Welcome to the best in Yoga gifts!
One of the best forms of exercise for keeping flexible and known for its gentleness, this has been my favorite workout. It requires few props, but for some, there are accessories that make yoga exercises more comfortable.
As I try new levels, I found a few items that I wouldn’t want to be without- so if you have someone on your gift list who wants to try yoga, or those who have been practitioners for a long time, consider some of these great ideas- or even apparel for those who just love comfort!
Browse through these great gift ideas for a healthier new year.
A Unique Gift for Women -The Yoga Gift Basket
Personally, I think a gift basket like this (or one you assemble yourself) is the way to please even the pickiest person on your list. Noting their interests while catering to their desire to relieve stress makes this combination of items one that could please just about anyone.
Spa products, aromatherapy, and a few luxurious taste treats – who can resist loving that?
Gear, Find The Kulae Brand
Kulae tpECOmat Ultra Eco Pilates Mat – Sea/Slate (8mm x 72 x 24-Inch)
One of the best gifts for a person who practices yoga is a mat. This one is particularly attractive in color and eco-friendly.
What Is “Eco-Friendly”?
Usually made of rubber, sometimes mixed with jute or organic cotton.
These mats will be more expensive in cost.
What To Look For In A Mat
The majority of mats are made of PVC vinyl, but some may be made of jute, rubber, or cotton.
Although a bit sticky, PVC can last a very long time and endure a lot of use. It is also the most “cushion-y”.
There are different textures to choose from, with jute probably being the most rough to the feel.
WHAT THICKNESS?
That depends on you, with varying thicknesses available. I have one of my first mats that is a terry cloth material backed with foam, which is very thin, and a newer PVC which is much thicker. Sometimes I prefer one and sometimes another. Although I always liked the thinner matt for its feeling of stability and connection to the ground.
ALLERGIES TO LATEX
If you have allergy to latex like I do, you will probably need to forego anything made of rubber.
This Exercise is Good for You – Relaxes, Challenges, and Stretches for Strength and Flexibility
Gifts that will be used all year, because these exercise routines can be enjoyed by all in any season of life.
Who Benefits?
Almost anyone will benefit from the gentle stretches, and the levels of difficulty mean that a practitioner can progress through increasingly challenging workout.
If you are thinking about what to give the person who has already found this workout form, why not pay for classes at their favorite studio? Or if someone wanted to begin, why not give them a beginners kit including pre-paid classes, a workout outfit, and a mat?
Gift Basket Ideas:
- Candle in soothing scent like ‘Green Tea’, or ‘Beach Walk’
- Book with illustrated poses
- DVD
- Headband
- Exfoliating glove and stress-relieving shower gel
- Herbal teas
- Packed in a yogi tote
- Good Health recipe book
Find out which is their favorite kind of class and be sure to get the clothing items or accessories that best go with that type of exercise. Check out the types in the table on this page.
Types of Yoga
Type | Pace | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
Kundalini | deliberate | breathing very important |
Viniyoga | individualized | tailored to the indvidual |
Bikram/Hot | more vigorous | use of room heat |
Iyengar | deliberate | uses props |
Vinyasa or flow: | more vigorous | breathing |
Hatha: | slow paced | gentle |
Ashtanga | fast paced | intense |
Yoga has become one of the most popular ways to exercise. The benefits listed on WebMD are improved flexibility, more strength, better concentration, improved posture, better breathing, find out more in their article.
There are classes in just about every city, but with DVD’s and fitness videos that are available those classes can be brought home.
Hint: prepaid classes are a great gift idea
This form of exercise boosts levels of brain chemicals which contribute to relaxation and contentment, and its effect on cortisol levels is considered the reason for yoga’s ability to boost the immune function. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, and that aids restoration and healing.
What To Look For In Workout Clothing
Loose fitting is the rule- except that a stretchy closer fitting top might work better than a baggy one. In poses such as downward dog… keep your shirt from falling into your face!
DOING THE “HOT” STYLE?
- Capri or crop pants prevent sweaty slippery legs while allowing a cooler outfit
- Fabric that wick sweat away from the body
What Is Hot Yoga?
