FAQs on Yoga: What do I need to bring for yoga class?

Usually yoga studios can provide yoga mats for new students. But it is a good idea to invest in a good one after you have gone for trial classes and have decided to commit to a regular yoga practice. This means that you can clean the mat yourself and also means that you can practice at home.

Yoga "sticky mats" are essentially flexible PVC sheets normally 3-5mm in thickness and measuring about 60cm by 160-170cm – an area large enough for you to lie down flat on. They provide cushioning and traction in yoga poses. As the yoga mat is probably the only essential equipment you need for yoga practice, it makes sense to invest in a good yoga mat. Yoga mats range widely in prices from about $20 to $100 or more. This is often a confusing situation for new yoga students. These mats are usually produced in China, Taiwan, Australia, Germany or the United States and the prices largely reflect the relative costs of production and shipping from these countries: those from China and Taiwan costs less than those from Australia, Europe and the U.S. Sometimes more stringent environmental protection regulation means that the mats produced in the European Union costs more as the manufacturers need to use environmentally safe materials.

For your own purposes, choose the best mats within your budget. Be sure to check the following qualities of your yoga mat buy which are not necessarily reflected in the prices:

• Does the mat provide adequate support? Press the mat layer between your thumb and index finger – Does the mat as soft as a sponge, too soft to offer any support? Or does it display some good firmness under pressure?
• Is the thickness of the mat suitable? Generally, a yoga mat that is too thin 3mm or less is not recommended for beginners as it may not provide you with enough cushioning. Interestingly, a mat that is too thick 6mm or more may not be a good idea either! So never do yoga on your mattress!
• Does the mat provide slip resistence? Use your palm to press and slide against the surface of the yoga mat. Does your hand slide too easily against it or does the surface texture or stickiness provide you with some helpful grip?
• How durable is the yoga mat? The price of the mat must be considered together with its durability. If possible, scratch the surface of a mat sample with your fingernail or a coin: a good mat can take several scratches without its surface showing any signs of crumbling. Some mats crumble after just two or three scratches.
• Is the mat easy to clean and maintain? Some manufacturers can guarantee that their mats can be thrown into your washing machine to be washed! Usually mats only need to be surfaced cleaned – just wipe with a damp cloth and allow to air dry.
• Is the mat ecologically safe & are its materials tested against harmful ingredients? You will have to discard your mat one day. If possible check to see if the manufacturers ensure the safety of the materials so that these are not toxic to the user nor the environment.
  

Besides a yoga mat, a large bath towel is a good thing to have with you as you can lay it over your mat if you have sweaty palms or soles. You can also use the towel as a blanket when you lie down at the end of the class for the relaxation session. Some yoga studios can get quite cold when your body starts to cool down after a good workout! Do not attempt to use the towel in place of a yoga mat though. It does not provide adequate cushioning and it tends to slide around on a smooth floor.

Bring your water bottle – drink up before and after class to keep well-hydrated. Remember to go to the toilet before your class though. It would be hard to hold it in when you are trying to do some of the yoga poses. . .