Choosing a Yoga Bag

Yoga has been practiced for about 5,000 years. Over the course of that long expanse of time, many branches of yoga have developed. Many of the older schools emphasized the denial of the physical world and the serious followers of the discipline often left home and family to live a Spartan existence in an ashram. The mind was focused on the spiritual realm while the body assumed postures that helped in meditation or in the seeking of spiritual truth.

No yoga mat was necessary since the ashram was built with asanas (postures) in mind. No bag was necessary since the students devoted their lives to the ashram. There was no place to go. Today's yoga practitioner has a very different view of the discipline. Instead of yoga being the center of your life, it is usually a means to bettering your life. Instead of scheduling your day around asanas, breathing techniques and the study of the ancient texts, you probably try to fit a quick visit to the gym in around your busy demands. What you really need is a yoga bag.

Portable Spiritual Transport

Many Western yoga students follow a form of yoga based on Hatha Yoga which combines physical postures with meditation and other spiritual pursuits. Hatha Yoga strives for a balance between mind and body in a way similar to the Asian balance of Yin and Yang. Very often, yoga is used for exercise and physical health in the West. When the yoga student travels from the yoga studio or gym to the home studio, he needs to carry the few props needed for his yoga study.

While the props are few and the needs are simple, a good yoga bag is necessary. Before deciding on the type of yoga bag to get, take a close look at the type of yoga you are studying. Some yoga forms like Power Yoga, Ashtanga and Bikram or Hot Yoga include intense physical workouts. The mat and clothing will become sweaty and a washable yoga bag is a good idea. Bags are available in cotton and denim among other washable materials.

Another consideration is the type and amount of gear that needs to be carried. If you are wearing simple exercise clothing to the gym for your workout, you may appreciate a yoga bag with pockets for keys and glasses. Always make sure that there is room for a bottle of water besides your rolled mat. Get your mat before choosing your yoga bag. Most mats are thin, but thicker mats are available.

You may also want a blanket to roll up as a comfortable seat for meditation. Know how much room you'll need before you start looking for your yoga bag. Yoga requires a mind clear of worries. By looking ahead and planning for the right yoga bag, you won't be so distracted by your temporary needs.