Essential equipment for practicing yoga
Yoga is an activity that continues to gain popularity. Indeed, this sport - because yes it is a sport - is no longer reserved for hippies. More and more people are seduced by the benefits of yoga.
But as with all sporting activities, equipment is necessary to be able to practice it with complete peace of mind.
So, if you have already booked your first yoga session, here is a list of essential and additional equipment for practicing yoga.
Five Reasons Why People Love Yoga
With 60 million yoga-related posts on Instagram every day, what is it about this practice that has people so hooked?
- Yoga is a well-known method for relieving stress.
- It can help reduce neck pain, headaches and sleep problems.
- Some people use yoga to lose weight.
- Anyone can practice it.
- Yoga improves posture.
Have we convinced you to try yoga? Now let's move on to the recommended yoga equipment.
Yoga equipment
An internet search for yoga equipment you might need will leave you in a complete blur. There are so many things and products available, so to make things easier for you, let’s go over the essentials you need as a beginner, followed by some “nice to haves.”
What should a beginner buy for yoga?
There are five essential yoga supplies every yogi needs, whether you're attending a class, practicing at home, or out and about:
Yoga mat
These are a must if you don't want to slip during practice. It also acts as a nice cushion separating you from the ground. Every yoga session should end with a savasana pose where you lie down and stay as still as possible.
Other poses, such as Balasana (baby pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), and some variations of Kapotasana (pigeon pose), also involve your face touching or being very close to the ground. Yoga mats provide comfort and prevent you from getting dirty.
Yoga blocks
Every beginner should invest in yoga blocks. Yoga is an art form that you have to practice, training your body to go deeper into the poses to feel the full benefits. Yoga blocks help you do just that. Can’t reach the floor? Use yoga blocks. Worried about falling over when trying Bakasana (crow pose)? Use yoga blocks. Struggling to keep your balance? Use yoga blocks.
Water bottle
Many people think that yoga is an exercise that will not make you sweat. This is not the case, especially for beginners. A water bottle is essential during a yoga class to stay well hydrated.
Yoga strap
It’s an essential piece of yoga equipment just like a yoga block. It can help you gradually deepen a pose for a more effective stretch. Straps can also help you achieve proper alignment and increase flexibility.
Comfortable clothing
You’ll see a lot of influencers wearing thin yoga pants for their practices. But beginners don’t need to dress the same way or invest in a whole new wardrobe. The more comfortable you are in your yoga clothes , the better your experience will be.
“Nice to Have” Yoga Equipment
We’re sure you’ll be hooked on yoga after a few sessions. As you try new practices and find your favorite poses, you’ll definitely want to upgrade your yoga gear.
The following are not essential to practicing yoga, but many people invest in them once they become dedicated yogis.
Yoga cushion
These are a great investment if you don't feel comfortable sitting. They elevate you slightly for a more comfortable sitting position. Yoga cushions are also fabulous to use during savasana.
Yoga blanket
This serves the same purpose as a cushion, but you can change the thickness by folding it. We also like to wrap them around ourselves during savasana.
Yoga bag
Yoga mats get dirty, so regular cleaning is a must. A yoga bag is a great accessory to store your mat in between sessions. It also protects it from dust and other dirt when you’re on your way to a yoga class. These bags usually come with straps, which also make it easier to carry.
Yoga towel
Remember when we said you’re going to sweat during a yoga session? Well, a yoga towel absorbs sweat, protecting you from slipping. It will also prevent your mat from sliding under your weight. If you plan on using a yoga mat provided by your gym, we recommend placing a towel on top of it for hygiene reasons.
Yoga socks
Another yoga gear that will keep you from slipping during practice. They are also very comfortable and are perfect for people who don't like going barefoot to the gym.
Yoga wheel
A yoga wheel may seem intimidating, but it's a great piece of yoga equipment to have if you need to release tension or want a much deeper stretch.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying any yoga gear, we recommend buying only the essentials at first. The rest are great options for people to buy as gifts or if you want to practice yoga more intensively.
