| There are lots of yoga accessories out in the market | | | | over your head). |
| today. As a yoga beginner it's sometimes hard to | | | | Yoga Block |
| decide what to buy and more importantly what are | | | | Yoga blocks are used as extensions of your hands |
| they used for. Let's take a look at the different yoga | | | | when in poses where it would be uncomfortable to try |
| accessories in order of their importance, in my opinion. | | | | to reach the floor with your hand on its own. They are |
| Thick Yoga Mat | | | | roughly nine inches x six inches x three/four inches |
| A yoga mat is probably the most essential piece of | | | | and therefore can be used at various heights |
| yoga equipment since it cushions parts of your body | | | | depending on what is needed by the student. Bolsters |
| from the hard floor. Most agree that a thick yoga mat | | | | are especially helpful during the first weeks of yoga |
| (1/4 inches) provides the most comfort without losing | | | | for beginners so they don't try to do too much and |
| stability. A yoga mat also gives you a personal "space" | | | | might injure themselves. |
| when you are in a yoga class so you don't feel | | | | Yoga Strap |
| cramped. | | | | A yoga strap, like a block is used to help get used to |
| Yoga Bolster | | | | positions and stretches that might be uncomfortable |
| Yoga bolsters are used as a support for certain types | | | | for beginners. Examples of stretches where a yoga |
| of yoga poses. They can also be used by beginners | | | | strap is helpful include most seated forward bends and |
| who are starting out and aren't as flexible. One way is | | | | most straps range in length from six to nine feet long |
| to use a bolster under your hips when in Asanas (lotus | | | | and are made of soft cotton or hemp. There is a |
| or cross-legged seated position). Another is Halasana | | | | buckle (like a belt) so you can adjust the length to fit |
| or plow pose (lying on your back with your feet up | | | | your reach. |