Yoga during the French Days

Hatha, vinyasa, yin: equipment according to the practice

The equipment depends on the style of yoga. Hatha, which holds poses for several breaths, requires a stable mat and a few supports to correct alignment. Vinyasa, which links movements to the rhythm of the breath, demands a very grippy mat, as hands sweat quickly, and clothing that moves with each bend. Yin and restorative yoga, where you stay relaxed on the floor for a long time, make good use of cushions and a bolster, which allow you to let go without tension. The French Days, in spring and autumn, are a great opportunity to enhance your equipment.

Other indoor sports

The French Days indoor also comes in various forms:

• Fitness.
• Padel.
• Badminton.
• Volleyball.
• Handball.
• Basketball.

All offers are collected on the indoor page.

Thickness and material of the mat: cushioning versus grounding

The mat is chosen based on two criteria, thickness and material. A thick mat made of NBR, a dense synthetic foam like that of the Avento mat, cushions the knees and spine: it is suitable for beginners and gentle yoga, but can be a bit unstable in standing balances. A thinner mat provides better grounding on the floor and rolls easily into a bag. Grip is as important as thickness: the surface should hold the palms in downward dog, even when damp. The Trigger Point Mobility mat features markings that guide the placement of hands and feet during mobility exercises.

Cushion, bolster, strap, blocks: what each support is for

The supports were popularised by Indian master B.K.S. Iyengar, who aimed to make the postures accessible to all bodies. The meditation cushion, or zafu, raises the pelvis so that the knees drop and the back stays straight while sitting; Lotuscrafts, a brand born from a trip to India in 2010, makes them from organic cotton. The bolster, long and firm, supports the back or knees in relaxation poses. The strap extends the arms to reach the feet, and the blocks bring the floor closer in forward bends and standing poses.

Leggings and tops: clothing that moves with the poses

In yoga, clothing should neither slip nor hinder movement. The high-waisted legging, like the Hummel Yoga Wrap or Mandala, stays in place during bends and twists, without exposing the lower back. The top is worn fitted or tucked in: a long tank top from Urban Goddess, a brand from Amsterdam that has been making its collections from certified organic cotton since 2013, won’t fall over the face in inverted poses. The pieces made from super.merino wool regulate temperature and limit odours during dynamic sessions. We practice barefoot: the outfit is enough.

Frequently asked questions

Which yoga to do while pregnant?

Prenatal yoga adapts poses to pregnancy: no compression of the belly, ample breathing, and focus on the pelvis and back. A bolster and blocks help maintain comfort; the advice of a midwife or doctor is essential before starting.

Which yoga helps with flexibility?

Yin yoga, which holds each pose for several minutes, stretches the connective tissues deeply, while hatha works on mobility in a progressive way. A strap allows for deeper stretches without straining the back.

What is yoga nidra?

It’s a guided relaxation practiced lying on your back, often called yogic sleep: a voice guides the attention through the body and breath. A mat, a cushion under the head, and a bolster under the knees are sufficient.

How to clean a yoga mat?

Wipe it down after each session with a damp cloth and a few drops of gentle soap, then let it dry flat, out of direct sunlight. Avoid products containing alcohol or concentrated essential oils, which can degrade some materials and make the surface slippery.

Does yoga help reduce stress?

Slow postures combined with controlled breathing, like in hatha or yin, help many practitioners release tension. A few minutes of seated meditation on a cushion at the end of the session prolong this effect.