The Best Yoga Supplies

• A yoga mat is probably the most important of all yoga suppliles. Yagi Studio/Photodisc/Getty Images

  During your yoga practice, different yoga aids can help you to reach and stretch further as well as to relax and release stress. Listening to your body can help you decide when you need to use a strap or block and when you need to use them less to give yourself the opportunity to move into the pose without it.

Yoga Mat

• A mat gives your feet traction as you practice your yoga exercise and provides some cushion between you and the floor. Without one, you can slide on the floor and risk injury.

  Use a mat made from natural material such as rubber. Take a moment before you purchase a mat to fin out how it's made. Mats made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can contain harmful chemicals that manufacturers add to make them pliable.

  Thickness and color are something to consider. If you want more cushioning, pick a thicker mat. Pick a calming color that appeals to you to make it easier to release stress during your yoga practice.

Straps

• Straps allow you to move into poses more easily, hold them longer and avoid injuries.

  Manufacturers produce straps with D-rings so you can create a loop at the end of the strap or create one large loop. They usually use woven materials for strength, since this prop will be supporting your weight at times, so it's important that it doesn't break.

  However, you can use any long piece of soft material that you like. The belt from a bathrobe will work just as well because it is flexible, strong and soft.

Blocks

• Blocks can help you support weaker parts of your body during a pose or make it easier to complete a pose. Choose a block that is firm enough to support you but that has no sharp edges or that is too hard. Pain is not part of a good yoga experience.

  To test whether a block would be useful to your practice, roll up a towel and secure with masking tape. Use this during one of your sessions to see if investing in a block would aid your practice.

Atmosphere

• Music, candles, bells and flowers can enhance the yoga experience. None of them should be overpowering as this may distract you from a meditative state. Your goal in yoga should be to take a break from all the things that demand your attention.