|
Yoga Equipment - The Right Gear for Your Practice
by: Michael Saunders Yoga is an excellent vehicle for slowing the mind and getting in touch with the true nature of things. While you can achieve these benefits with no accessories, sometimes having the right equipment can aid in your comfort and enjoyment of your Yoga practice.
Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices originating in India. It is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy. In India and across the World, Yoga is seen as a means to both physical health and spiritual mastery. Outside India, Yoga has become primarily associated with the practice of asanas or postures of Hatha Yoga. In the United States the American Fitness Professionals & Associates offers Yoga Certification for intructors. If you are a beginning yoga student, there are a number of items you may want to consider purchasing to help with your training. Yoga equipment will keep you safe, and also help you find the correct posture for various poses. In a class, a teacher or gym may provide the basic equipment you need, but if you are doing yoga at home or wish to have your own items, you'll need to go shopping.
First a foremost, it is important for anyone practicing yoga to have a good mat. Mats come in all shapes and sizes, so you have many choices when making a purchase. Look for a mat that is large enough for you when you are sitting. You also want to make sure your mat is dense enough so you don't sink into it and wobble when you are doing poses. Mats that are lined with non-slide material are your safest bet, as they will protect you even when you are doing more complicated poses. Whatever you choose, be sure that it is washable-many can be cleaned in a washing machine. Remember, yoga is exercise, so wash your mat every few sessions to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs.
************************************
Did you know?
Buddha, who is estimated to have lived 563 to 483 BC, is believed to have studied what was known of yoga at that time as part of an extensive education in Hindu philosophy. It is also very likely, given the rapid growth of Buddhism after his death and before the Bhagavad Gita was composed, that Buddhism had some influence on that work. There is a considerable overlap between the Hindu yoga tradition and Buddhism.
Rumor has it that he bought no equipment to aid his Yoga practice.
(continued...)
Yoga Equipment - The Right Gear for Your Practice
Page 2
|
