Owning the Right Yoga Equipment Makes the Full Yoga Experience More Enjoyable

Yoga has been passed down through the centuries as a tradition that helps practitioners enjoy positive mental and physical benefits. If you practice regularly, you can become more flexible and even build up strength. However, you can also alleviate stress while enjoying a calmer and happier mind. Unlike many other fitness activities, yoga doesn't require much in the way of gear. If you practice in a studio, they're likely to have everything you need to get through a class. Then again, that gear might not suit you personally, and there might be rental fees involved. Having your own gear and equipment poses many advantages. You can choose the right pieces for your practice, you don't have to share them with anyone, and you can use them in studios or at home. It helps to know which pieces of equipment will elevate your practice because a yoga practice that you enjoy is one you are likely to keep doing.

1 - The Yoga Mat

Having your own yoga mat is going to be the most hygienic option. It's also essential to prevent injury because gym cushions that are too soft, slippery towels, and rugs might frustrate you or even hurt you. Owning your own mat is great, but what kind you should get is a matter of personal preference. If you're unsure what thickness to get, start with one that's around 1/8-in. thick, but consider a thicker mat if you want more cushioning for a therapeutic or restorative practice. Be mindful of the material you choose, too, as PVC mats are very durable and easy to clean but get slippery if you sweat a lot. Eco or natural mats are often made of jute, organic cotton, and rubber and will provide natural traction when you touch them. They probably won't last as long as PVC, however.

2 - Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks help you support yourself in many poses, especially in folds or bends where you can't reach the floor yet. Your choice here might boil down to stability versus portability. Flexible foam blocks are lighter to lug around, but cork and wooden blocks make your poses more stable. You can find firm foam options as a middle ground, and there are also half-size blocks that take less room in your bag. Always consider how washable blocks are because you're going to get them dirty if you practice enough. Washable covers are available.

3 - Straps

Yoga straps give you space and length when you need them, and you can use them to get effective benefits from certain poses without straining yourself to the point of potential injury. If you have a long torso but short arms, you might struggle with binding postures more than other students. Using a strap can help you find calm and comfort in a pose instead of fighting hard to hold onto something. Cotton straps don't stretch or give much, so you can rely on them for stability and grip.

4 - Yoga Clothing

You can practice a lot of yoga with comfortable fitness wear, but you need to remember that some of your poses might be wide-legged or even upside down. You can avoid unintentional exposure in a studio with form-fitting yoga tops and pants. Even at home, you'll enjoy more ease of movement when pants legs and shirt sleeves don't get caught up in twists or other poses. Moisture-wicking fabrics are great for people who practice hot yoga and need to dry quickly. Such fabrics also won't stick to your body in stretches and bends.

5 - Sling or Bag

A simple sling can help you store your mat and carry it around without it unrolling. It can even help you move around with your hands-free. A full yoga bag can protect your mat from weather and dirt when you are going to and fro, meaning your mat will last longer. The right bag might even have compartments for your strap, blocks, and water bottle. Look for one that might also have space for your wallet, phone, and keys so you can keep them conveniently close to you in a gym or studio while you practice.