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.

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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.

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There are a number of other items you can buy to use in your sessions as well. Many things can be used to correct your posture. Blocks made especially for yoga students are available in most stores. Made of dense foam, they can be used to help learn specific positions. They are light and durable, so you can easily take them to and from class. Bolsters can also be used for the same purpose, and although they are heavier, they more easily conform to the shape you need.

Next, you may consider purchasing a bag to carry your equipment. Mats can be large and cumbersome, and many yoga companies make special bags in which they will fit, along with your other yoga items. Again, remember to find a material that is not only durable, but also washable, so that you can prevent the spread of germs.

More advanced yoga students may wish to consider other props to help with stretching and correcting postures. A yoga sling, for example, can be mounted to any ceiling and used to do inverted positions. Yoga ropes also come in handy here, and sets of ropes can be mounted to your walls and ceilings to help your posture and flexibility. If those sound a bit too advanced for you, consider sandbags with handles. These can be used to create a bigger stretch when you are doing certain poses.

Lastly, you can purchase yoga books and videos to help you continue the learning process at home if you are in class, or on a deeper level if you already study at home. Learning new poses is always easiest when you have a live instructor, but videos and books can double in a pinch and they make great gifts for any yoga student in your life.

Make sure that you don't lose track of why you are practicing yoga. It's not about the equipment or other accessories, but rather the physical, mental and emotional benefits you'll receive. Enjoy it!