The right yoga equipment is very important, especially for beginners. Much of the equipment can be used as props, which is essential for people who have less flexibility. It allows them to be more comfortable in asanas, or yoga postures, which require range of movement. Given the typical male anatomy, men are less flexible than women.
Life Board
The Life Board is a yoga mat that is ideal for men. Its dimensions of 73 inches long, 28 3/4 inches wide and 5/8 inches high makes it slightly larger than standard yoga mats. Even if you're 6 feet, 1 inch tall, your feet won't hang over the mat. Made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), it feels solid under a man's weight and it can be used outdoors. It also has a cleated bottom, so if you decide to practice yoga on a DVD, this mat won't slip on carpet. It sells for about $80 as of November 2010.
Yoga Practice Straps
It's not always easy to find yoga practice straps in 10-foot lengths. They're more popular in 6- and 8-foot lengths, which make more sense for women. Ten-foot straps are more suitable for men not only because of the height, but because they can be buckled to form a circle, which can turn into a backless chair when you're in a cross-legged seated position. Men, especially, have a difficult time sitting up. They also have a hard time doing the bound angle pose, but a 10-foot strap makes it possible. The cost is about $11 as of November 2010.
Yoga Bags
If you're using an oversized yoga mat, you need an oversized yoga bag to transport it to your yoga class. The Big Tote for Men, sold by Hugger Mugger, is 34 inches by 12 inches, so it's big enough to hold other equipment. In black and grey or navy and grey, it sells for $54.95 as of November 2010.
Blocks
Yoga blocks can be used for forward folds and other yoga postures. The standard size of a block is 6 inches wide by 9 inches long by 3 inches high, which is too small for most men. The Big Blue Block, from Hugger Mugger, is 6 3/4 inches wide by 12 inches long by 5 inches high, and more suitable for the male yoga student. As of November 2010, it sells for about $22.
Warning
Yoga is becoming increasingly popular with men who are incorporating new modalities into their fitness and well-being regimen. Yet, the majority of participants and instructors are female, and the equipment, including mats, blocks and straps you'll typically find at yoga studios, are more suitable for women. Therefore, it is especially important for men to purchase their own equipment to bring with them to their yoga class. It is equally important to have your own equipment if you do yoga as part of your at-home practice.
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