ChickSpeak

According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, an estimated 13.4 Americans practice yoga or another mind body exercise on a regular basis.

That’s a lot of people.

And if you head into any fitness or exercise goods shop, it rings true. There are a plethora of yoga-inspired products available for consumers, from special mats to fancy printed carrying bags to won’t-wedgie thongs.

Chicks everywhere - whether they practice yoga or not - are using things specifically made for the ancient art, such as fold-over pants and soft soul music.

With all of those products out there, what’s the best to buy? Well, here is a guide to debunking the market.

These are the yoga products that every Chick should check out:

Strength Equipment

Most Chicks are familiar with the original Body Bar - it’s a work-out staple in gyms throughout the country. Enter its little sister, the Mini Body Bar, a weighted, padded bar available in 4, 6, or 9 lbs. to increase strength training during yoga. A terrific DVD, called Yoga Strength, combines yoga with the bar for a total body work-out, increasing strength, endurance, and stamina. Check it out here.

Another great product is Fitness Banglz. They’re the 1 lb wrist and 2 lb ankle weight bands that can be worn during exercise to increase strength. Heavier than the traditional Banglz (which are worn during day-to-day activities), they be used during low-impact activities (such as yoga!) Comfortable, stylish and inexpensive, Banglz encourage better balance and increased endurance during one’s yoga practice.

Club Cards

Many Chicks interested in yoga classes aren’t sure where to go. There’s a perfect solution: the Passport to Prana yoga passport card. The card entitles the bearer to test out 30 yoga classes at a number of yoga studios in major cities throughout the country. Amazingly, the card is only $30, so each yoga class is only $1! Some studios’ programs can be quite costly, so this is a great option for Chicks to practice yoga without breaking the bank.

Special Mats

An alternative sort of yoga mat, called an acupressure mat, is the perfect solution for both yoga-enthusiast Chicks wanting to change up their routine or everyday women with pain. Acupressure mats, such as the Yantra Mat, have acupressure point “spikes” that help alleviate back pain, stress, and issues like insomnia. The Yantra Mat has over 8,000 spikes and is available in either green or purple.

Cute Clothing

Chakra-Infused Items

Our Love Yoga’s motto sums it up perfectly, saying, “Om is where the heart is!” Interestingly, along with the rest of their line, OLY offers customers an opportunity to design their own tank tops. While all of their clothes are super-comfortable and pretty affordable, personally, I like the ChakraTees. In yoga, each numbered chakra corresponds to a special description - for example, the 5^th chakra is for communication. The 7^th chakra shirt is my favorite; its vintage, worn-in feel and purple color make it a standout. Plus, the 7^th chakra, which is eternal bliss, is something that every Chick should aim for in her own life.

Another great line with chakras is Annie Fink Designs, an accessory line that has a heart on all of the chakra points of its arm warmers, leggings and neck warmers. Annie Fink Designs creates custom arm warmers for high school and college sports teams. Check it out here.

Shorts

Summer classes and hot yoga mean one thing: a lot of heat. To stay cool, Under Armour offers a number of shorts perfect for yoga classes, such as the UA Form 5″ Short, which has a super cute colorful design. The 5″ length is more modest than some other shorts and offers coverage in even the strechiest of leg lifts. For a solid color, try the UA Achieve 5″ or 7″. Under Armour also offers a few t-shirts perfect for warm temperatures, like the UA Tech Shortsleeve T and UA Logo Graphic Shortsleeve T.

The website says it best: “Hear gear, for when it’s hot.”

Capris

Every yogi needs a Capri pant in her closet for class, such as Athleta’s Chaturanga Yoga Tight Capri, which is made of the company’s wicking, part Spandex and part Lycra fabric. Since it’s made of Lycra, it doesn’t shine when stretched, which is perfect for the sometimes-compromising yoga poses. Interestingly, Athleta is part of the same family of companies as Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy.

Pants

For colder days or outdoor classes, every yoga-loving Chick should own a pair of yoga pants. The most flattering are Lucy’s Perfect Core Pants, which compress in all of the right places and help with body alignment. The entire Perfect Core collection from Lucy, which also features a racerback tank and bra, is perfect for yogis, because it’s super-flattering and really comfortable. Additionally, the Pants also come in a knee-length version, which are looser than leggings and perfect for summer.

Footwear

Owning a pair of minimalist footwear is a great idea for yoga practitioners, because they’re easy to slip in and out of before and after class. Check out kigos, which are ultra-durable, eco-friendly and sturdy shoes that aren’t too expensive. They come in a cute, colorful Mary Jane style, perfect for outdoorsy Chicks. The best part is that they’re waterproof, so you can wear them to work in the rain and then slip into your heels once you’re inside and dry!

Additionally, yoga-inspired flip flops are making a big debut this spring, keeping feet stabilized and distributing one’s weight evenly while walking. The best model is the Yoga Sandal by Beech Sandal Company, which has separators between each toe. They’re perfect for pedicures because they eliminate the need for paper separators and are available at a myriad of fitness studios, salons and spas.

Most Chicks practice with bare feet, not realizing that they are a portal for bacteria to enter the body. To keep feet safe, try Injinji toesocks, which have raised treads for a non-slip grip. They’re as close to being barefoot while wearing socks as possible and are ideal for yoga classes. For an everyday full foot style, check out these ones from Under Armour.

Jewelry

Namaste is a greeting commonly used between yogis that, translated from Sanskrit, literally means, “I bow to you.” Most yoga teachers say it at the end of each class. This necklace, designed by Rock My World Inc., has the word carved out of hand melted sterling silver and is a super cute statement piece for spring.

Super Treats for Super Chicks

It isn’t advisable to eat within 2 hours of practicing yoga, so it’s important that you’re well-nourished in advance. Try a superfood drink that will keep you full for a while, such as Cell-nique SuperGreen Drink, which is 31 superfoods in liquid form with 7 grams of protein and 6-8 servings of fruit and vegetables, to ensure that you’re able to make it through all of the difficult poses - especially during hot yoga!

Maxine Frendel is a writer from New Jersey who loves yoga and practices near her house. After writing this article, she has so much more incentive to attend class!