I'm just starting out, I need to get some yoga accessories
You have made a good resolution to start yoga to relax, or even to boost your immune system. However, you don't have the necessary yoga equipment ? And above all, you don't know what to buy? Don't panic, we'll explain everything! In this article, you will discover which yoga accessories you should get to practice the art of asanas serenely and in an eco-responsible way.
The essential yoga mat
A yoga mat, but why?
So yes, you can practice yoga on the floor, but it's more pleasant to do your postures on a yoga mat . Especially if you have a weak back and joints! Plus, on a hard floor, you're more likely to get injured.
You may be thinking that a gym or Pilates mat will do the trick? Well no! In fact, the latter is not suitable for practicing yoga. Why? The soul mat is non-slip and therefore you can practice safely, especially if the sequences are dynamic. But also, the thickness (between 3 and 8 mm) is perfectly suited to performing asanas, because it cushions the back and joints well while allowing you to easily maintain balance.
More than a yoga accessory , it is an ally in your practice, the place where you take time just for yourself, in order to recharge your batteries (far from teleworking and the children's homework!).
Gentle or dynamic yoga: A quality yoga mat is suitable
For dynamic yoga styles or Hot yoga (Bikram, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Power Yoga, etc.) or if you simply have fragile joints, we recommend a yoga mat with a thickness of 4.5 to 6 mm. It is more comfortable!
The ecological yoga mat, a question of morphology
To practice the art of yoga safely, it is important to choose a non-slip yoga mat that matches your body shape. To do this, pay attention to the length and width of the yoga accessory . The standard length is approximately 1.80 m, but there are mats between 1.90 and 2.15 m long. As for the standard width, it is approximately 60 cm. If you have broad shoulders, prefer a width of 66 to 72 cm.
The eco-friendly yoga mat
Yoga is also a spiritual practice, combining body and mind! So, choose an eco-responsible yoga mat , respecting the environment and manufacturers. In this approach, you will find the soul mat in TPE, natural rubber, jute and cork. If you have a small budget, opt for the Oeko-Tex certified ecological PVC mat. If you are allergic to latex, choose a TPE, jute or cork mat. If you practice dynamic yoga, choose the natural rubber mat which is very non-slip. Finally, if your hands sweat a lot, the cork mat is perfect for you.
Lacking flexibility? The yoga brick
Made of EVA foam (or PVC), cork or bamboo, the yoga brick helps to compensate for the lack of flexibility, in order to keep your balance without hurting yourself. The most grippy yoga blocks are made of EVA foam or cork. Just like the yoga mat , your non-slip yoga brick must be adapted to your body shape, but also to your flexibility. The standard size is approximately 22 x 11 x 7 cm. But, you can also find XL blocks of 23 x 15 x 10 cm.
The Yoga Strap: Perform postures without injury
The yoga strap is your ally for performing asanas without hurting yourself, especially if you lack flexibility, but also for maintaining good alignment. It is a great extension of your arms! Here too, choose its dimensions according to your height. The standard is 2.50 m. However, are you taller than 1.78 m? Opt for a yoga accessory larger than 3 m (model L).
The Yoga Bolster for Heart Openings
The yoga bolster is usually cylindrical in shape, measuring about 63 or 69 cm long and 23 cm wide. But what is it for? This yoga accessory helps you achieve certain postures such as shoulder or heart openings when placed along the spine. It provides comfort, placed under your knees during the Savasana position. Either the yoga bolster is filled with kapok or spelt. This affects its firmness. The kapok one is softer and ideal for light people. While the spelt one is firmer and perfect for yogis with a higher weight.
Relaxation in comfort with the meditation cushion
As its name suggests, the meditation cushion (also called zafu ) is used for meditation at the end of a yoga session. This is the precise moment when you integrate all the benefits of your class. It would be a shame to miss out on this relaxation time just because of a lack of comfort. Round, half-moon or rectangular, this cushion helps you hold the right position, that is to say the lotus posture with your back straight and your pelvis tilted backwards. To choose it, it is a question of size and flexibility of the pelvis. Indeed, the taller you are, the higher your zafu will be. If you are flexible, opt for a yoga cushion 5 to 11 cm high. What about the filling? The kapok cushion is softer than the buckwheat or spelt cushion.
