8 Essential Pieces of Yoga Equipment Every Beginner Needs
You are on a great path if you've decided to enter the world of yoga. Yoga is an excellent way to improve your flexibility, reduce accumulated stress, or if you just want to try new things. You get the chance to connect your mind and body. But you can’t just start by rolling out your mat. You need some essentials so that your exercise can be complete. Especially when you are a beginner, having the right equipment will mean the world. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on building a yoga studio in your house. There are just a few pieces you must have if you want to do yoga in the right way. Let’s see what those are.
Yoga Mat
You need a foundation for your exercise. And that foundation is a yoga mat. It’s going to be your best friend during your whole practice and a sacred space. Try your best to choose the right mat. It will give the right support for your joints and grip. We know it’s important to avoid sliding around during downward dogs. Look at how thick the mat is. It should be thick enough to be comfortable for you, but not too thick since it can throw off your balance. You can try the sporting goods store in Franklin if you want to look at different options. Sometimes you can even test a few to see if they are the perfect match for you.
Comfortable Clothing
We are not saying that you should spend a lot of money on designer yoga clothes. But what you should do is always choose comfortable and breathable clothes. It’s important to wear something in which you can move freely without feeling like someone is pulling you. You should wear stretchy leggings, a supportive sports bra, and a well-fitted top. The last thing you should be focusing on when doing yoga is adjusting your clothes.
Yoga Blocks
Many people forget about them, but yoga blocks are essential for doing yoga right. They are extremely helpful for someone who is just beginning. You might not have much flexibility or strength to reach the floor in different poses. This is when yoga blocks can significantly help you. They are used to modify some poses, provide support while doing exercises, and help you deepen your stretch even more. You can find them in different materials like foam, cork, or wood. They are also very lightweight and quite affordable. If you are a beginner, don’t make the mistake of overlooking them. You’ll make your life easier.
Yoga Towel
A yoga towel is an essential piece of equipment for those who are planning to try hot yoga or just tend to sweat a lot. Yoga towels are designed to be placed over your yoga mat and absorb any sweat. This will prevent you from slipping and sliding during your practice. You’ll see that some yoga towels have one grippy side. This has its own purpose, and it’s to keep the towel in its place. This is affordable, and it’s a small investment that will make a huge difference in your yoga practice. You’ll notice that you are feeling much more comfortable and safe.
Yoga Strap
Just think about reaching your toes while you are in a seated forward bend. We can imagine how difficult and struggling it can get. This is when a yoga strap is about to become your new best friend. It is a great tool if you want to improve your flexibility and hold your poses longer. If you have tight shoulders or hamstrings, they are a great option to get that nice stretch in these parts. Another benefit is that they are portable. You can just toss one in your bag when you are packing and take it anywhere with you.
Water Bottle
Yoga is all about helping yourself feel better. You can’t do or feel this if you are pushing yourself without having the right hydration. This is especially important if you are doing a more intense or heated yoga class. It’s the best idea to get a reusable water bottle. Find the one that will be easy to carry around and that won’t take up much space in your bag. Make sure the bottle doesn’t leak when it’s standing next to your mat. It’s even better if you find an eco-friendly option.
Yoga Bolster
This one is not extremely necessary if you are just starting your yoga journey. But if you are willing to try new things and take your practice to a whole new level, then check this out. A yoga bolster is a padded cushion. It’s a perfect choice for restorative yoga because it will help you relax into poses and support your whole body. You can also use them for meditation or if you just want some lounging around after doing a hard session. If you are just starting yoga out, and think that it may become your new passion, consider getting a yoga bolster. It will make your practice more fun and enjoyable.
Yoga Bag
And lastly, you’ll need something where you’ll pack all of these pieces of equipment for your exercise. A yoga bag will be your go-to friend when you start practicing. It will keep your mat, blocks, strap, and towel well organized and easy to carry from one place to another. It can make you look stylish at the same time. Find a bag that has extra pockets where you can put your keys, phone, and other personal things. It may not sound like a big deal, but it’s much easier to get to your class on time if you have everything packed nicely in one place.
It’s always exciting when we are starting something new, but being prepared will make it less stressful. If you have the right equipment for your yoga classes, you can be prepared for your success in advance. You don’t need to go too deep right away and buy some professional pieces. Start with the basics, and then it will be easy to upgrade. Yoga is not about being perfect. It’s about connecting with yourself and your mind. So just take it easy, take a deep breath, and enjoy the time that’s ahead of you.