Find your inner center: 5 practical tools for yoga

Originating in faraway India, yoga has made its way to the West in recent decades. This meditative practice has sparked a real hype, as more and more people swear by its diverse exercises that harmonize mind and body .

Downward-facing dog, warrior pose, or dancer pose – yoga strengthens your back and is as good as any form of physical therapy . To ensure that your yoga exercises are truly gentle on your back and effective , and to help you build strength and balance , we'll share with you 5 practical yoga props that will support you in your next yoga session.

A must-have for yogis and yoginis: The yoga mat

What yoga accessories do you really need? The most important piece of equipment is the yoga mat . Although you could just as easily practice yoga on a rug or towel, the yoga mat offers many advantages . Not only does it allow you to perform all the exercises in a way that's gentle on your body, but its non-slip properties also help you maintain a secure footing.

You can recognize a good yoga mat by the fact that it…

• …has a rough surface and is therefore non-slip
• … corresponds to your body size and therefore provides plenty of space for your head and feet during stretching exercises.
• … 4 – 5 mm thick
• … certified with the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 quality mark and is therefore free from any harmful substances.

Feel good: The right yoga clothing

As with any sport, you should make sure you wear comfortable clothing for yoga that doesn't restrict your freedom of movement . It doesn't matter whether you prefer shorts or long pants, a thin long-sleeved shirt or a T-shirt. The important thing is that the clothes are neither too tight nor too loose .

In addition to a perfect fit, your chosen clothing should be breathable . Synthetic materials make you sweat much more easily and quickly release unpleasant odors. Clothing made of natural materials , such as cotton, is much more suitable.

You don't necessarily need shoes for yoga. You can easily perform all the exercises barefoot. However, if it gets too cold in winter, you can wear non-slip socks with small nubs on the bottom.

Breathe deeply: the yoga cushion

Breathing plays a central role in yoga. Calm and steady inhalation and exhalation has many positive effects . Focusing on breathing, known in yoga as meditation, is traditionally performed while sitting . To achieve the most relaxed and healthy posture possible, you will need a yoga cushion.

When sitting still, the yoga cushion helps you fully concentrate on your breathing without being distracted by numb legs or back pain. The elevated sitting position prevents your muscles from cramping, relieves pressure on your spine, and creates more space in your abdominal area. This allows you to breathe in and out much more deeply .

Meditation cushions come in various shapes , allowing for different sitting positions . It's important that you barely notice the cushion while you devote yourself entirely to meditation. For example, there are round cushions that allow for an upright and correct posture thanks to their rounded seat. Crescent cushions are ideal for sitting with your legs crossed. The classic zafu cushions have a particularly large and wide seat.

Stretching and stretching: the yoga strap

The yoga strap is one of the essential yoga tools for every yoga enthusiast . Available in a variety of lengths and widths, this strap improves both your flexibility and your posture.

Beginners, in particular, often have difficulty practicing certain asanas correctly. The yoga strap helps you stretch your body without overstraining muscles and ligaments . Even if you can't reach your feet with your hands when standing with your legs straight at first, the yoga strap works true stretching miracles .

The elastic band can be used not only for stretching your hamstrings ; it has a variety of applications . The yoga strap can also help you develop a straight posture, improve balance, and perform arm stretches more effectively.

Seeing the world the other way around: the headstand stool

Have you always wanted to do a headstand but have never been able to muster the courage to do it? With a headstand stool, you can easily change your perspective and view the world around you with your feet stretched upwards.

When using the headstand stool, it's important to position it on a non-slip surface and, if possible , near a wall . Grasp the wooden frame with both hands, place your head in the designated cushion opening and your shoulders on the cushion, and then gradually raise your knees and legs toward the sky. By shifting your body weight onto your shoulders and arms, the stool helps relieve pressure on your cervical spine and head during the headstand .

The headstand stool isn't just designed for headstands, however; it's also suitable for many other yoga exercises , such as forward and backward bends. Balance exercises are also much easier to perform with a headstand stool. An integrated balance bar helps maintain and improve balance. Thus, the headstand stool can do even more than its name suggests!

Yoga has become an integral part of today's fitness landscape. The sport gets your body into top shape , and with a yoga mat and other equipment, it's even easier – have fun and, above all, relax during your next yoga session!