Body and Soul Yoga

This article is written mindful of the Yamas which form the first limb of the eight limbs of yoga (Astanga yoga) as found in Chapter 2 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The guidelines are subdivided into five different sections but the ones that concern this article are: Asteya – not desiring what we may not have (a Sweaty Betty vest top maybe); Brahmacharya – moderation, non-indulgence of the senses (do I really need a £100 Bodyform yoga mat or will the Primark one do?) and Aparigraha – non-attachment, judge success by who you are rather than what you have (does an elephant decorated yoga bag make me a better yogi than someone with a Primark elastic strap?). I leave the answers for you to consider...

So what do you need to do yoga? Answer: comfortable clothes you can move in and, possibly, a yoga mat. If you’re coming to my Body and Soul classes in the Bandstand on Sunday mornings you will need to wear layers that you can take off as your body heat builds up and put on again as it subsides (particularly for savasana/relaxation at the end). You will also need to bring your own yoga mat. Everything else is optional.

Great news! I found out today that Primark is selling a basic yoga mat for just £2. That’s even cheaper than the listed price of £5. You can buy it in any colour, as long as you it’s pale green. It comes with its own carrying strap and it’s perfect to use in the Bandstand.

Even better, they are also selling a sticky towel (good for hot yoga) at £3, blocks for £1 each and workout clothes are also extremely reasonable at the moment.

If you want something better go to Asda where you can get a sticky mat for £5 (again in any colour you like, as long as it’s pink – yeah I can see the men may have a problem with that!).

I also recommend “Now”, a small, independent clothes shop in Romford next to M&S for cheap leggings, vest tops and layers. They are selling vest tops at the moment for just £1.

For an online yoga supplier go to http://www.yogaunited.co.uk/. Their yoga bags are excellent value and great for carrying mats and blocks around. I also recommend the bolsters for restorative yoga and savasana.

If you’re ready for some serious yoga retail therapy don’t miss the annual Om Yoga Show which is being held at Alexandra Palace this year from 23rd to 25th October. Details on their website: http://www.omyogashow.com/london/.

See you there!