Unlike taking up sports, which solely involve fitness, a practice like yoga involves the mind, body and soul collectively. From combining the breath with movement to emptying the mind in meditative states to gaining strength and flexibility, the benefits are numerous to such fruitful practice.

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering where and how to start doing yoga. Whether you’re interested in yoga practice for its physical or psychological benefits, it’s about time for us all to prioritize fitness and self-care in preparation for meeting our new year’s goals. In this guide, we have you covered with the basics of yoga, different types of classes and their benefits, and we’ve rounded up some of the equipment and clothes you’ll need to start the practice.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient discipline that involves mental, physical and spiritual aspects. Various styles of yoga combine movement, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation and restoration practices. Besides doing yoga to maintain mental and physical well-being, the practice has more rewards in regards to promoting strength, endurance and flexibility. The origin of the word “Yoga” means to join or to yoke; which means that a yoga practice involves your whole body, mind and spirit to achieve equilibrium. It is advised to pair a yoga practice with meditation to get the utmost benefit, stimulate inner peace and enhance the overall quality of your practice. 

Types of Yoga Classes

Below are the most common types of yoga classes you’ll see listed at yoga studios or start on your own at home. Find out what each class encompasses if you’re confused about which style to try

Hatha yoga is a traditional branch of yoga that involves doing a set of yoga poses practiced at a slow to moderate pace and focused on controlled movements. This style is a great starting point for beginners.

Vinyasa yoga, also known as “yoga flow”, is a practice of a constant flow of movements in alignment with the breath, usually done at a moderate to fast pace to build heat, which has a great regenerative effect. A vinyasa class is considered challenging for beginners since it involves more than one aspect of yoga and it requires bodily strength. Unless the class says “Vinyasa for beginners”, it’s best to get acquainted with other styles of yoga before trying it.

Power Yoga a hybrid form of yoga, the power yoga style focuses on building stamina and strength with cardiovascular exercises, repetitions and at times using weight combined with yoga moves/ poses. Power yoga helps build lean muscle and lose weight. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to get a workout more than a yoga session, and also work on their flexibility.

Restorative Yoga the mellow side of yoga; a restorative yoga class works on calming down the nervous system and releasing bodily tension through a series of yoga poses held for longer periods of time - although practitioners hardly move at all. These yoga poses are done with the help of props including bolsters, blocks and blankets and they’re not supposed to feel like a workout or an intense stretch, but rather rest. The purpose is to train the nervous system to relax by entering a state of restoration. Restorative yoga is for you if you want to alleviate symptoms of stress or anxiety and enhance your mood and sleep quality.

What is a Yoga Practice best for?

Yoga comes in various branches and styles and each kind with its own lineage leading to wide-ranging benefits. However, the results most yoga classes have in common are their increased strength, flexibility and unmatched therapeutic benefits. While picking a yoga class, the best thing to do is to explore different yoga styles to decide which is your cup of tea. It’s advisable to start at your own level, by looking for yoga for beginners or an all-level class to ensure you don’t injure yourself or go beyond your limits in an advanced one.

Yoga Gear Every Practitioner should have

Whether you’re building a practice at home or you attend sessions at your local yoga studio, it’s best to have your own yoga equipment with you. From yoga gear to the essential yoga accessories, here’s what you need to pack with you for an effective yoga session.

Yoga Mats

Having your own yoga mat is not only great for hygienic purposes, but it can also motivate you to develop the habit of practice. Choose a high-grip yoga mat with a 10mm thickness if you’re a beginner to get maximum support for your wrists and knees, and gradually work your way with less thickness as you develop strength.

Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks help prop you by “bringing the earth closer to your body” as yoga teachers put it. A block can help prevent injury by anchoring your body, grounding you and modifying yoga poses for your level, hence they’re a great prop for a beginner’s class.

Yoga Strap

From helping you stretch to supporting you and increasing your flexibility, a yoga strap is versatile enough to effectively help decrease tension, lower your risk of injury on the mat and perfect your body alignment. 

Other yoga equipment that you could use are knee pads to support your knees during yoga poses, meditation cushions and yoga bolsters as well as yoga mat carriers or bags.

What to Wear to Yoga

Yoga involves a variety of poses that have you move your body in unexpected ways, from twisting to bending to moving upside down. A rule of thumb when it comes to yoga clothing is to choose breathable and comfortable clothes to allow free movement.

Yoga Bras

Depending on the kind of yoga you’re practicing, opt for a high-impact yoga bra for fast-paced, intense sessions. If you’re going for a slow-paced beginner class, it’s best to wear a low-impact yoga bra to offer you the right support.

Yoga Leggings

The perfect yoga leggings are light enough to help you move freely and heavy enough not to be the see-through kind. Invest in quality yoga pants that are designed specifically with yogis in mind like the ones featured at Azadea.

Fitted Tops

Fitted Tops will hold up your torso nicely and won’t hang over your head during yoga inversions

Ready to kickstart your body, mind and soul journey? We hope by now you are. Azadea.com has you covered with all the yoga sportswear and equipment you need to help you perform your best.