Essential Yoga Equipment

Yoga is an incredible practice for your mind, body and soul and to participate, that’s all you need; your mind, your body and your soul. However, to enjoy an enhanced and more fulfilling session there is some essential yoga equipment that you should add to your yoga tool box. 

Whilst there is a whole variety of different items released by the yoga industry on a regular basis, it is tricky to know what you really need and what is really beneficial. To help, we’ve narrowed down that exhaustive list to the absolute essentials which will supercharge your session. 

Yoga Mat 

If you’re going to purchase one item to assist your yoga journey, make it a yoga mat. Not only do yoga mats provide a non-slip base for your hands and feet, they also define your personal space whilst in a class and provide a soft cushioning on hard floors. You can also get an extra long yoga mat if you are tall or just want more room to do stretches and poses.

Whilst gyms and yoga studios most often will provide mats, there is nothing like the comfort of having your own mat. Owning your own yoga mat gives you the knowledge that the mat is clean as well as transforming the practice area into your own little sacred spot. 

Yoga mats can be purchased at all price points with the most popular, Liforme, on the higher end. However, if you’re looking for a mat on a budget, Gaiam are also highly recommended by the yoga community.

Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks are a great way to develop your flexibility and enhance your practice. They are a much needed item if you’re looking to improve your comfort and alignment. Blocks can be really beneficial for poses where flexibility is lacking as they help your pose when it might otherwise be compromised. 

Yoga blocks can be positioned at three different heights making them widely adaptable to your flow. You can find yoga blocks made of foam, cork or wood and which you choose is personal preference. Whilst foam is the most comfortable, cork is the most durable but wood is the easiest to clean after a sweaty session. I love these Gaiam yoga blocks which are available in many different colours and even patterns.

Towel

It’s always useful to attend a session along with a yoga towel. A towel will come in really handy after a sweaty session, especially if you’re attending Bikram yoga. Also, a towel can be added into a yoga session to enhance a stretch. Any towel will do but yoga towels in particular are fast drying and absorb sweat. 

Leggings

With yoga being a discipline heavily focused on movement, you need clothing that will allow you to flow through your poses with ease. Comfort is key in yoga as it is important to truly connect during a session. It is difficult to connect if you’re constantly thinking about how uncomfortable you feel!

You also want to make sure that your clothing is a good fit so it doesn’t restrict or expose you throughout your flow. Whilst anything comfortable will work, yoga specific leggings will give you the best experience and brands like Lululemon have a massive following for good reason. 

Water bottle

With any form of exercise, it is important to keep your fluid levels up so make sure you always have a bottle of water handy. An insulated stainless steel bottle is the best option as they keep liquids cool for up to 24 hours depending on the bottle. That way, you always have a nice, cool, refreshing drink available whenever you require it.

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These items will make your yoga session flow with ease. Yoga is an incredible discipline you can practice anywhere whether at home, your local studio or even on the other side of the world! You can find some incredible yoga retreats in Southeast Asia – checkout the Best Yoga retreats Bali and the best yoga retreat Malaysia has to offer!

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