PHOTOS: BROOKS FREEHILL; STYLIST: EMILY CHOISTRAP
A strap is a good aid
for reaching things you
can’t yet, like your toe in
Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe
Pose. Hemp and cotton
are the most common
materials. A no-slip
buckle is a nice feature,
and some straps have
built-in loops for your
hands or feet.
BLANKET
A blanket provides cushion-
ing under the knees and hips
and can be folded in all kinds
of ways to prop your shoul-
ders in Supported Shoulder-
stand, your wayward hip in
Pigeon Pose, and your bottom
(to get the proper pelvic tilt)
in seated forward bends. It
can also keep you warm dur-
ing your fi nal rest in Sava-
sana. Choose a fi rm one made
of sturdy fabric that holds a
fold well and doesn’t feel too
itchy against your skin.BOLSTER
A bolster is used to support
you in a variety of reclining
poses, such as Supta Vira-
sana (Reclining Hero Pose).
Bolsters can be fl at and
rectangular, or cylindrical.
New bolsters, particularly
the cylindrical ones, may
feel overstuffed at fi rst, but
the fi lling will settle with
use. Look for one with a
removable covering made
of cotton or some other
washable natural fabric.
BOTTLE
Staying hydrated
throughout practice is
a good idea. Consider
investing in a good reus-
able bottle so as not to
create excessive waste
and violate the yogic pre-
cepts of aparigraha and
asteya: nongrasping and
nonstealing (from the
earth), respectively.MAT
Most studios have mats for stu-
dents to use at no charge or for a
nominal fee. But if you’re going to
class with any regularity, you’ll
want a mat of your own, both for
hygienic reasons and for practicing
at home between classes.BAG
A pretty bag is hardly necessary,
but it lets you keep all your things
together if you’re commuting to
yoga class. Choose one that’s
slightly bigger than your mat, or
even larger if you want to carry
your own props.20 YOGAJOURNAL.COM YOUR 6-WEEK YOGA GUIDE TO BUILD STRENGTH