Gear Guide

What do you need to begin a Yoga Practice?

Here are our recommendations about what to wear to class and a preview of the kinds of props and equipment you’ll see at Source Yoga (and might want to have at home). We’ve also included some books, CD’s, and DVD’s that will start you on your way even if you don’t have regular access to a teacher.


Props

Props are available to students to use at no charge. Students can also order props through the studio for their at home practice, (prices provided below.)

Mat:

Source Yoga has mats for students to use at no charge. But if you’re going to class with any regularity, you’ll want a mat of your own, both for hygienic reasons and for practicing at home between classes. It does not compromise on stickiness and is a great companion if you a cyclist. It’s sticky, offers good cushion, and comes in a variety of colours. There is the Eco Mat which is as thick as the Tapas mat but is made from recycled rubber so it is more friendly to the environment.

Available for order is the Halfmoons most widely loved Studio mat ($30). It is durable enough for heavy-duty studio use and perfect for at home use. Its waffled surface resists slipping, making it ideal for an energetic practice. If you’re new to yoga, its stability makes it a great starter mat.  Made of PVC, it is latex-free, lightweight and easy to clean. Size: 4mm (1/8 inch) thick, standard 72 x 24 inches


Block:

Source Yoga offers the use of two different kinds of blocks. One is a thin, chip foam block ($12) that is placed beneath the sitting bones to elevate the pelvis when doing seated poses to prevent slouching while supporting the elongation of the spine. The other is a thick rectangular shaped block ($15) that lets you “raise the floor” to meet your hand in a pose like Half moon, or can be a placed beneath your sacrum in Bridge to balance the pelvis.


Strap:

A strap ($11) is a good aid for reaching things you can’t yet, like your foot in Reclining Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose. Basic Alignment classes will teach you how to use the Yoga strap effectively to enhance your flexibility as well as to stabilize joints to hold poses longer. They also can be used to hold your limbs in place and are used extensively in restorative poses practiced in our Rest and Renew Classes.


Blanket:

A blanket provides cushioning under knees and hips and can be folded in all kinds of ways to prop your shoulders in Shoulderstand, your wayward hip in Pigeon pose, and bottom(to get a better forward tilt) in seated forward bends. It can also keep you warm during your final rest in Savasana. The Studio provides either fleece or wool blankets for your comfort and ease.


Bolster:

A bolster is used to support you in a variety of reclining poses like Reclining Hero Pose or placed behind the knees in Savasana. It is used extensively in the restorative poses done in our Rest and Renew Classes and provides great comfort and release. They are ideal for someone who has chronic pain or experiences fatigue. They get you off your feet and help you relax and replenish your energy.

Two Bolsters are available: Cylindrical Yoga Bolster ,8 x 24 inches (20 x 61cm) ($66) and Rectangular Yoga Bolster, 5 x 10 x 24 inches (13 x 25 x 61cm) ($72)


Clothing

Women’s Bottoms:

There is a reason baggy sweatpants aren’t ideal for yoga class, especially for beginners. The teacher needs to be able to see your body in order to observe your alignment. For a sleek look combined with durability, try Lululemon Athletica’s Groove Pant or their Capri’s. When it comes to yoga apparel, a pair of basic yoga pants is a good place to splurge ’ you’ll get your money’s worth from repeated wearings.


Women’s Tops:

You’ll want a comfortable and supportive top that provides coverage where you need it throughout a full range of motion, but also one that’s not too baggy, so that the teacher can see the lines of your body. A good rule of thumb is if when you lift from a forward bend to a standing position you need to adjust your shirt and pull it down, the shirt is too baggy. You should be able to transition from pose to pose without feeling conspicuous from poorly fitting clothes. If you are long in the torso, Lululemon Athletica (lululemon.com) and Hard Tail Forever (hardtailforever.com) make tops that fit well. If you’re looking for organic cotton, check out Blue Canoe (bluecanoe.com), or Inner Waves Organics (innerwaves.org). For tops that provide extra support try Lululemon or Athleta (athleta.gap.com)


Men’s Bottoms:

Whether you choose pants or shorts, look for lightweight fabric and a style that fits comfortably. You’ll want to choose shorts that are long enough that they don’t ride up. Prana (prana.com) and Lululem Athletica (lululemon.com) make a variety of shorts and pants in styles and fabrics suitable for Yoga class. For a more organic cotton look and feel try Natural High (naturalhigh.com) and their bamboo line.


Men’s Tops:

Choose a shirt that’s relatively form fitting and allows for a full range of movement. If you tend to sweat or are doing a Vinyasa flow class you’ll want a fabric that can wick moisture away from your body. Try tops from Lululemon Athletica (lululemon.com)


Study Guides

Build a media library to supplement your education – and stay inspired as you practice at home.


Books:


Music:


Videos: