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| What should I wear to practice yoga? |
People who decide to start self-improvement through asana and breathing practices are faced
with a choice - what to wear for yoga? What to wear to feel comfortable during training and
look appropriate at the same time? According to instructors, there are no clear rules for choosing
a suit, each practitioner can dress according to his taste. At the same time, the success of training
depends largely on the form, because too tight or too loose clothes can prevent you from
performing exercises correctly.
What to wear to yoga?
People who decided to start self-improvement with the help of asanas and breathing practices,
are faced with a choice - what to do yoga in? What to wear to feel comfortable during training
and look appropriate at the same time? According to instructors, there are no clear rules for
choosing a suit, each practitioner can dress according to his taste. At the same time, the success
of the classes largely depends on the form, because too tight or too loose clothes can prevent the
correct performance of exercises.
The main criterion for choosing a uniform for this sport is convenience. Yoga clothes should not
slip, squeeze or constrict movements when taking any pose. Since it is difficult to stand on your
head or stretch in loose, flowing clothes, it is better to choose a tight suit for training.
Clothing for different types of yoga
When choosing a sports uniform, you should take into account the direction in which you will
be practicing. Varieties of yoga are many, they differ from each other in the intensity of
movements, and therefore - require different clothes.
The most popular directions:
The heat should cause profuse sweating, which leads to cleansing of the body, so the lightest
possible clothing is appropriate. From heating the muscles relax, which contributes to the
successful performance of stretching exercises - make sure that your suit can withstand them,
and not torn at the right moment.
Hatha yoga includes coordination and breath control exercises - choose a spacious suit without
tight elastic bands.
Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic trend, in which intense exercises alternate with calmer movements.
The suit should stretch well and keep its shape.
Iyengar yoga implies a long stay in one pose - it is better if the clothes will not compress or
squeeze the body anywhere.
Ashtanga yoga is another dynamic system in which exercises are performed without stopping.
A tight-fitting uniform that won't slip or snag during the most vigorous movements is suitable
for practicing.
Upper body
Choose the top of the suit depending on the direction of yoga and your preferences. It can be a
top, tank top, t-shirt or even a tunic. For bikram yoga women can wear a sports bra (bra), men
can practice with a bare torso. When doing relaxation exercises, put on a light sweater or
sweatshirt with sleeves - they will keep you warm and can be removed during active movements.
Lower body
The most suitable for this sport are considered to be sharovars - afghani or alladines made of
soft material. They reliably cover the waist, do not constrict movements. However, the
abundance of fabric can interfere with the performance of many asanas. Therefore, it is better to
wear stretch leggings, breeches, knitted tight pants. Men can wear medium-length, not wide
shorts.
What material to choose yoga clothes from?
It is believed that a yogi's suit should be made of natural fabrics that do not interfere with the
energy exchange between man and the universe. Cotton is especially popular - it absorbs
moisture well, is pleasant to the body, allows the skin to breathe freely, does not cause allergies.
However, there are several disadvantages associated with natural fibers:
- The material quickly fades, deforms under intensive training.
- Sloppy lint forms on the fabric.
- Cotton wrinkles, sticks to a sweaty body, absorbs odors - by the end of the session, the form
looks and also smells rather unaesthetic.
- Natural wool electrifies when in contact with synthetics - in particular, with a mat.
More durable, beautiful, practical suit becomes, if a small amount of artificial threads - lycra,
elastane, polyester - is added to cotton. The material fully retains the advantages of natural fiber,
but also acquires additional useful properties.
Clothing made of mixed fabrics:
- Elastic - it stretches well, does not lose its shape.
- Draws moisture to the surface, making the body drier.
- Perfectly fits the figure.
- Does not absorb odors.
- Does not tear, keeps aesthetic appearance for a long time.
- Exerts a beneficial impact on blood circulation and enhances muscle tone.
- Easy to wash, dries quickly.
- Pleasant to the touch.
Dyed in different colors, so that each athlete can pick up a suit of his favorite shade.
Yoga clothes can also be made of high-tech artificial materials, which were created specifically
for different sports.
How to choose a color?
The color scheme of clothes can be any - in its choice you can follow your own tastes. But since yoga is not only a sport, but also a philosophical teaching, the color of the form is given special attention. It is believed that a wrongly chosen suit can interfere with the exchange of energies, prevent the achievement of harmony with the world.
When choosing, you need to take into account the meanings of colors that have long been known
to psychologists and esotericists:
- Black - this color is considered magical. It carries the energy of destruction and symbolizes the
goddess Kali. Dark clothes give the adept the power of asceticism and renunciation, but with
frequent wear can cause homesickness in an untrained person.
- White is an equally important color for yogis. It is dedicated to the supreme deity of the Hindu
pantheon - Shiva and serves as a symbol of spiritual perfection.
The color red symbolizes the Muladhara, which is the first chakra. It is well suited for power or
dynamic yoga, but can overexcite the nervous system.
Orange is the color of the second chakra, Swadhisthana. Clothes of this bright shade help to
maintain vigor - they are well suited for morning active practices.
