Yoga is a great way to reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve circulation. It can also have physical and mental benefits for many different parts of your body. When starting with yoga, it is essential to know what to bring with you when going for an introductory class. Choosing what will work best for your needs may seem challenging, but plenty of options are available that won’t dent your bank account.
7 Essential Items for a Good First Yoga Session
If you are new to yoga, this list may be overwhelming. This could also encourage someone who doesn’t know what they’re getting themselves into not to attend yoga as often as they should. So you must focus on the essentials but make sure to take everything with a grain of salt since everyone heals at their own pace.
A Positive Attitude
This is the most important item you can bring to your first yoga session. Yoga is a form of exercise and relaxation; it shouldn’t be something that makes you feel as if you’re under pressure. If you’ve never done yoga before, tell yourself that it will be a good experience and nothing else. This way, you relax and don’t try to push yourself too hard during practice. If you’re feeling anxious, try holding your breath or counting your breaths to help.
A Mat
This should be the most obvious choice for any yoga newbie. You can get an inexpensive mat at Walmart, Target, or anywhere else you feel comfortable. These mats will work well even if your room isn’t heated up like a gym. Once you build up your practice and begin needing more than a small mat, you could buy more expensive ones used instead of new ones.
Yoga tights
If you are a beginner and plan on doing yoga at home, yoga tights would be a good choice. It is essential to know that there are different kinds of yoga tights. There are thick tights, and there are thin yoga pants. When buying them, one needs to consider the needs for the practice. For example, the lightweight ones should be worn when doing vinyasa flow, hot forms of yoga, or any other type where one has to move about quickly and change positions time after time.
A Towel
This helps you be able to wipe the sweat off of your body if you’re in a hot room or studio. You can also use this mat to lie on when you’re done with your practice. It’s best to bring one made of something that doesn’t make too much noise when it gets wet (no plastic). You can find these at retail stores or anywhere else that sells towels.
Water
You’ll want to make sure you have a water bottle available during your yoga practice. The heat in a room or studio can be intense, and you’ll need constant sips of water to keep yourself hydrated. Don’t leave your bottle on the floor where someone could step on it, even if it is covered in water. This could ruin an expensive yoga mat.
A Watch or Timer
It’s important to remember that yoga is a way to exercise and a form of stress relief. You can’t be in your world during practice; you need to be focused on what you are doing. Make sure you have something available to keep track of time without using your phone. This could distract others and make you look unprofessional. A timer can be found at any retail store.
A Snack or Meal
This is optional but good to have in case your practice runs long. If you’re not able to get to a grocery store while practicing, it’s likely a good idea to bring something with you that will provide you with some energy. You can also bring snacks if you want a quick meal after your yoga practice. This way, you don’t have problems finding healthy food for your diet outside of the studio.
Conclusion
This may seem like a lot, but it’s best to prepare all of your equipment to know what to reach for when you need it. It will make it easier the next time you decide to go to a yoga class because you won’t hesitate about what you need when it comes time to practice.
