The above is an image I created for my Shabby-Savvy Maven blog. I've since quit blogging under that name, but you may still find some of the things I wrote interesting. This was my take on a "beauty and DIY" blog. But, it didn't take off; and I didn't have near as much passion as I do here!
I went ahead and compiled a list of my 7 essentials for any new yoga student. Whether it be for at home practice or to bring with you to your yoga practices;
1. Strap – I am still in search of the PERFECT strap that works just as the ones in my actual yoga studio do. I find the ones that I’m finding are too thin for me or are too short. I’m sure it is that I am not looking in the right place. I found mine at Dick's Sporting Goods. My next strap will be from the Yoga Accessories website. These seem super similar to the ones I have in class.
2. Blocks – You can find these cheapest probably at Five Below. They work the same and are also structured the same. I’ve seen these range at other stores from $10-$20 depending on the size and brand.
3. LIP BALM – I particularly am in love with my Rosebud Salve Strawberry Lip Balm, but I also always keep a Burt’s Bees on me. I've always got Burt's Bees on me! It's an obsession!
4. Yoga Bag – Or gym bag I suppose. My absolute FAVORITE is this bag from Thirty-One. I actually have it in this print too! When I ordered mine, I embroidered “Here for Savasana” on the front. (It gets me a lot of laughs!) My yoga mat fits perfectly on the back of the bag. There’s a spot for my stinky shoes… AND when I’m wearing earrings, or even traveling with them, there are even holes for you to pin them to! I am SO in love with this bag! I'm not sure that it is still available. My advice to you is to find a yoga bag that you LOVE!
5. Hair ties – DUH!!! (trust me, you'll thank me later!)
6. Yoga Mat – You can find these cheapest (and sometimes cutest) at Five Below. I feel the quality is more or less the same as what you'd find at Target, WalMart or even some Yoga Accessories at a fraction of the price. Most of the time the print are even prettier! But if you would rather get an “official” sport store yoga mat, that’s fine too… Expect to pay between $30 and $200 depending on where you go and what kind of mat you get. My suggestion would be to hit up your local Marshall's or TJ Maxx if you're looking at investing in a "pro" mat.
If you go around January (or the time when gym and work out gear tend to be 'in season') you'll find lots of Manduka and Jade mats for a fraction of the cost. Last January, I got my purple Jade mat for $49.99 (as opposed to the $80 retail cost). Just do your research and be on the look out at all times for good deals!
7. Water bottle – You don’t always realize how intense yoga can be vs. working out at the gym. You can sweat just as much, and need to replenish your body just as if you were working out on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym. You’re just working your muscles in different ways. Most yoga studios offer water complimentary, BUT some require you to bring your own bottle.
And there you have it… my 7 essentials for any yoga beginner!
Please, don't be afraid to integrate these things into your classes or home practice! In fact, I'd love to hear how you're doing just that. Shoot me an email or leave me a comment below!
Namaste,
M