If you are new to Ompractice, and don't have equipment at home, that's a-okay! You can take most of our classes without any equipment a mat for your first class as long as you have a soft surface to practice on!
Our goal is to make all of our classes accessible without needing to spend money on extras, and you typically can find swaps for all props using things you already have in the house!
And many of our classes don't require anything at all!
The Basics:
Technology: a stable internet connection to join our classes, and any device with a camera. (We also recommend that you have a power cord to keep your device charged.)
A chair, or low table to set your device on is handy. (You can also prop a phone/tablet/laptop on the floor, but it's helpful to have it at a small amount of elevation.)
Comfortable clothing. We recommend clothing for our classes that allows you to move but isn't too baggy, and for more vigorous classes is sweat wicking. No need for fancy fitness clothing!
A quick note on dress code – because our classes have people of all ages and walks of life, we do request that you wear both a shirt and pants or shorts – no practicing in underwear, please!
Prop Recommendations:
Each of our classes have recommended props just under the tags in the "About This Class" section.
A mat: For our classes that have you down on the ground, we recommend a basic yoga mat. (If you don't have one, we don't recommend you spend too much money on one - a low cost mat from TJ Maxx or Target is a great place to start - aim for something a little 'sticky' or 'grippy' feeling. For those of you with Facebook "Buy Nothing" groups - I've often seen people with extra mats!) You don't want *too thick a mat* - so avoid things like camping mats.
Don't have a mat? grab a long towel, or practice on carpet to start.
Blocks: several of our classes recommend yoga blocks, which can simply help you get into a pose without over-straining, and can help you with balance. You can start with a pair, or one.
Don't have blocks? grab a thick book (alas, most people don't have Yellow Pages these days!) or even a small cardboard package!
Straps: straps can help you to deepen poses by putting the strap around your foot and using your arms to assist pulling gentle into a pose.
Don't have strap? You can use a few ties, a soft belt, or even a towel as an alternative.
A Bolster: a bolster is a firm usually oblong pillow that can be used to prop underneath you in many ways. If you don't have a bolster, a few pillows (thicker/firmer ones are more helpful!)
Seating Recommendations:
For seated classes, such as Yoga for Tight Shoulders and Neck, or our chair yoga, we typically recommend a sturdy chair, usually without arms.
Nice to have:
Knee Mat: for those of you with any knee pain, sometimes it's nice to have a little extra cushioning to put on your mat in certain poses. You can get fitness knee pads, use a pillow for this purpose, or my favorite inexpensive version: a "Gardening Kneeler Pad" which you can usually get for under $10 at the hardware store, or Target.
Advanced Brand Recommendations:
We don't have relationships with these brands, but we think they are pretty great! For a high quality mat, we like B.Mats. Half moon also makes great bolsters.