Yoga – The Art of Living
Yoga is the art of living close to nature, advocating a vegetarian diet. Modesty and helping others are as important as respect for the earth. Moreover, in practice itself, the goal is to make the Prâna, our life energy, circulate.
In order to remain consistent with all this, it seems evident to me to choose equipment made of natural or at least recycled fibers by friendly people and in an eco-responsible spirit.
There are many brands of yoga mats and yoga clothes produced with conscience, so it is not difficult to find what you need when buying ethically. Also, be prepared to spend a little more to get durable material. It’s so nice to have your yoga mats travel with you for years or those pants that remind you for a long time of your beautiful discipline.
We have seen many types of Yoga, and some Yoga needs more accessories than others.
Here is a non-exhaustive list:
Hot Yoga
As the name suggests, Hot Yoga is an intense form of Yoga that is performed in a very warm and humid studio. This form is Yoga is designed to raise your heart rate and exercise your muscles. It is among the most effective ways to burn calories and involves a lot of sweat.
Yoga Equipment for Hot Yoga:
The best yoga equipment for hot Yoga is a mat that is hard and has a good grip.
Yoga Clothing for Hot Yoga:
Hot Yoga involves lots of sweating, and therefore we need to choose yoga clothing that dries quickly and has excellent moisture-wicking properties. Small shorts / strapless or tank tops can be better choices for hot Yoga.
From our sustainable clothing collection, we recommend the Sohang Yoga shorts and the aurora bra. If you need to cover up a little more, our Cosma T-Shirt will be ideal as it is made of light bamboo. And if you still want to wear pants, we recommend our Lili soft bamboo pants.
For men, we recommend the Sadhak Yoga Short.
Ashtanga (Active Postural Yoga) & Vinyasa (Power Yoga)
Ashtanga yoga is an active postural yoga. Ashtanga comprises two Sanskrit words, “Ashta,” meaning eight, and “Anga,” meaning limb or body part. This form of Yoga is getting popular in western culture and is basically the union of the eight limbs of Yoga.
On the other hand, Vinyasa yoga, or power yoga, is the form of Yoga that involves yoga poses linked together with breathing techniques.
Yoga Equipment for Power Yoga & Ashtanga:
Power yoga and Ashtanga yoga require rugged mats with a good grip.
Optional but a piece of must-have yoga equipment for beginners: two cubes, a strap, a cushion, and a light blanket
Yoga Clothing for Power Yoga & Ashtanga:
Choose close-fitting yoga wear so that the teacher can correct you and the clothing does not disturb you during inverted postures and other activities. Be careful while choosing yoga leggings; make sure that they are not tight around the belly because these practices require the fluidity of the breath.
From our Breath of Fire Yoga Clothing Collection, we recommend the Amrit set, the leggings, and the long top, which are models close to the body. The Sohang top with the Sohang yoga leggings is also very pleasant for this kind of practice, as well as the aurora bra and the vega leggings that we will advise to people who sweat a lot because the bamboo dries faster than the cotton.
Hatha Yoga, Standard Practice
Hatha Yoga is the discipline of force that involves breath, body, and mind. The Hatha Yoga sessions usually last 45 minutes to 90 minutes. This form of Yoga benefits mind-body wellness and health.
Yoga Equipment for Hatha Yoga:
A 4 – 6 mm mat, mid grip to grip. Meditation cushion and light blanket for relaxation or meditation. Depending on your flexibility, two blocks and a strap.
Yoga Clothing for Hatha Yoga:
Comfortable clothing that is more or less close to the body is highly recommended. Here we advise you mainly on the Sohang leggings, which are unbeatable for their comfort, the Yamala pants with their straight legs associated both with the Sohang top from our clothing collection.
Of course, the Lilii pants are also ideal with the Cosma t-shirt if you prefer a lighter fabric. Depending on your hatha yoga practice, our vega and Amrit yoga leggings will also be ideal. You have choices!
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is a spiritual practice that is sometimes referred to as “yoga of awareness”. It involves chanting mantras, breathing exercises, and repetitive asanas.
Kundalini is practiced to activate seven energy centers or chakras in our body. This form of Yoga is both challenging and comforting in equal parts.
Yoga Equipment for Kundalini Yoga:
Mat, covered with a sheepskin, woolen mat, Meditation cushion, and a light blanket for relaxation or meditation.
Yoga Clothing for Kundalini Yoga:
Comfortable clothing, preferably cotton, in white or pastel colors is recommended for kundalini yogis.
Sohang yoga pants from our yoga clothing collection were designed for kundalini yoga like the Yamala pants; thanks to the skirt, they just avoid the transparency of white.
