While yoga props can be nice to have around, the truth is that you really don’t need anything besides yourself to practice yoga. The most important tool necessary for practicing yoga is the best, most positive attitude you can bring to each session.

What to Wear During Yoga Practice

Any loose fitting clothes (or none at all) will suffice. Some people prefer stretch clothing. As you progress you’re sure to discover which type of clothing best suits you during yoga practice. Typically, yoga is practiced barefoot, though soft shoes, socks or special gripping yoga socks may be worn.

Where to Practice Yoga

You can practice yoga in any quiet and secluded spot in your home. When looking for a yoga studio, consider such things as noise levels, ventilation, cleanliness and possible distractions.

How to Prepare for Yoga Class

It is optimal to practice yoga on an empty stomach, though 1-2 hours after eating leaves a reasonable amount of time for energy to be redirected after digestion. If you feel you may become too hungry during yoga practice, feel free to drink a glass of juice or eat a piece of fruit an hour or so before yoga class.

It’s always a good idea to drink a tall glass of water before beginning yoga practice. Also, if you find that your sinuses are congested, take a moment to clear your nasal passages as best as you can.

Duration for Beginning Yoga Practice

As little as 20 minutes of yoga practice each day can yield positive results and health benefits. Start out easy and don’t ever strain yourself. Relax into the stretches and poses, but never force your muscles to stretch beyond their range. When you feel pain, ease up and/or take a break.

It is more important that yoga be done regularly and frequently than for a set duration of time. Practicing yoga for 15 minutes every day will have more positive results than 2 hours once a week.

Yoga Props

Many people enjoy using yoga props as they advance to more challenging poses or wish to push their flexibility to new strata. The use of yoga props can help achieve greater range of stretching in some positions, or can assist in achieving proper alignment.

The use of yoga props can also help to reduce the amount of strain on muscles or help those with particular physical limitations to overcome these hurdles by adding support.

Some good yoga props for beginners include:

• good quality yoga mat
• yoga strap or belt
• natural fiber blanket
• a chair with arm rests
• yoga bricks / blocks

Yoga Tips and Cautions

During yoga practice use deep breathing to help focus your attention on the movement at hand. Yoga is not only about poses, but about the movement occuring throughout yoga practice.

Remember that yoga is not about competition, as the technique invovled is much more important than the extent to which you can stretch this or that muscle.

The best way to practice yoga is to simply exist in that moment, in the movement at hand. The more relaxed you are the better you’ll feel, and the more easily you’ll be able to find the best positioning and technique.