Yoga teachers will usually have had many years of experience practicing yoga, and as such they tend to be able to identify what products are useful, and which ones will not really provide any extra value. It will really depend on the personality of the instructor and the type of product, but if you know them well enough you will be able to get some advice that will reflect your interests. The following items are used in yoga more often than not, and are the ones that tend to be discussed and recommended.
Some teachers of yoga are very big on a having a particular type of yoga mat. While some will extol the benefits of having a modern mat with a design that has been crafted using the latest technology as a way to supplement their yoga exercises, others will promote mats from the past. You can buy handcrafted mats that use a particular blend of materials, usually cotton, to provide a strong grip, absorbency and a good level of comfort.
The use of books and DVDs will be promoted by some yoga teachers as a way to study and practice between classes. These teachers will naturally suggest the products as a supplement to the classes, as a way to further enhance the benefits of yoga. This allows students to maximize their learning and gives them the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Ideally, books and DVDs should give students the skills they need to improve their performance in class.
There are some teachers of yoga who are completely immersed in the lifestyle, and will recommend the use of different products that may enhance the experience of doing yoga, but don’t really provide any real benefits. Yoga clothes are one example. To do yoga only requires a loose fitting outfit or material that stretches, but some teachers feel that clothes that are specifically designed for yoga will help students get into the proper mindset.
Even though yoga teachers are a great source of information and advice, it will really come down to how you feel about learning and what you’re willing to spend and commit to. If you have the funds to purchase different yoga equipment or products to improve your performance and overall experience, then you’ll find many options out there. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, then it is best to talk to your teacher and find out what he or she recommends that you purchase, or how you can improve your abilities without any extra cost.
Kim writes for the Blog for Women. Check out her latest posts on how to overcome cravings and tips on how working mothers find time to exercise.