Topic 6.03.04 Equipment

Topic 6.03.04 Equipment. VERSION CONTROL: 1 August 2017

Even if you are on a carpet, it is a good idea to use a mat to prevent the dust and fibres from getting into your nose, eyes and hair. One of the principle points of difference between Hatha Yoga and other forms of exercise, is that Yoga needs no equipment other than a non-skid mat. (Fear of slipping, consciously or sub-consciously, prevents some people from giving themselves fully to the execution of their postures.)

In ancient times Yogis practiced on tiger skins, deer skins and khusha grass. During my earlier practice in India, we used mats made from rattan, hemp, coconut fibres or cotton sheets. In colder places and where financially affordable, a folded blanket and durrie. Non-slip mats – highly recommended for your practices – were unavailable in India, the birthplace of Yoga, in those early days…then again, perhaps they were also unavailable elsewhere in the world!

For your practice three contemporary types of mat are suitable:

1. Yoga mats made from foam are non slip, both on wooden and carpet floors, if you don’t cover the foam-mat at the bottom. However they attract hair, fibres, dust, and are not easily cleaned because they are not long lasting.
2. Thin sticky mats made from a rubbery material that prevents the feet or hands from slipping also hold the floor-surface well, but do not provide good padding for relaxation and meditation.
3. A denser non-slip corrugated foam that always lies flat when rolled out, and is easy to roll up as a bolster for meditation and as a prop in sitting practice is clean, washable, hard wearing and long lasting. The air-filled cells act as cushions to prevent ‘bottoming out’ even under rigorous conditions.

You may find that you prefer a natural fabric substance under you rather than foam or rubber, and will probably use a towel, shawl or cotton blanket over your mat to practise your yoga asanas on… Why not keep this specially for Yoga? Then, the moment you take out your mat you will begin sensing vibrations of peace and relaxation. This is also more sanitary and while you are fulfilling the safety requirements of your body with a suitable mat, this is also more environmentally sound, as your mat will last longer with a cover – fewer mats will be clogging our burgeoning landfills, and you can toss the cover into the wash to keep it clean.