I love yoga. I love the simplicity of the practice and the ease of getting on the mat. I love that I can do it almost anywhere for 5 minutes or 90. I love that I can do yoga in boots on a boat if I want. But when it comes time to put in a full practice, there are some things that I just can’t live without. If you’re just getting started and are wondering what you need, here’s some help.
The Top 5 most important pieces of yoga equipment are a: a mat, a strap, two blocks, and bolster. And don’t forget the gear. Yoga clothing is designed to move with the body and still be appropriate for public spaces…even if you find yourself upside down!
The mat is the foundation of your practice
The first and most iconic piece of equipment you’ll need for your practice is the mat. You may have already tried to follow along with a YouTube teacher on a bare floor, carpet or even a beach towel. If so, you understand the comfort and security a mat can offer.
When choosing your mat, here are some things to consider:
Size: The standard size of a yoga mat is about 2 feet across and almost 6 feet long. If you have a much larger girth, or are taller than 5’10”, then you may want to check into a longer or wider mat.
Material: Some mats are designed specifically to slip less when they get sweaty, but know that there are mat-sized towels that help with grip too. For more ecological options, seek out a yoga mat producer that offers well-functioning varieties that are planet friendly.
Thickness: Generally, the thickness of yoga mats range from 3-6mm. The 3mm standard will serve many people just fine. For joint issues, pain, excess weight or trouble being on the knees, you’ll appreciate the additional millimeters, so purchase a thicker option or just double up!
Cost: The world of yoga mats is a vast universe! Prices can range from $10 to over $100. Read reviews and talk to friends in class. Do your research and don’t rush to buy a mat. Use a few different kinds in the studio and make an informed decision. This way, you’ll keep your starter mat out of the recycle bin and out of the landfill.
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The strap gives you something to hold onto
The strap is a vitally important piece of equipment, especially for new yogis. When we are lying on our backs, trying to grab our feet, we really shouldn’t force things! A strap is a way for you to be able to reach the knee or foot or other hand without straining your back.
The good news is, you can begin your strap journey with a scarf, tie or soft length of rope. If your yoga mat came with a strap, you may be able to use that!
Length: straps are usually 6, 8 or 10 feet long. 8 is a versatile standard. If you aren’t tall, you don’t need 10 feet because that extra 2 feet can get annoying in a practice.
Material: In general, straps are either synthetic or natural. A synthetic fiber is often cheaper, and is offered in more exciting colors and patterns. The straps made with natural fibers are thicker and tend to offer a better grip.
D-rings: The D-rings on one end are standard. They can make a loop to wrap around a foot or to grip with.
Quantity: On occasion, you’ll enjoy having matching straps for bilateral poses. Consider buying two matching straps.
Blocks help you to be where you need to be
Blocks are just as important as straps and often get even more use. Blocks are used in poses where you are trying to touch the floor. They can also be used to prop up a body part to support proper alignment.
Size: the block is a rectangle with 3 sides of different sizes, which mean different heights. The standard size is 3 x 4.5 x 9 inches. If you are tall, you may want to check out the 12 inch options.
Weight: The foam blocks are popular because they are lightweight. The cork and wooden options are heavier, but more ecologically sound.
Material: Yoga blocks generally come in either foam, cork, or wood.
Shape: The standard yoga block is versatile and widely used, but there are several more options including half-moon, egg and trapezoid.
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Bolsters give you a little space to breath
The bolster offers protection and comfort during and practice and is a very versitale and important piece of equipment. There are many uses for a good bolster, so you want to know which uses are most important to you when you are deciding which type to purchase.
Sitting: Sitting on the floor is a part of yoga and the vast majority of practitioners benefit from having a cushion to raise their hips.
Under the knees in Savasana: when lying on the back, lifting and resting the knees softens the strain on the lower back.
Under the head: a thinner bolster, or folded blanket, can be used under the head.
Yin practices: Any number of yin-style poses require a bolster (or two or three!)
After you have considered what you will be using your bolster for, you can consider the following:
Size: When purchasing your first bolster, you may be able to use it for several things. Sometimes a bolster for sitting and a bolster for under the knees can be the same size.
Shape: Most bolsters are either round (cylindrical), or rectangular.
Material: A strong natural fiber that is durable and not slippery makes the best bolster.
Quantity: When purchasing bolsters for personal use, buy different sizes and shapes. You’ll use them at different times in your practice.
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The clothing is your second skin
Clothing designed for yoga practice has gained popularity over the years. Because these garments are made to stay in place and keep you covered in any movement or position, they are comfortable and quite utilitarian.
Material: The fabric is often soft and thin, but also strong and the cut is tailored so the garment stays where it is supposed to be. Even when your leg is over your head. The magic of good yoga clothing is that it’s easy to forget you are wearing it.
Cost: Since yoga clothes are so popular, it’s easy find a few starter items for a great price. As you continue your practice, you may find brands that appeal to your sense of comfort, body type, fashion and ecological mindset.
Fit: With all of the design that goes into the perfect yoga garment, it’s hard to not feel like you are wearing smart technology. You have found clothing that is both tailored and comfortable and moves with you so well that you forget you are wearing it.
The body has complete freedom to move however it needs to move in a good yoga ensemble. With yoga clothing, the pants are designed to stay put. This means that the waist stays in place and wedgies are minimal-because let’s be honest, yoga poses can be wedgie inducing! The tops are often tank tops that simply fill in where the sports bra left off for women. Shirts with sleeves for either gender can feel restrictive and draw the cloth up over the chest and shoulders whenever the arms are overhead. A tank top can be fitted to the waist where it will stay put no matter what the shoulders are doing. And if you don’t want to expose your belly while reaching up high over head and inhaling, don’t worry! The cut of yoga shirts is designed with this in mind.
These are the 5 most important pieces of yoga equipment. Now you know exactly what you need to throw into the cart! Be confident in your choices and may you have a lifetime of wonderful yoga practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a piece of yoga equipment has made it to market, then most likely it has been helpful for someone. Keep an open mind! If you have the chance to try something new, give it a shot! It may be just what your body was asking for. But be mindful that more specialty equipment may not be for every practice, so take your time deciding before you buy the niche items.
If you are a beginning, purchasing a solid midgrade is certainly sufficient to find out what you use the most. Also, wait as long as possible to purchase, so that you can make the most informed choice. Start with a solid industry standard and if you decide to upgrade, then you can gift your equipment to a yoga practitioner who is just starting out.
If you like, but there’s no need. Some people like to have their own mat, since it’s such an intimate item. Also, be honest about your needs. Do you frequently find yourself trying to practice at home on a beach towel, with books and scarves as your props? If not, then wait. Always consider if your purchase will end up in the donation bin, or the landfill.
To learn more about starting your own Yoga Business check out my startup documents here.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs
Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Yoga Fan
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online yoga business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a yoga business owner in public at a studio or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Yoga Business Boss: I want to help future yoga business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.