The Many Benefits Of Yoga
Thinking of taking up yoga, but not quite sure where to start? Any day is a good day to take up yoga or get back into it. To help you get started, I’m sharing a few best buys to help you get the most of out your yoga sessions.
Yoga can help you find a slice of calm and tranquility in your day, reducing stress and improving your overall physical and mental health. The benefits of yoga have been increasingly reported, including, but not limited to :
Increased flexibility, improved cardiovascular & circulatory health, improved mental health, reduced stress, increased muscle strength and tone, improved spinal flexibility that could help with some back pain, potentially help alleviate arthritis symptoms, improve sleep, and increase general feelings of wellness.
Top 5 Yoga Products
Make sure to start with your best foot forward and get prepared first. Here are 5 top picks for yoga beginners.
1. Mat
I bought the Proworks Yoga Mat recently. This is the large size, which means you have enough room to stretch properly while not being too big that you can’t find anywhere to put it. It’s made from latex-free, phthalate-free NBR foam and it can be used indoors and outdoors. It measures approx 183cm length, 60cm width & 1cm height. The thickness is just right for yoga because mats that are too thick can affect balance, while those that are thinner don’t give you enough padding and protection from the floor. It comes with a strap holder so it folds up out of the way and can be carried easily. I find it rolls out flat well without curling up, and holds its position on carpet without moving. You can practice standard yoga positions or try out some gymnastics, general stretching, abdominal workouts and pilates.
US: Amazon’s range of yoga mats
2. DVD
There are a few DVDs available for newbies, so I’d suggest checking out the well-reviewed BodyWisdom Yoga For Beginners DVD.
There’s also a DVD guide to chair yoga, which may be a great alternative for those with mobility problems.
If you don’t have a DVD player, or find it easier to set up your laptop or tablet in front of you, then check out YouTube for video clips and Google search for websites that provide illustrated positions and stretches.
3. Stretching / Resistance Bands
These are great for various yogi moves, as well as for general stretching of muscles.
One to try is the elevons set of 5 bands, with storage bag. The brightly coloured bands are even labelled to remind you which provides the most and least resistance.
US : Amazon’s similar alternative from NeeBooFit
4. Exercise Ball
These gym balls are great for general exercises, stretches and yoga positions. You need to look for one that’s durable, anti-burst and that comes with a pump if you don’t have your own to use. The Proworks Ball gets great reviews so that’s what I’ll recommend here.
5. Handy Guide Book
A reference book will make an invaluable guide when it comes to yoga poses and stretches. The Beginner’s Bible is a popular choice and you can opt for it as a paperback or Kindle download.
20 comments
These are great essentials for any new yogi! I wish you a peaceful day – yoga included <3
Thanks Christy. Yogi – I love that word! Wishing you a peaceful day also 🙂
Caz x
I have been practising yoga for more or less ten years now and would recommend it to anybody !
Try Yoga with Adriene on YouTube- quite an easy way of getting into things x
Good luck x
Aggie
That’s a great tip, thanks Aggie! 🙂
A very timely post for me as we are leaving tomorrow for a yoga retreat! Thanks for posting 🙂
Ooo a yoga retreat sounds fantastic! Hope you’re having an amazing (and relaxing) time – would love to hear more about Manzanillo Mexico and how you get on in your blog soon 🙂
Caz x
Brilliant post and very useful. I have most of these but still no exercise ball. I keep thinking I must get one. They look really useful but also fun! 🙂 xxx
I think the same, the problem is just where to put it..! Would love to hear what you think if you do get one – I imagine Dizzy would have plenty of fun with it too! xx
I need to start yoga ASAP to tackle my back pain
It can help a lot of people with a lot of issues, so I hope it can work for you, even if a little bit. Definitely worth a try (or speak to your GP/physio first if you’re not sure)! 🙂
I’ve been considering giving yoga a go. I’ve done some basic videos from YouTube, but I’m definitely keen to find out more 🙂
Perhaps this year is the time to give it a proper go Angela, see if you like it! 🙂
I have done Yoga in the past and found it challenging and spiritually centering.
That’s good to hear! Any reason you stopped doing it? Is it something you’d like to take up again? 🙂
Resistant bands make all the difference in a workout and really help strengthen your muscles! I am obsessed!
I had these before for general stretches and it took me a while to figure out how to really use them, but you’re right, they make a big difference! 🙂
Nice post. 🙂 I’ve been thinking about giving yoga a try sometime, and this post is a good reminder of the many benefits of it. I tend to enjoy more fast-paced workouts, but I can definitely appreciate the calming aspects of yoga. <3
The slower pace makes you think it’s not really exercise or that it’s not as beneficial, so it’s a bit different to get your head around I think. I hope you do give yoga a try and you can let us all know what you think – you may become a yogi convert! 🙂
Caz, I have nominated you for the Brotherhood of the World Bloggers’ Award! You have such a kindness and passion towards helping others, even with your own struggles. Praying for you! God loves you!
That’s so lovely of you, thank you Gail!!
Wishing you a lovely weekend 🙂