FashBlog.com

Even in today’s enlightened society, people are hesitant about yoga. Some view it as scary, where people fold their legs and chant strange sounds…hippie types who don’t eat meat and worship Buddha. As one otherwise fairly intelligent 35 year old woman asked, “Is that a cult?” How surprising that so much mystery still surrounds around the oldest practice in the world. Ironically, team sports such as football, hockey, and boxing, where players cause serious injuries, are more popular in America.0

Yoga will never replace those venues, but, thankfully, participation is steadily growing and more people are realizing its benefits. “So what exactly is yoga?” the novice may ask. It’s awareness of breath while holding specific physical position in order to activate, cleanse and remove stress from various internal organs. Yoga also relieves psychological stress by temporarily focusing on topics outside of the habitual patterns; and meditation at the end of all yoga classes can re-create the self by stepping away from mundane problems. It should be a restorative and uplifting experience, with better flexibility as the most obvious physical improvement. Yet, as with any physical or psychological outlet, yoga can be addictive in its ability to bring something special to life, one good reason it’s been around for thousands of years.

So, now that you’re ready to give it a try, the next question is, “What should I wear?” Yoga clothing has some specific needs, and it’s good to know of them before walking into a public class.
Since yoga is primarily physical, it requires materials that allow stretching and bending while staying in place. Also, since most poses in yoga are held for a duration of 4-5 breath cycles, it’s important to wear clothes that you don’t have to fuss with to keep them down-or up, as the case may be. (Holding a position means just that, not taking a hand off the floor to hold a shirt against your body so the guy on the floor behind you isn’t gazing up at your bra.) So, here are a few no-no’s: first, no jeans, no matter how “stretchable” they are-they will limit and bind your movement, and the zipper will probably pinch after awhile. Second, no wide legged cotton shorts-unless you want that same guy behind you to have a straight shot at your underwear as you hold you leg in the air for 12 seconds. Third, no socks; yoga is meant to be done in bare feet. On this point some instructors may give a little, but the idea is that you have the ultimate in balance and support while standing on the yoga mat; socks are too slippery. (Don’t worry about using the school’s mats; many offer spray cleaners if you wish to have a bacteria-free surface on which to stand and lay.)

Many stores offer yoga clothing, but first-timers may not wish to purchase such items just yet. There are other alternatives. Attire that is relatively form-fitting is the first option. This would include stretchy leggings, bicycle pants, or jazz pants, leotard/tights/warmers (if you’re already a dancer). If you aren’t up to seeing that much of your body, pajama-bottom type pants may be also acceptable by the instructor-as long as they are not too long. (What you don’t want is to be stepping on the hems, losing traction and balance.) Regarding tops, consider spandex-type material, preferably without long sleeves that move and become annoying. Again, leotards are a good choice, as are tighter tanks, or even one-piece bathing suits that resemble leotards. The one thing to keep in mind about yoga attire is that you don’t want to have to think about it! Even if it’s warm, it’s a good idea to bring a sweater or jacket with which to cover your body during meditation, a time when the body will cool down from the exertion of the past 90-120 minutes.

Teachers add their own training and individuality to yoga classes; some listen to Indian music and others have quiet natural recordings of the surf or oriental chimes. Classes can focus on healing, energy or different styles of instruction. As long as you’re dressed appropriately, you’re assured a comfortable and rewarding experience.