Saturday, July 14, 2012

Yoga Accessories- A Step for Modern Yoga

Over a period, commercialization crept into the yoga arena. The number of yoga teachers and yoga institutes imparting the knowledge of yoga increased by leaps and bounds. Yoga became popular because it delivered results at three levels, physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga was no more a part of Indian traditions and her ancient wisdom.

But with changing times, yoga accessories began to sprout and took the modern world by storm, along with the benefits of yoga. Any industry has to be run by the norms of the business world. Competition, craze, colors, quality, and advertisement- all began to play their parts. The accessories promised that they will help one to achieve the maximum results and benefits of yoga sessions. And who is not fascinated by a fit body, free from illnesses and attractive yoga attire!

The great thing about yoga is that you do not need a lot of equipment and accessories in order to do a yoga session. However, there are a number of equipment and accessories available that can help you do yoga.

Yoga accessories includes yoga mats, yoga gear, yoga CDs and DVDs and yoga books. As none of this is really essential, you can choose which yoga accessories you would like to purchase.

Yoga accessories are available in health food shops, meditation shops, and new age shops and over the internet. You can even find yoga accessories in department stores and supermarkets. They used to be quite hard to find, but as yoga has increased in popularity so has the availability of yoga accessories.

Here are some of the most important Yoga accessories you will need in your regular practices.

1. Yoga mats

A Yoga mat is an essential accessory for Yoga practice, whether it is a standard non slip mat, ultra sticky or even an Indian Yoga rug mat. This is because it is essential to have a good surface that supports postures and is safe to work on. By far the most popular style is the sticky-mat. It is so called because it grips the floor and does not slide.
The beauty about having one's own mat is that that just by laying down on it; you get immersed and attuned to your yoga space. It sharpens the focus and awareness to what you are about to do and helps create just the right mental state for a session. Yoga Mats are really one of the more useful yoga accessories though not considered absolutely essential by some.

2. Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are simple tools that help you ease into difficult poses by strengthening, stretching, and aligning your body without strain. They open up the possibilities of letting your body stretch and enter more deeply into your practices with safety and confidence.

A Yoga block shortens the distance between you and the floor, providing a stable anchor point thereby reducing strain. You can use it to ground your lower hand in a standing pose, to space the hands in the peacock pose, or to support your hips in the bridge pose

3. Yoga straps

Yoga straps help you grasp your limbs that are normally out of reach. They also help you hold poses longer, greatly increasing flexibility. Yoga Straps normally come in three lengths, 6', 8' and 10'. They also come in different buckle styles on sturdy 1-1/2 inch cotton webbing that adjust easily and hold securely.

4. Yoga blankets and rugs

Yoga rugs provide a bit more cushion than sticky mats. They are perfect for absorbing perspiration for the hot styles of Yoga. In order to avoid slipping on hardwood floors, it is advisable to place a sticky mat beneath your rug. Yoga blankets are a versatile accessory that functions as a prop.

5. Yoga bags and totes

The unique shape of a Yoga bag provides an interesting challenge when it comes to transporting your gear. Fortunately, you have mat bags, carriers and totes to solve this problem, from the practical to the luxurious. Nowadays, Yoga bags are available in all sizes, styles and colors. These are among the most practical of Yoga accessories.

Summary:
 
Although yoga does not require too much accessories, the usefulness of yoga accessories cannot be doubted as it will make you more relaxed and secure. There are a few requisite yoga accessories that you cannot do without, especially clothing such as upper body wear and pants. The next is a yoga mat for practicing the various yoga poses, and then there are the yoga shoes or socks. Other like a bag for yoga mat, DVDs for self study and water bottle are optional, including yoga props.