What Supplies Do I Bring to a Yoga Class

One of the times people try new things, including yoga class, is a the beginning of the year. There are not a lot of items needed for a yoga class, but there are some basic items a yoga student needs to have an enjoyable yoga experience.

For students who are new to yoga, there are questions about what type of equipment, clothing or extras are needed for class. At some yoga studios there arespecific item suggestions, while others do not address the issue.

In general, there are some basic items to bring to any yoga class. Some of these items you may already have, others you will need to purchase.

1. Loose Clothing

A simple loose t-shirt and sweatpants or work out pants will suffice for a yoga class. You do not need to purchase any special clothing. Keep in mind that there is a lot of stretching involved in yoga, and you may want to wear shirt that fits comfortably when you stretch in either direction, or when sitting.

It is especially important to wear a long enough shirt to cover your midriff when you lift your arms over your head or stretch them out to the sides.

2. A Pair of Warm Socks

Yoga is best practiced barefoot. Bring socks for the end of class meditation when your body will cool down and your feet might get chilly.

3. A Zip-Up or Pull-Over Sweatshirt

The sweatshirt will also come in handy for the meditation portion of class. In most yoga studios it is possible that you might start your work out with the sweatshirt on and remove it as your body heats up with the gentle movements. During the cool down portion and meditation it may be warmer to put the sweatshirt back on.

4. Yoga Mat

A yoga mat can be purchased at the yoga studio or at a gym where there are yoga classes. It is less expensive to purchase a yoga mat at any discount retailer. For example, places like Ocean State Job Lot sell the same type of mats for around $5. Or, it is possible to buy a yoga mat with a pretty handled fabric back for about $15 at stores like Marshalls.

There are extra-long yoga mats available from specialty stores, but for the average yoga student, they are not needed.

5. Towel

A towel serves different purposes during yoga. If you are likely to sweat, bring a hand towel for wiping your face and to keep your hands dry.

Some yoga students like to cover their mat with a towel. This works fine for sitting poses, but is not very convenient or safe for standing or balancing poses.

During the meditation at the end of yoga class, a small or rolled up towel could also serve as a small pillow or as an eye cover, deeper relaxation.

While some people may want to use a towel instead of a yoga mat, it is not recommended. The towel could easily slip out from under your hands or feet and cause you fall. It's better to practice yoga directly on the floor rather than on a standard towel.

6. Water

Bring a bottle of water to yoga class. Yoga is exercise, and sometimes you do sweat. Most yoga classes last a minimum of one hour, and you would not go a whole hour on a treadmill without water.

There are certain poses and sequences which may be more vigorous than others, depending on the pace of the teacher, and you may get thirsty.

It is better to be prepared with a bottle of water than to have to leave class to find something to drink.