SSBR: Yoga mat & bag

[carifly]

If you are just starting, I'd say get a cheaper mat from somewhere like Target until you decide that you like it. Good mats are an investment and at least for me, waiting helped me get more clarity in what I wanted. I used a $20 Gaiam mat from target for 2 years before finally replacing it with the mat from lululemon. And I love my new mat, but my old one served me well

My bag is from target also and I love it because it has space for me to stick other stuff in it besides just my mat. And I agree if it is hot yoga a towel is a must. I have two Gaiam ones from target and a Yogitoes and I like both equally.

As far as clothes, you want something comfortable to move in. I prefer tight tops so that when I am upside down my shirt doesn't fall in my face or ride up and expose my stomach. Actually my favorites are the tops that are loose in the midsection but have a drawstring to synch it at the bottom to keep it in place. I have tops I like from Old Navy, Target, and Athleta. You could wear a tshirt over your tank if you feel uncomfortable in just a tank, and that way you have the option to take it off if it bothered you.

Bring water and a hand towel too. And have fun!!

[neonpink]

I have two yoga mats. I have one mat for regular temp classes on wood floors that is thicker that helps protect my knees. I use a 15 dollar basic one from Target with a yoga rat towel (from amazon) for my hot classes. In my studio the room for hot yoga has a rubber floor so the thinner mat is fine for me. I started with the target mat and used that for a long time in both class types before I got the thicker mat. I don't use a bag, I just have a yoga mat strap that allows it to hang on my back. I'm not one for a yoga mat bag. I walk to/from class and hang up my mat after washing it down at home.

I prefer capri pants that are pretty fitted for my bottoms. I have them from all over. Target, Lululemon and TJmaxx. Like the previous poster I like tanks that have a band or drawstring by my waist to keep my shirt down when you're inverted. For Bikarm hot yoga I just wear t-shirt. You aren't inverting so whatever I have that can go immediately in the wash is what I wear.

Last thought as I reread your post. Yoga is all about you, nobody is going to notice what you feel are flaws. Everyone is to busy trying to do their best.

[sailorgray]

I got a $15 mat at Target and a $5 mesh bag for it at Five Below. I wear any yoga pants -Capri or ankle length, a sports bra and a tank or a baby tee. No socks or shoes.

Yoga is awesome. Do not worry about your body. No one is looking. Promise. Yoga is one of those things where you must concentrate on yourself. Have fun!!

[pooh8402]

Target. I got a cute purple mat, and simple straps to hold it, not a bag.

I wear whatever, as long as it doesn't show anything and allows movement.

[majick143]

I have a lululemon mat and I love it. It is a little heavy though and expensive. The old school rubbery mats can be just as good, I have one of those as well. I like the lulu mat simply because I don't slide on it like a rubber type mats. I don't have a bag, just a strap that goes around the mat on top and bottom when it's rolled.

As for clothing, I don't love tight clothing on my tummy so the tops like a PP mentioned that have volume and are loose at the torso but hug tightly at the bottom are good or just embrace your curves and do something fitted. Even in downward dog, I'm super self conscience that my top will ride up or gape open. Neon pink said it best above, no one is going to focus on your 'flaws' they will either be A) preoccupied with their own, or B) worrying about what they're doing and watching the instructor.

Personally I kind of forget there are others in class sometimes!

[phoenixrising]

My mat was pretty expensive (I think $70? It's made by Jade...I bought it at my yoga studio.), but I also started out with a Gaiam mat from Target. You want to make sure it's got good traction. I prefer to wear for yoga: leggings (full-length or cropped...I like Zella live-in leggings from Nordstrom and the Chaturanga tights from Athleta), a fitted tank (to make sure I don't show too much skin in inversions), and then either a loose tee or tank (because I am plus-sized, and no one needs to see my rolls). I also like to bring a little microfiber towel because even if it's not a hot yoga class, I do sweat sometimes.

[msamyfarrahfowler]

I started off with a cheapie mat from TJ Maxx. It lasted for a couple months before it started to lose traction. Yoga sucks if you lose grip, so I upgraded to a Jade mat. I love it.

As for clothes, ON sells great yoga pants. I'm not a fan of LLL, and I find that regular leggings start to ride down about 15 minutes into a session. If I were you, I'd wear a tight tank top, regardless of any body con issues. There's a male student in my class that always wears a loose fitting t-shirt. Invariably we all end up seeing his entire chest and back.

[mcc]

Use a cheap mat from Five Below or Target. I would roll mine up and put it (sticking out) in my Longchamp bag. Wear fitted clothes - non fitted tops will just reveal your stomach when you're in down dog. No one is looking - for real. If people were looking they would lose their balance!

[auntie]

First time out?

I'd do a $5 mat from Five Below- 2 mats if you have joint issues.

Yoga pants are good, tops should be fitted enough that they don't shift or distract you as you move. Yoga is about your practice; nobody is watching you. No need to focus on parts of your body that you don't like. The studio I go to can be chilly, so sometimes I wear a long sleeved top under my tank.

[niknik]

I use two mats. My own from Target and one from the studio underneath. You need to wear a fitted shirt and then something over the top. I like cropped pants. Love Zella and LLL.

[busybodyk]

I would borrow a mat at the class for the first few times. All the classes I've been to have extra mats. I'm not into yoga and so glad I didn't invest in any yoga accessories.