Yoga class - yoga clothing what to wear

WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS/WHAT TO WEAR?

Most people think only of a yoga mat when they consider attending a yoga class but this is not always the case. There are many different styles of yoga and these differing styles can need many differing props.

When practicing in a studio in the summer months it can get very hot. Some teachers believe in closing all the windows to heat up the room and as a method of releasing toxins from the body of the students. Bikram yoga is founded on this theory and they turn up the heat to around 105F for each class. This in turn can bring a lot of sweat in the students.

It is a kind idea to bring a towel for adjustments in these cases. For the teacher who is trying to help the student into a difficult pose or helping them to go deeper into a posture this is very kind and helpful. Laying your body on top of a very sweaty student is all in the name of yoga and service but a towel in between is also good!!!

Shaucha is the first of the Nyamas (rules for living) and this is about cleanliness and purity and being responsible for your own cleanliness in the world. Bringing your own towel will probably get you more adjustments, not only as the teacher can use the towel for the adjustment and their protection from the sweat but also as they realise you are respecting them and their role in the class.

Wearing comfortable and appropriate clothing is also a good idea. Stretchy fabric will help you a lot as you can manoeuvre your way through the postures with clothing that will allow stretch and contain your body. There are many interesting and functional yoga wear companies around now, just start to look around. There are also many new fabrics being invented all the time that work well with yoga.

Supplex is a new fabric on the market that draws the sweat away from your body and keeps you cool as you practice. This fabric is very strong and durable and is available in a myriad of colours.

Appropriate dressing is also a good practice in yoga class. Wearing the smallest of the smalls for either sex is really not a helpful way to be in yoga class. Yoga is all about releasing the ego and wearing small shorts is just not helpful to either the teacher or the other students. Unless of course you are wanting the attention, which means you should be practicing far more than you currently are!!!

Hair pulled back and kept out of the way will be helpful to yourself as you will not be pushing it around all the time which will take away from your yoga practice. Your teacher will also thank you as they will not be breathing it in as they adjust you in your postures.

Asteya, the 3rd of the Yamas (laws of life) is about energetic integrity. Share the class energetically with others, don't hog the teacher. She/he has time and room for all of the students and all can grow their practice together. This awareness in a yoga class will follow through to your life outside the class and the results will be very pleasing.

Yoga teaches us to be kind to each other and respect each other. Let it filter down through your existence and feel and appreciate how much easier life can be.