Yoga can be both invigorating and relaxing, depending on how you practice. But to glean the most benefits, you need to be consistent with the habit. What better way to keep up your enthusiasm and motivation than by adding gear to the routine? If you’re looking for ways to take your yoga practice to the next level, Sewall House presents the tech, tools, and equipment you need.
Carry a Yoga Hand Towel
While many people think that yoga is a low-key stretching exercise, that’s not always accurate. For many of us, yoga involves sweat — and a lot of it. Of course, there are many benefits of yoga that go beyond burning calories, as Dr. Axe highlights. But for hard-working yogis, a yoga hand towel helps keep you dry and comfortable during your workout.
Yoga towels commonly use microfiber, cotton, or a combination of materials to soak up sweat. By keeping your hands dry, you can hold positions longer, avoid slipping on your yoga mat while in the studio. Of course, you can also use a folded yoga towel as cushioning while practicing restorative yoga and other calmer poses. If you enjoy yoga at home, you can also use your towel on cushioned surfaces in place of a yoga mat.
Get a Set of Yoga Straps
Yoga straps are versatile, compact, and handy for all types of yoga modifications. You might need to increase the difficulty of your workout or stretch out a troublesome muscle. Either way, a range of yoga straps can help enhance your efficiency and comfort.
Straps for yoga range from D-ring options to cinch and pinch straps. Length adjustments help accommodate all users, and you can use the straps in sitting, standing, and other positions. Modifying poses helps ease beginners into yoga, and straps are excellent for this purpose, too.
Use Tech to Get Your Yoga Fix
Adults today are busier than ever, which means getting to the yoga studio may not be as regular as we’d like. Plus, the advantages of consistent yoga training are clear. That said, you don’t need to skip your yoga practice just because you’re heading out on vacation or traveling for work. Downloading yoga apps to your phone can help you fit in a workout even if you only have 20 minutes free in your evening routine.
You can also invest in a streaming stick. With a streaming device, you can take your yoga instruction everywhere with you thanks to the plethora of channels at your disposal. Listen to your favorite online yogi, watch instructional videos, and keep up with ongoing challenges and routines. Just remember that you may want to pair this with a wireless set of earbuds to help cut down on any distractions.
Make Use of Blocks
According to Livestrong, standard yoga blocks are typically lightweight. Common materials include wood, foam, or cork. Blocks are helpful props for providing stability in certain poses, modifying angles of positions, or helping to level out your body. Plus, if you have an injury, you can adjust each pose to a comfortable and safe position with blocks.
If you don’t have blocks easily accessible, you can make do in the interim with household items. Depending on what use you have in mind, incorporate a rolled towel, thick book or even canned food to get your positions perfect.
Wherever and however you do yoga, studies have proven that yoga decreases stress levels, enhances blood flow, and helps practitioners to generate positivity. No matter where you go with your yoga practice, it can enhance your life and your body. Of course, you need the right tools to make it accessible and enjoyable whether you’re at home or on the road.
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