Combined with the Sohang top and the amba jacket, all in white, these yoga outfits are magical and perfect inside or off the yoga studio. You can also choose the Amrit leggings and the Sohang leggings that we advise you to combine with the long Amrit top to avoid any transparency and feel free in the kriyas.
Yoga that focuses on meditation or chanting
Equipment:
Soft yoga mat 5 – 6 mm thick, Meditation cushion, a light blanket for relaxation or meditation.
Clothing:
A comfortable yoga outfit in different colors depending on the practice: burgundy/saffron, white, black.
In our range, we propose you the Sohang and Yamala yoga pants with the Sohang top and the Siri sweater, or the Lili pants with the Cosma T-shirt.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga focuses on deep connective tissues and helps increase flexibility, boost circulation, and lengthen connective tissues.
Though this Yoga is a bit challenging, it is completely fine for beginners.
Yoga Equipment for Yin Yoga:
Soft yoga mat of 5 – 6 mm thickness, Meditation cushion, a blanket, a bolster (large Cushion)
Yoga Clothing for Yin Yoga:
Comfortable, rather covering hold. In our designs, we propose the Sohang pants and leggings and the Yamala pants with the Sohang top and the Siri sweater, or the Lili pants with the Cosma T-shirt.
Nidra Yoga (visualizations) or extended relaxation
Nidra yoga, or extended relaxation yoga, is a powerful yoga technique that helps in body relaxation.
Yoga Equipment for Nidra Yoga:
Soft yoga mat 5 – 6 mm thick or even padded, Warm blanket, Cushion for the eyes.
Yoga Clothing for Nidra Yoga:
Comfortable and warm clothing is suitable for Nidra yoga.
We advise you of the same selection from our collection as for yin yoga; the Sohang pants and leggings and the Yamala pants with the Sohang top and the Siri sweater, or the Lili yoga pants with the Cosma T-shirt.
Yogic Hygiene Equipment List:
- Tongue scraper
- Neti: small watering can for cleaning the sinuses
- Sweet almond oil or massage oil
- sesame oil for oral and gum hygiene
- Massage glove
- Rose hydrolate
- Cups or basin for washing the eyes
- Good quality salts
- Wooden comb
- Choice of essential oils
- Other products such as shampoos, soaps, make-up, perfumes, etc. in natural substances.
Hope this guide helped you. Drop your thoughts in the comment section below!
FAQs
Are yoga mats necessary?
Yoga mats are not necessary for yoga practices, but they ensure support, safety, cleanliness, and comfort and hence are preferred by many people.
Which thickness of yoga mat is best for yoga?
A yoga mat is a must-have when practicing yoga or any other exercise. To improve your grip, look for yoga mats with textured surfaces. While various yoga mats are available in different thicknesses, the standard thickness for a yoga mat is 3mm to 6mm. We recommend choosing a mat between 4 to 5mm to offer enough articulation protection for daily practice. If you have specific joint or articulation problems, you should consider getting yourself a 5 to 6mm. From 1mm to 3mm yoga mat thickness, these mats are great to carry around, travel, or go to the studio, but it's a little light for daily protection. Be also mindful of the quality you choose; we strongly advise you to buy only German PVC mats that are health controlled, natural rubber mats, cotton rugs, and cork mats. We do not advise you to buy Chinese PVC, TPE ( that is light but has a terrible grip and is short-lasting), and PU mats as we do not get enough information about how this quality is made of.
What is the best clothing for yoga?
Sweating is unavoidable when practicing yoga. While you can wear anything you are comfortable in, it is recommended that you opt for clothes made of fibers that provide the ideal blend of comfort, breathability, and flexibility. As such, the best clothing for yoga is cotton or a bamboo outfit with a bit of stretchy fabric
What are the blocks used for?
The blocks are used to help you in a variety of flexibility postures. In yoga, we do not force the body into a posture, and we work overtime so that the body can access the posture with kindness between the mind and body. The blocks are used as an extension if you don't touch the ground or as support if you don't have a good balance in a posture. You can also simply sit on them at the beginning of the end of the practice for a short meditation or pranayama
What are the basic equipment needed for yoga?
Originally, yoga was practiced very simply, dressed in a cotton loincloth, and on the floor, the great luxury was having a cotton mat. Today, yoga has evolved a lot with western culture and is mixed with fitness practices. Nevertheless, the basic material remains the same: a good yoga mat, a comfortable and breathable outfit, two blocks, and a strap if you are not very flexible.
What are the best materials for yoga clothes?
We only use natural textile fibers because the body eliminates a lot of toxins during the practice, and it is important that the skin can evacuate them. Therefore we recommend organic cotton, bamboo, linen, and hemp. A small percentage of elastane is recommended to keep the fabric flexible so that the garment does not interfere with your movements,