- Yellow is the color of the third chakra, Manipura. It symbolizes the sun. It is worn by those
wishing to achieve spiritual enlightenment. A "sunny" suit will have a beneficial effect on
concentration, in it you can go to classical hatha yoga classes.
- Green corresponds to the fourth, heart chakra. It is considered "natural", that is, the most
comfortable for the human eye. The shape of the color of spring leaves will make the adept more
calm, strengthen sincerity.
- Blue and blue are the colors of the fifth and sixth chakras, Vishudha and Ajna. Shades of the
sky will help the yogi to achieve peace, clarify the mind, increase the ability to concentrate.
Such a suit can be worn for any practice.
- Purple is another "magical" color. It corresponds to the main energy center of the energy
system, the seventh, "crown" chakra - Sahasrara. It promotes the development of intuition and
is ideal for meditation.
Do I need shoes?
Yoga is commonly practiced with bare feet. It is believed that bare feet allow you to quickly
restore the energy balance of the body. In addition, practicing barefoot stimulates biologically
active points on the foot, helps to harden the body and improve immunity.
What kind of clothes should be avoided?
You should not choose an ordinary tracksuit for training - it will be uncomfortable to perform
stretches in it.
Not suitable for training wide shorts or straight pants - when inverted asanas pants will fall down,
exposing your underwear.
Sleeves should be discarded, as they interfere with arm movements.
Too stiff, tight things are not suitable - they slow down blood circulation and interfere with free
breathing.
Avoid clothes made of cheap synthetics - such a form will quickly wrinkle, polish from sweat
and lose the attractive look. And most importantly - it will not allow your skin to breathe freely,
which will significantly reduce the effectiveness of practices.
Refuse things too bright acid colors, ambiguous prints, frank outfits with deep seductive
cleavage.
Pockets, hoods, zippers, rough seams, Velcro, buttons, rhinestone jewelry, ties, thin slipping
straps - all these details will cause discomfort or prevent you from concentrating on your
exercises.
Tips for choosing clothes
Once you've chosen a set, put it on, then stand in front of a mirror. Do a few vigorous bends and
wave your arms and legs widely in different directions. Lower your body, placing your hands on
the floor for support. Lie on your back, lift your hips. Get on all fours and get into a push-up
position. Intense movements will help to check the strength of the fabric and seams, and thus
avoid embarrassment during the exercise.
While performing the movements, look at yourself in the mirror - maybe your clothes are
slipping or scuffing, revealing what you would like to hide from others. Ladies should be
concerned that when performing asanas, their bust is not exposed in too deep a neckline.
Yoga Accessories
Aside from your uniform, you'll need a variety of other things.
Mat
Many asanas are done lying down. Yogis use special mats so that the body does not ache from
contact with the hard floor, and the arms and legs do not move apart during intense movements.
These items are available for purchase at a sports store. But if you do not want to spend money
or are not sure that you will be practicing for a long time, you can use common yoga mats - in
most centers it is free of charge.
Experienced athletes believe that using a personal mat is safer and more hygienic:
- Mats made of cheap, slippery materials are often purchased for general use - practicing on
them can lead to injury.
- Mats are sometimes made of toxic synthetics - workouts can end up with allergies or even
poisoning.
- If the mat is too thin or uncomfortable, it will be painful to rest your hands and knees on it, as
well as to do rolls.
Doing many asanas causes you to sweat profusely. Will you want to lie down with sweaty body
on the mat, on which several people lay before you in the same way? Or to walk barefoot on a
mat that has not been washed for a long time?
Socks
Although you'll have to work out barefoot, barefoot beginners may get cold or just feel
unaccustomed. They are allowed to take light cotton socks for training. However, be aware that
because of the fabric the foot will slide on the mat during asanas, which will make your body
position unstable and may lead to injuries. In addition, in some poses you will need to grasp the
big toe with your hand, which will be hindered by the sock.
Gloves
To keep your hands steady on the mat and not slippery, buy a pair of rubberized gloves like
socks. This accessory will make it easier to keep your balance and successfully master asanas,
as well as make the activity more comfortable.
Hair accessories
Hair falling in your face will make it hard for you to concentrate on your exercises. Take an
elastic band, bandana or elastic bandage to keep your mind occupied.
Towel
This accessory is not a must-have, but a towel will come in handy to wipe away sweat or to
cover your mat.
Napkins
Take paper tissues or a cloth handkerchief - you may need them after the breathing exercises.
If you come to class in sandals or flip flops in the summer, also bring wet wipes to wipe your
feet before your workout.
Water bottle
You'll be thirsty after an intense practice, so take water. Although it's best to refrain from
drinking during the practice itself, especially before inverted asanas.
Clothing and accessories should contribute to the success of training and achieving harmony
with the world. By carefully preparing for classes, choosing a beautiful uniform and a
comfortable eco-friendly mat, buying special socks and gloves, you not only ensure personal
comfort, but also emphasize the significant role of yoga in your life.