STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Tati · Chanel

Newbie at Yoga. I got questions....

jj · Kate Spade

I

yoga - hopefully you'll like it too!!

You definitely will not wear shoes or socks - you need bare feet to grip the sticky mat. If you wear socks, you'll be sliding all over.

A fitted top and sweats are perfect. I always try to wear a fitted top, because when you move around, you don't want your tshirt to bunch or flop around (like when you touch your toes).

I would call the gym before you go to see if they have mats. I've found that some places do and some don't.

Tati · Chanel

thanks for the info. jj!

so should I show up at the gym with sandals/flip flops?

and what's the difference between yoga and pilates? anyone?

Starstuff · Kenneth Cole

I think yoga is dnoe barefoot. A gym will supply yoga mats, and with so many people bringing their own, they're bound not to run out. I think as long as your top can't fly up over your head when (if) you do an inverted stance, you'll be fine. I wouldn't worry about standing out -- people tend to concentrate on their own poses more than others', I've found

jrhampt · Kenneth Cole

None of the gyms I've been to supply yoga mats for you, but you can pick one up cheap at TJ Maxx or Marshall's usually. Definitely wear a fitted top. It's also probably helpful to know if it's "hot" yoga or not. Some classes like to keep the temp at around 90 degrees, so you might want to keep that in mind when you're deciding what to wear.

I think pilates has more emphasis on working different muscle groups (abs, for example), rather than focusing on the poses.

Tati · Chanel

I just called them and they said it's Yoga Pump night?!?
the lady said its for new and experienced people....

she also said they don't provide yoga mats but sale them for $26

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

YOu probably want your own mat anyway cuz the "community ones" can get quite gross. There have been increases in the number of skin infections/athlete's feet fungusy types of things with the popularity of yoga. They think it is from the mats. Clean your own too occasionally. Yeah, just wear some shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Depending on where you go and what kind of yoga you do, yoga has a spiritual component to it. It's about balance of the body and mind. The breath, the flow in between postures, and the accurate achievement of those postures are very important components to yoga. Americans have put their own stamp on yoga for various reasons. Some people feel uncomfortable with the spirituality part of it, so (for example) you see all these "power yoga" and other "go-gettum-fitness-yoga" offerings. Try a few different kinds and see which ones you like. I like anything that is labeled as restorative or gentle.

jj · Kate Spade

Yoga pump sounds like it might focus more on active poses like lunges and balancing, and less on stretching. And starstuff is so right, people are too busy trying to do their own thing to look at other people, so don't feel self conscious!

If it's warm, I just wear flip flops and kick them off before class, otherwise I wear sneakers.

$26 is a good price for a mat, I think I paid $20-25 for mine at target. I don't use community mats, because it grosses me out.

Tati · Chanel

thanks so much for all the info. girls!
I believe Target has them right now for $15.00 so I'll get mines there.

Another question: can I use the yoga mat for Pilates too? I really want to try both classes if possible!

luckylily · Gucci

Tati wrote:

Another question: can I use the yoga mat for Pilates too? I really want to try both classes if possible!

Yes, you can!

bex · Chanel

don't know if you already took your class or not but some of the things i like to have with me when i go to yoga are:
- bottle of water
- one of those thick headbands to keep the sweat off my face
- a towel
*i should mention that i do the hot yoga (ashtanga) where you are in a room that is anywhere from 75-90 degrees- hence why the stuff for the sweat!

and i have a problem with my hands slipping on my mat so i also use a special little towel like thing that has little grip beads on it.

if they have rugs and blocks, i would grab some of those when you go in. sometimes people need the blocks to help them get into certain poses.

you can definitely use the same mat for yoga and pilates.

what i usually wear are fitted tanks and either fitted capris or fitted long pants. i usually like it better when i am in capris. definitely wear something more fitted b/c your teacher will be able to see your poses better and help you adjust easier.

hth and enjoy!! i hope you love it. it is the most amazing experience and best stress reliever for me!

jrhampt · Kenneth Cole

Bex, I have the same problem with my hands slipping on the mat, esp. when you're in down dog for forever. What is the towel thing that you're talking about, and where did you get it??

bex · Chanel

jrhampt wrote:

Bex, I have the same problem with my hands slipping on the mat, esp. when you're in down dog for forever. What is the towel thing that you're talking about, and where did you get it??

i got it at my yoga studio. one day after an especially frustrating class, i asked her what i could do it about it and she suggested these little mats. i'm on the road right now but i'll check the brand name when i get home and post again.

there were two types- one large one for the whole mat and one just specifically to slip under your hands or feet. they have these little rubber nubby things on them to help with the grip. i paid $20 for it.

jrhampt · Kenneth Cole

Thanks, Bex. I kept thinking there might be some gloves or something that would help.

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Bex - I'd love to know what this towel thing is too. my palms get really sore after a while whiole I try to keep in place. Thanks!

Tati- I've been going to the various Yodga and Pilates classes at 24hr fitness for years, and by NO means good at it. But it's a GREAT stress reliever for me and I also find that no one else looks at you. In reverse - if you look at other people and they lose balance you may lose balance too.