It's common to think that you need to go buy a ton of stuff to start a new activity. Do you really need to buy new yoga gear to start practicing? Short answer - no. You can practice anywhere on the bare ground BUT if you want more than that - you're not alone. It's fun to have all the things and it can even make you feel more confident practicing. More importantly, having the proper gear can help you maintain a safe yoga practice.
Ready to check out the goods? Below are some ideas on beginner gear:
YOGA MAT
Things to consider when buying one:
- Thickness - helps support your joints if practicing on hard surfaces
- Stickiness - on the bottom to keep from sliding on the floor and on the top to help your feet grip to the mat
- Length - if you're taller than 5'8, look for a longer mat so you can lay comfortably without having your head or feet on the floor
Personally, I use a Hugger Mugger mat and LOVE it! Lightweight and sticky enough for heated studio use (a.k.a. loads of sweat). Affordable and lasts. There are hundreds of mats, so here are a few to checkout:
- Tapas extra long yoga mat
- Travel cork yoga mat
- Elite Hybrid Plus mat (combo mat and towel) My hubby uses this one and hasn't touched his old mat since! Plus, it's machine washable.
PROPS
There are a few props that can help you gain access to poses or even intensify them:
- Blocks (substitute thick, hardcover books)
- Yoga Straps (substitute exercise bands, tie or a belt)
- Rolled Towel (substitute bolster or rolled blanket)
- Wedge (substitute rolled towel or folded blanket)
You don't NEED any of these, so don't feel like you have to spend a ton of money. They're fun to use and can really help you, but your practice generally won't suffer if you don't have them.
YOGA APPAREL
Practice in what makes you comfortable AND feel good about yourself. I am an advocate to have yoga clothes that make you smile because you're more likely to WANT to wear them and PRACTICE!
If you need some new graphic tees, check out our Love & Asana gear You'll want to wear them everywhere...a great way to get in the mood for daily yoga!
Ready to get private support with your yoga practice?
Learn more about working together one-on-one (live on Zoom)!
Private sessions aren't just me doing yoga with you alone. It's truly about getting a personalized plan to help you with chronic pain & stress that is impacting your quality of life.
With my expertise, I can offer targeted techniques from a variety of wellness modalities that you can start using immediately. If you are tired of the way you're feeling right now and ready to do something simple every single day to feel better, let's work together!
About the Author:
Tiffany Lord, E-RYT & Yoga Therapeutic Specialist
Corporate Wellness Coach
Resilience + Stress Management Expert
As the founder of Love + Asana, I help busy professionals feel more resilient and and increase agency in their wellness. This all-levels, accessible approach to physical and mental health at work allows employees to easily learn and implement healthy habits during their work day…and feel the benefits ripple out into all areas of life
Since 2016, I’ve had the honor of coaching thousands of employees through virtual sessions and workshops focused on relaxation techniques, mindset, and mobility. My wellness articles have been featured in fyi50+, CO Yoga + Life, and I’m the author of three “Get With Gratitude” journals based on my online workshop series for resilience through a grateful mindset.
I completed a 200-hour training through CorePower Yoga and received my 500-hour Therapeutic Specialist certificate through Yoga Medicine to complement my background in massage therapy and Bachelor’s Degree in International Business with Cum Laude honors from the University of Colorado at Denver. As a Continuing Education Provider with the Yoga Alliance, I share my knowledge of functional movement and the mind-body connection with yoga instructors wanting to deepen their teaching toolkit.