| Thinking of starting yoga? If so, good for you; you'll | | | | superficially resemble gym-class stretches, all you're |
| get a lifetime of enjoyment out of this wonderful | | | | doing is stringing together some moves and calling it |
| pastime (not to mention the health benefits). | | | | by a mystical name. |
| But if you're like many, you might question whether | | | | No, yoga isn't something you do, it's something you |
| you really need a fancy yoga mat, especially when | | | | experience. It's a chance to take part in a bit of living |
| you're just starting out. After all, you're used to | | | | history -- you can join countless others who have |
| stretching on your carpet with a fitness DVD playing | | | | learned postures which have remained unchanged for |
| on the TV, and yoga isn't very much different than | | | | many centuries. |
| that, is it? | | | | And this is where the mat comes in. If you're rushing |
| Well, the answer might surprise you. | | | | through things because the hard floor is causing you |
| Yes, yoga is quite a bit different than boring, old | | | | pain, or because the surface you're using is too |
| static stretching of the sort you did in gym class. | | | | slippery, you won't get the most out of your yoga |
| Quite a bit different and perhaps more demanding, | | | | session. And that would be a shame. |
| but more enjoyable too. And a good yoga mat goes | | | | With a proper yoga mat, you can relax into your |
| a long way towards helping you succeed in this most | | | | yoga practice, and truly lose yourself in the moment. |
| beneficial of hobbies. | | | | You won't worry about bruising your knees or |
| You see, yoga is more than the sum of its parts. | | | | tailbone, or about getting perspiration on the rug. |
| You can't assume that because some yoga poses | | | | Instead of doing the pose, you'll be the pose. |