All Geared Up and Ready to Go: My Practice Essentials

I love yoga gear. I know, many yogis would say that it's not very yogic to care about these things, but honestly, I find that if I'm distracted by a slippery mat, or pants that inch down as I practice, or hair in my face, that my practice suffers--mentally, physically, and emotionally. So, in my own experience, I've found that by having the right "gear," I can truly forget about what's going on around me and just be in the moment, in my body, and with my breath. This doesn't mean that the gear has to be expensive or even yoga-specific, and as I mentioned in my post last week, I love to practice in Threads 4 Thought tees and I've also been known to head over to Forever 21 to pick up bunch of $5 long-sleeved t-shirts to layer over my tanks. But no matter where you get your yoga supplies, I often find that students and teachers alike become very loyal to their favorite style, brand, or color once they find something that works for them.

So, I thought it would be fun to share some my yoga favorites...what are yours?

Photo via levitateyoga.com

Favorite Mat: Jade Harmony

Hands-down the best mat I've ever used! Totally slip-free (don't even need to use a towel!), thick enough to pad my knees, and fun colors. Can't be beat!

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Favorite Yoga Tank: Lululemon Cool Racerback

Although I didn't shop at Lulu for a long time because of principle (the clothes are so expensive!), once I tried this tank, I was sold on their brand. It's long enough and tight enough that it doesn't come up while you're practicing, but not too tight that you feel constricted. Amazing sweat-wicking fabric and SO comfortable. Now I can't practice without them!

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Photo via gap.com

 
Favorite Sports Bra: Gap Body Racerback Bra

A friend recommended this sports bra a few years ago, and I've been hooked ever since. It's not good for running or intense physical activity (not supportive enough), but I find that it's PERFECT for yoga. So comfy that  you forget that you're wearing a bra. Might not be ideal for my more top-heavy friends, but perfect for me :)

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Photo via Lululemon.com

Favorite Yoga Pants: Lululemon Astro Pants

Best yoga pants I've found. LOVE the Luon fabric (dries quickly!), no constricting waistband, and they don't ride down in the back while you're practicing (yayyyy!!!). Also, I hear that they give your behind a little boost ;) Expensive, but great quality so they last a long time.

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Photo via TranquiliT.com

Favorite Yoga Wrap/Cardigan: TranquiliT Long Sleeve Wrap Tunic

Love this wrap! I have it in this color (Santorini) and Noir, and I can't get enough of it. It can be worn in about 1000 ways (you can see the many ways on the website) and it is perfect for pairing with yoga clothes AND with tights for a night out. Big fan.

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keankanteen.com

Favorite Water Bottle: Klean Kanteen 40oz Stainless Steel Bottle

When Ben decided that this water bottle was a bit big for him, he bought a new one and gave his 40oz to me--little did he know, this was the BEST GIFT EVER! I've used this water bottle for about 2 years now, and it is the perfect size for a water-guzzler like me because I don't have to fill it up every second. Plus, the stainless steel keeps your water cold for a long time.

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Photo via Buzzillions.com

Favorite Headband for a sweaty practice/keeping hair out of face: Goody Stay Put Headbands

I hate it when my hair gets in my face while I'm practicing, and these headbands have been a life-saver! I never practice without one. Period.

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Photo via TranquiliT.com

Favorite Headband for Style: TranquiliT Head Band

Usually, thick cloth headbands don't work for my hair because it's is thin and slippery, so they just come right off. But, something about the way this one is made (maybe it's the cinching in the back/bottom or the thickness of the band?) keeps it on my head. It's amazing. I'm in love! Got it last week and wore it 3 days in a row. Only took it off to wash it :)

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Photo via store.americanapparel.net

Favorite Leg Warmers: American Apparel Long Leg Warmer

I know, yuck to American Apparel's owner and ad campaigns (sigh), but I do have to admit that I like their leg warmers. They're perfect for yoga and really do keep your legs warm without cramping your style while practicing.

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Photo via manduka.com

Favorite Block: Manduka Cork Block

I really like working with cork blocks because they're just so much more stable than foam ones. Manduka makes a great one that's pretty affordable at $19.00.

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Photo via chinagel.com

Favorite Yoga Massage Accessory: China Gel

I don't think you can beat China Gel for sore muscles, pain, and/or a tired body. GREAT for Savasana massages or shoulder massages during Pigeon (woohoo!). I have  a jar on my nightstand and often use it on my neck/shoulders before bed. It's magical!

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Photo via yogitoes.com

Favorite Yoga Towel: Yogitoes Skidless

These skidless towels come in both hand-towel size and full mat length, so you can choose what works best for you. If you sweat a lot, go for the full-size, but if not, hand-towel size should work. I find that if I'm not doing a heated practice, I don't actually need one with my Jade mat (provides enough no-slip as it is), but it's great for a really heated/sweaty practice.

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Photo via theyogaposes.com

And just because I love it SOOOO much....

Favorite Pose: PIGEON POSE!

Enough said :)

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For a list of my favorite yoga songs, see my Shake Your Asana post.

Share: What do you think about my favorites? Do you agree or disagree? What are your favorites? What can you not practice without? Post your favorites in the comments section :)

Namaste!
Mary Catherine