How to Select Accessories for Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga, or hot yoga, is challenging enough with the 105-degree temperatures and 50 percent humidity. Show up to class with the right gear and you will enjoy your experience more.

Things You'll Need

• Slip-resistant covers
• Towels
• Clothing
• Hair ties
• Mat

Instructions

Select Accessories for Bikram Yoga

1. Buy a proper mat. Select one that is both cushioned and slip-resistant. The Manduka mat is a popular choice and wears well over time.

2. Get plenty of towels for your yoga classes. You will always need to bring one large, full-size bath towel and a couple smaller ones. The large one can lay perpendicular over your mat to catch falling sweat and the small ones can be used to wipe your face and body off.

3. Consider a non-slip mat cover like the ones made by Yogi Toes. Even the sturdiest of mats may not be able to retain stickiness when you are soaked with sweat. Mat covers are generally thin towels with slip-resistant features.

4. Dress for the class. In Bikram, it is especially important to wear thin, lightweight clothing. Shorts and tanks or sports bras are advisable. Men are lucky as they can go topless!

5. Have a water bottle on hand. You can bring ice cold water from home or fill a thermos or sip bottle. Water is not encouraged in class so you will want to hydrate well both before and after.

6. Keep long or loose hair out of the way. Even people with short hair can benefit from a sweatband or headband used to prevent hair from falling forward into the eyes.

Buy Accessories for Yoga

1. Order online. Hugger Mugger is an example of one company that sells products for yoga over the Internet (see Resources below).

2. Visit a yoga studio. Most studios have a retail area where you can purchase clothes, instructional books, DVDs, mats and yoga props.

3. Check catalogs or magazines for retailers of yoga gear. You can browse the ads in Yoga Journal magazine and find lots of options for yoga accessories (see Resources below).

4. Buy accessories from a large retailer. Yoga has increased in popularity and even become mainstream. Stores like Target, drugstores and sports equipment chains now carry yoga products.

5. Opt for more expensive accessories. Bikram yoga is intense and lesser quality, inexpensive gear will not stand the test of time as well as more expensive, worthwhile products.

Tips & Warnings

• Check eBay. You can often find people who are selling new, unused merchandise such as mats or clothes in your size (see Resources below)