | | | | grip to a mat is called a yoga towel. This towel is |
| hundreds of new companies, offering thousands of | | | | specifically designed to provide additional traction during |
| products designed to help you do Yoga. | | | | practice, absorb moisture (especially in hot yoga |
| For most people in the western hemisphere this | | | | classes, such as Bikram), and provide a layer of |
| millennia-old science is brand new, and this lack of | | | | hygienic protection when not using own mat. A yoga |
| experience makes it difficult to navigate the | | | | towel is a worthy investment if moisture during |
| overwhelming market of yoga goods. This short | | | | practice is an issue and an alternative to purchasing a |
| tutorial will help choosing the basic set of suggested | | | | mat. |
| accessories that may help in your practice. If you are | | | | Yoga props |
| just getting started all you may need is a yoga mat, a | | | | Yoga props are designed to increase flexibility and |
| carry bag, a set of props and maybe a special towel. | | | | provide additional safety in some poses. The most |
| Yoga Mat | | | | commonly used yoga props are bricks and straps. |
| This is the most commonly purchased Yoga | | | | Straps can be used to gently pull your limbs during |
| accessory and the most used. A yoga mat is a | | | | stretching exercises, adding to your natural flexibility, |
| companion to your practice, providing support, stability | | | | while brick are mostly used for support during bends |
| and cushioning for your body and a place to meditate. | | | | and side stretches. These props are completely |
| When choosing a mat, consider its thickness, length | | | | optional, and newcomers can completely avoid |
| and composition. | | | | purchasing them in the initial stages of their journey. |
| Make sure your mat provides enough grip, even when | | | | Consult your instructor for more information. |
| wet and consider the mat's weight if you plant to carry | | | | Yoga practice can be more enjoyable and |
| it to the studio. Most expensive mats are usually the | | | | comfortable with a good mat, a non-slip towel and |
| heaviest. | | | | some straps and block to help you with difficult |
| Yoga Mat Bag | | | | stretches. Use your judgment and remember - none of |
| Mat bags can be bulky and heavy tending to unroll at | | | | this is required to succeed in Yoga, what matters is |
| most inappropriate moments. Storing your mat in a bag | | | | how you feel inside. |
| is convenient and safe. A good yoga mat bag must fit | | | | |