6 gifts to give your yogi

There is more to yoga gift-giving than buying a mat. Of course, there is nothing wrong with giving your favorite yogi a top-of-the-line mat, but plopping down ten dollars for a beginner’s mat at your local big box store simply won’t cut it. So, what exactly are some of the more thoughtful items you can give your yogi? We take a look at six of the best yoga gifts out right now.

Buying a gift for the yogi in your life can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know what exactly you’re looking for. That is why we have compiled this simple guide to help you find the perfect yoga gift.

Yoga backpack or tote

One of the most difficult things for yogis is finding a way to carry their mat, towel, yoga clothes and the rest of their supplies to and from class. There are now specific tote bags and backpacks designed to make it easy to carry around all your yoga gear. These make a great gift for the yoga practitioner who may have to use the subway or bus to get to yoga class, and who doesn’t want to have to awkwardly carry everything around.

Skidless yoga towel

To the untrained eye, a skidless yoga towel looks a lot like a really thin beach towel. The reality is that these special towels are absolute lifesavers for people who get a little sweaty during yoga class. They connect to a yoga mat, providing extra grip and traction for users, while soaking up sweat. They are especially good for a person who practices hot yoga.

Bandana

Are you the secret santa for someone who enjoys practicing a little yoga? A simple yet stylish bandana is a gift that is both practical and relatively inexpensive. Bandanas are ideal for use during yoga class, since they can help absorb sweat and keep it out of a person’s eyes. While a normal bandana can work, there are also several bandanas and headbands available that are made with fabrics designed specifically for use during yoga.

Yoga books and DVDs

Do you know someone who enjoys yoga but may not have the time to get to a yoga class, or who may be too embarrassed to go to one on their own? There are lots of books and instructional videos out there that can help everyone from beginners to experts practice yoga from the comfort of their own home.

Yoga retreat

If you are really looking to impress the yogi in your life, there is no gift more thoughtful than sending them to a yoga retreat. The length of the retreat can vary from one day to one week, and each event will have a special goal or focus. It should be noted that a lot yoga retreats tend to be for more experienced yoga practitioners, and so make a better gift for those dedicated to the craft. There are beginner retreats available, though, so it is always good to ask about the required skill level before booking a place as a gift for another person.

Yoga classes

If all else fails, there is nothing wrong with heading down to the yoga studio and buying a gift certificate for your friend or loved one. You know they are going to use it, and it’s convenient for you to buy as well. Sure, it may not be the most thoughtful gift in the world, but there is nothing wrong with being practical every once in a while.

We’re positive the yogi in your life will love whatever you end up giving them. And if you or someone you know is interested in taking some yoga classes, gives us a call or stop by. We’d love to be able to share yoga with you.

Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.

Why you should practice yoga at a studio

Portrait of a beautiful young yoga instructor smiling during one of her classesIn today’s busy and hectic world, joining traditional yoga classes in a studio is no longer the only option for practitioners. You can easily practice yoga right in front of your laptop in the comfort of your home. Doing yoga at home and following instructions from videos might be convenient, but there’s a good chance you will put your body into postures that are neither efficient nor properly aligned, which could potentially lead to injuries. So let’s take a look at some of the reasons you should keep on taking yoga classes at a studio.

Posture correction

One of the things that a home yoga practice lacks is adjustments and corrections from experienced instructors. Misalignment in poses can happen to anyone, from beginners to the most seasoned yogis. When you join a class, you’ll benefit from real yoga instructors who are always on the lookout for students who require assistance. Guidance and modifications from instructors are customized for every body shape in a particular lesson. Their immediate advice helps reduce the chances of students performing injury-prone poses.

Better insight

Practicing in a studio gives you the opportunity to approach your instructors and ask for their expert advice and insight, whether it’s before, during, or after class. Whether you’re looking to improve your postures, gain more flexibility and strength, or express concerns about pain in specific parts of your body during practice, your instructors are there to provide guidance and solutions to your problems. While they might not be able to answer all of your questions, they’re still a valuable source of information you can’t find in yoga videos and podcasts alone.

Improved focus

Let’s face it – it can be pretty easy to veer off course when practicing yoga at home. There are so many distractions with the potential to divert your focus from your sessions. You may need to take the dog out for an evening stroll, do the laundry, cook dinner, or pick up phone calls – the list goes on. Participating in a dedicated session full of like-minded individuals who share the same passion and goals can direct your mind and attention towards the practice at hand.

Social interaction

While the ultimate purpose of yoga is to find yourself and relax both your body and mind, you’ll often need the connection and help of others to get there. Yoga classes can create a strong sense of community and connection. It is a place where instructors and students try to support each other, even in the most difficult of postures and challenging moments. By joining in a studio environment you are fostering a sense of connection with others, which is a fulfilling and meaningful experience.

Practicing yoga in a studio can develop you as a person, reduce the risks of injury, and give you the opportunity to share and connect with fellow yogis.

To learn more about how our yoga classes can benefit your well-being, get in touch with our expert instructors today.

Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.