Hot yoga is the use of raising the temperature of the room to allow muscles to warm and stretch more easily.
Your Own Wish List
Which gift is on your wish list?
Vibram Fivefingers Womens Performa
There is nothing that feels better than these five toe shoes- not even barefoot! Pay particular attention to measuring your foot for good fit. The Kangaroo leather is amazingly soft.
Vibram Barefoot Shoes – Perfect for Workouts
Until you wear a pair of these, you will not believe how comfortable they are. A great way to grip the floor when doing exercise, these shoes are mainly for indoor performance. There are other Vibram shoes for outdoor wear, such as running or water sports, but these are best for yoga workouts. I have a purple pair- I love them, and people remark on them. They are a little unusual, although increasingly popular.
Read my personal review of Vibram shoes.
One thing that I stress in my review is the importance of getting the sizing right for this type of shoe. If you don’t have access to that information, this isn’t the ideal gift suggestions. BUT, if you do know the accurate sizing to order, there is nothing that will make your gift more welcome than this super comfortable workout footwear.
Danskin
This brand has made clothes for dancers for years, and their exercise and sports clothes are excellent.
Yoga Pants for Comfort – Lounging, Exercising, Almost Everything Is More Comfortable
Danskin and Green Tea are great brands, and there is nothing more comfortable than these pants. Allows for complete flexibility without binding while doing the stretches and poses. I prefer all cotton, maybe with some Spandex for stretchiness and shape.
I haven’t tried the straight leg type yet, but would love to.
Danskin Women’s Yoga Pant,Black,Large
A Gift They Will Wear and Love
The comfort that these clothes afford make them wonderful for many activities, and for lounging, too.
I wear mine all the time, for workouts at the gym, for doing housework. They are very versatile. The yoga pants and capris are my most used items.
Learn More about Yoga – It may become your health solution
- Penetrating Postures: The Science of Yoga – Forbes
Wondering how yoga exerts its benefits on body and brain? Here’s the science behind it. - Benefits of Yoga: How Different Types Affect Health
Describing the different types of yoga
Ball Chair – Improve your posture and your core strength
There are a number of these chairs on the market, and they seem to be an improvement for sitting on just a ball (which I’ve done). An excellent gift idea for someone interested in the health benefits of strengthening their core, who has to do a lot of sitting (like at the computer). It is on my wishlist.
Gaiam Balance Ball Chair (Black)
This is great for people who must work on the computer for long hours.
Most of the reviews are very positive- the minus points always are for the ball chairs not being tall enough for many desks. The comfort and improvements, however, never are an issue.
Men do it, too – Athletic workout
Athletes benefit from alternative exercise programs, and many need the flexibility that yoga provides. so what would a man wear?
My son loves his hot yoga class, and wear shorts and a t-shirt. So anything that is loose, comfortable, and allows for the full range of movement necessary for the stretches is all that is needed.
Yoga Bag Carryall – Compact ways to carry your gear anywhere
Other Possible Accessories For The Yogi On Your List
- Blocks
- Exercise straps
- Soft headband
- A special tote
- favorite essential oils
Are You Just Getting Started?
You Will Need:
- Loose fitting clothes
- A floor mat
You can use DVD’s, but you might feel more confident in a class with an instructor.
If you want a good DVD to begin with, try Smart Start Yoga to begin with.
You want contact with the floor or mat, so barefoot or barefoot shoes work best.
Relaxation is an important part of yoga practice: forget the phone and take full advantage of the rest at the end of the routine.
What Are The Senior Benefits?
It can…
- help you stay agile
- build strength
- help you remain flexible
- gain balance
Yoga might help…
- reduce heart rate
- improve blood pressure
- ease back pain
- alleviate depression and anxiety
Are there drawbacks?
Yes, care should be taken with poses, and sometimes existing problems complicate the ability to do the poses safely. The answer is to use modifications to ease into the exercise. Also to not rush the progress, taking time to accomplish the level safely.
Mind Bending
The New Yoga for People Over 50: A Comprehensive Guide for Midlife & Older Beginners
