Yoga exercise equipment - mats, straps, blocks and balls

Yoga exercise equipment is designed to assist in the proper alignment and support of the body during various yoga positions. There are a number of different tools to help with challenging positions, stretches and relaxation. The word yoga means to bind or unify and is a method of discipline divided into eight different sections. Today the most commonly practiced division of yoga is asana. It involves a series of physical positions or poses that were originally intended to provide the physical strength and endurance for meditation. It was also intended to cleanse the body. Modern-day yoga is used for relaxation, strength training and stress relief.

Mats
Mats are the most commonly used yoga exercise equipment. They provide a non-slip, cushioned surface to keep hands and feet from slipping on floors. They cost between £10 and £30 and come in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Blocks and Bricks

Yoga blocks and bricks help to reduce the distance to the floor making stretch positions easier for those who cannot reach. They come in various sizes to suit people of all heights and flexibilities. Blocks can also be used in a number of other stretch positions to increase strength and flexibility. These cost between £4 and £14.

Grip Blocks

Grips blocks look similar to dumbbells used in weight training but are made from high-density foam blocks positioned on either end of a metal bar. The blocks elevate the bar off the ground and the bar provides the grip. They are used in weight-bearing poses to reduce the stress in wrist joints and elbows to prevent injuries. Grip blocks cost approximately £25.

Straps

Straps are arguably one of the most useful forms of yoga exercise equipment available as the help with stretch poses by extending your reach. They also enable you to hold stretches and positions for longer which helps to increase flexibility. Straps cost less than £5 although more expensive designs are available.

Exercise ball

Exercise balls are air-filled balls that provide support in various positions and can also be used in strengthening exercises for abdominal muscles. Prices range from £5 to £30.

Yoga support cushions:

Bolsters - Cylindrical or rectangular shaped cushions designed to help support the body in stretches and difficult positions. They can cost upwards of £30.

Neck pillows - Comfortable supports for the neck for lying-down positions. A good quality pillow costs around £20.

Zafu - Rounded cushion used for sitting on during meditation or yoga sitting positions. A good Zafu will cost about £35.

Zabuton - Square-shaped pillow used for cushioning the knees and ankles in sitting positions. Quality Zabutons can cost around £40.

Yoga chair

Yoga chairs are chairs designed to facilitate various yoga positions and stretches but they can also be used for elderly or beginner yoga students. Any yoga position that can be done on a mat can be modified for the chair making it easier for those with joint problems to perform the poses. Chairs also provide a sense of security for beginners as they are supported in their positions. This helps to increase flexibility, strength and confidence. They can cost anything from £25 to £125.

Yoga lift

A yoga lift is a metal frame in a shape similar to a chair with a large C shape cut into the seat. They are designed to make headstands easier and more comfortable by providing handles for balance, a padded support for shoulders and by keeping the head elevated off the floor. Yoga lifts can be fairly expensive at around £70 for a good, sturdy design.

Top yoga exercise equipment brand to look out for include Hugger Mugger, YogaGear and AeroMat.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Yoga Exercise Equipment

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