Yoga Equipment

The need for yoga equipment varies from student to student, and from one yoga style to the next.

In Sivananda Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, for example, props other than yoga mats or rugs are rarely used. In Iyengar Yoga and forms of restorative yoga like Swaroopa, you may use a number of different yoga props in each and every pose.

If you are new to yoga, it is likely you don’t need any equipment – the studio or gym where you practice likely has all the props you need.

The Skinny on Yoga Mats

Once you go to a few classes, you’ll likely want your own yoga mat. This is mostly for hygienic reasons (who knows how often those yoga mats at the studio actually get cleaned!), but also because, for me at least, my yoga mat is like a mobile temple. It’s a safe space where I work through my ‘stuff,’ and I don’t like other people to even walk across it.

There are certainly cheap mats to be found, but you should be aware of the many varieties that are out there: non-slip mats, extra wide mats, extra long mats, extra thick mats, cotton yoga mats, eco yoga mats, you name it, someone is making it.

I’ll go more into the multitude of yoga mats in a different article. But for now, I will say that if you plan on practicing yoga for any length of time, I recommend you upgrade to a mat that is both firm, thick, and skid-resistant as soon as you can. I use a Jade Harmony, and many people also like the Manduka black mat (see the black yoga mat page). They both come in long versions for people over 5’8″, which is the standard mat length.

Read more about yoga mats.

Yoga Mat Towels

Yoga mat towels are simply towels you place on your yoga mat to absorb sweat and prevent slipping, sliding, and skidding in your yoga practice.

I recommend yoga mat towels for people who practice hot yoga, or people like me who sweat a lot no matter what kind of yoga they’re doing.

Read my review of the best non-slip yoga mat towels.

Yoga Straps and Ties

If you can’t either touch your toes or join hands behind your back with straight elbows, the next prop to consider is a yoga strap or tie.

A yoga strap can do wonders for increasing flexibility – much more so than grunting and straining to get your hands to your toes.

Truthfully, any old tie from the closet will do in a pinch. A bandana or towel also work.

But, if you are planning to practice yoga for awhile, go ahead and get a yoga strap. Two tips: (1) the longer the better, so you can do more with it, and (2) get a strap with metal D-rings rather than a plastic buckle. D-rings are more durable, and they’re easier to adjust.

Again, I’ll publish another article about the many uses of yoga straps, but for now, I’ll just recommend this one.

Yoga Blankets

A blanket can be an extremely useful prop. It’s great to have one for the relaxation at the end of a yoga practice.

Blankets can also be folded up in a variety of ways to support your body in different poses. In pigeon pose, for instance, I support my hip with a folded blanket. You can also sit on a folded blanket to give your hips a bit more lift to make seated forward bends easier.

Think of yoga blankets as smaller, more versatile bolsters.

Most people like the Mexican cotton blankets for yoga practice. The truth is, it doesn’t really matter what you use, so long as, when it’s folded, it doesn’t squish down too much.

Yoga Blocks

Another versatile piece of yoga equipment is the block or brick.

Yoga blocks generally come in two sizes, 3″ and 4″. If you have narrow hips (i.e., you’re male), I recommend having at least one 3″ block in addition to one or two 4″ blocks. The wider-hipped can get away with one or two 4″ blocks.

Some yoga teachers love instructing poses where you squeeze a block between the legs. They’ll tell you to keep your feet hip width. I hate these classes, usually because they only offer 4″ blocks. I can’t squeeze a 4″ block between my thighs and keep my feet hip width. Simply anatomically impossible for this yoga guy. Pass me a 3″ block, please.

On the other hand, 4″ blocks are much more stable for use in balancing poses like half moon. Do you need a block to do half moon? No, but having one is certainly a great way to learn the pose.

There are many, many uses of yoga blocks, and many materials. And you guessed it, it’s the topic of another article. Foam blocks are cheap but unsteady. Wood blocks are very stable but hard. I say go for something in the middle: cork blocks are both solid and ecologically sound.

Yoga Bolsters

Yoga bolsters are essentially firm pillows. They come in all shapes and sizes. Unless you’re doing restorative yoga or you are super tight, you likely won’t need to use bolsters in your practice.

That said, if you have tight hips or have trouble sitting up straight, a small cushion like a zafu or the cosmic cushion can make seated poses much more approachable.

Note to Yoga Beginners…

If you are new to yoga and want to get the most bang for your buck, you could get a beginner’s yoga kit. There are many variations of the yoga kit, but most will include a mat, strap, and block. Others may include a yoga ball or even a beginner’s DVD.

There are many more types of yoga equipment, but these are the most popular.

Have questions? Please use the comments section below.