As with any sport, yoga can be intimidating to the beginner—especially considering poses like Royal Dancer and Crane.
Fortunately, your core strength, flexibility and mindset are all skills that can be developed over time. For those of you new to the yoga arena, there are a few key pieces of equipment that may help you feel more at ease as you get started.
There is no need to go overboard and spend $200 for something that may or may not work for you.
Yoga Mat
An essential for any yogi. With all of the exercises you'll be doing on the floor, a good mat will keep you comfortable and safe.- Try Gaiam's Yoga Mat at REI.com
Yoga Block
This is a great tool for beginners. Blocks help you get into poses and maintain appropriate posture when you can't quite reach the floor.- Try the HuggerMugger Foam Block at Huggermugger.com
Yoga Belt
Belts are another great tool for beginners which help get you into positions when you're still developing your flexibility.- Try the GOGO 8ft Yoga Buckle Strap at Amazon.com
Yoga Towel
Yoga towels can be great especially if you're looking to try Bikram yoga. Not only do they help eliminate bacteria from your sweat, but they are often used as support in certain poses.- Check out the Aurorae Yoga Towel at Amazon.com
- Or, get them all in one with The FIRM Beginner's Yoga Kit (includes mat, block, belt and dvd) at Walmart.com
Clothing
Your attire during yoga can make the difference between comfort and discomfort, full range of motion and poor range of motion. Stores like Old Navy, Target and Walmart all offer a number of pieces at affordable prices to meet your needs. Try these to start:- Capris: Danskin's Now Dri-More Capri Pant at Walmart.com
- Pants: Champion's C9 Zen Yoga Pant at Target.com
- Tanks: Champion's Double Dry Racerback Workout Tank at Champion.com
- Pullover: Old Navy's Women's Lightweight Pullover Hoodie
Develop flexibility and balance in a yoga class.