Here we are on Day 3 already! You have learned a bit of my own yoga journey and gotten a taste of the goodness that is Holy Yoga, and today we get into the nuts and bolts of a yoga practice.
I want you to feel totally comfortable coming to a Holy Yoga class, so knowing a little of the lingo may help. I want you to know what to bring and give you a peek into what to expect in class.
Equipment:
Yoga Mat– I have mats you can borrow, but you will probably want your own-one that has been walked on only by your bare feet, touched
with your hands, and breathed on with your breath. Now, one yoga mat is not the same as the next- I know because I used to think they were. I have purchased very cheap mats that are junk, medium priced ones that were pretty good and I have one expensive mat that is my favorite. You certainly don’t need the most pricey version, but it will be the most heavy, most sticky and just the right thickness.
I would recommend a mat of around ¼ thickness. I don’t prefer the thicker ones because you can’t feel the floor well enough which will make standing poses and balancing more difficult.
TJMaxx is one of my favorite places to find decent mats, but they are other places as well.
Yoga Blocks-These are foam blocks that are about 5×8 inches and aren’t essential, but I think you will eventually want 2 of them. Walmart has them or I’ve found good ones on Amazon. Just make sure if they are sold in pairs they come in the same size. I LOVE my yoga blocks for enabling me to get deeper into a yoga pose. They bring the floor just a little closer so I can focus on twisting or opening up my heart or hips instead of not falling over.
Bolster– A bolster is a gigantic firm rectangular pillow that I can order for you for about $33. We use them once a month in Restorative Holy Yoga class, but you can use it at home anytime too.
Comfy Clothes– You certainly don’t have to have yoga pants, but I bet you will have to force yourself to take them off if you buy a pair! 
They are so comfy and perfect for the movement in a yoga class. You will also need a top that won’t fall in your face when we do certain poses. Kohls, Walmart, and TJ Maxx are all great sources of cute yoga clothes. Be proud of your beautiful body-no matter its shape or size!
Yoga Strap– Also known as an old tie.
Yoga Styles:
Now that you have the correct equipment and outfit, here is a tiny snippet of the styles of yoga you might expect in a Holy Yoga class….
Hatha Yoga– Hatha Yoga is a style with basic introductory poses. It will probably be a gentle class. A “flow” will usually be included where we follow the breath from movement to movement. This is the style of class you can expect if I’m your teacher.
Power Yoga– Expect to work up a sweat in a power yoga class. This class style “flows” from pose to pose in quick fashion with peppier music. I like to challenge myself in a power class when I get the chance. And want very wobbly legs. Anyone interested?
Restorative Yoga– This is a yummy style of yoga that I love to teach and attend. In a restorative class, props will be used and just a few poses will be held for several minutes. The intent is relaxation. I love to use essential oils and hands on assists. We often think we must move, move, move when what we need is rest, rest, rest. A restorative yoga provides an opportunity to slow down and listen to the whisper of Holy Spirit. This is a great way to ease into yoga.
Hot Yoga– This is yoga done in a HOT room. The class follows a sequenced set of poses and you will sweat tons. I’ve only done this type of yoga once and I’m glad I survived! Don’t worry. You won’t be doing Hot Yoga with me!
Chair Yoga-Everyone can practice yoga, and chair yoga provides the way. In a chair class, every pose can be done seated if the class members need that, or some standing poses can be included as well. It is amazing how much stretching can be accomplished from the seat of a chair. We have a great time together laughing, sharing, and moving our bodies!
For more detail on what yoga looks like check out this link.
I’m getting so excited sharing all of this with you because I just know that your body will feel better if you start practicing Holy Yoga regularly. And I know that your Spirit will feel better because….HEALER!