Whether you’re a yoga beginner or an expert, the correct accessories may improve your technique. Maybe you’ve tried yoga but struggled. Actually, I’ve met many people in that situation, especially over 50. If you’re a beginner intrigued by yoga, you came to the right place.
Truth be told, the equipment frightened me the most when I started yoga. Blocks, belts, bolsters…it was overwhelming. These gadgets make a huge impact on my practice. My body felt supported, and I could perform impossible positions.
But how do you know which beginning yoga equipment is the best?
That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article. Stretch a bit and let’s dive right into the 6 best yoga accessories for beginners!
Yoga Mat
Beginners need a yoga mat because this simple product protects joints and prevents injuries. This is crucial for beginners with restricted mobility or little physical activity.
Secondly, a good yoga mat has a non-slip surface to avoid slippage. For novices, this is extremely important in terms of balance. Of course, a yoga mat protects the practitioner from germs and microorganisms on the floor or the great outdoors.
Yoga mats offer a personal place for practice. A separate practice space might assist in preparing and wrapping up practice.
Of course, yoga mats come in various fabrics, thicknesses, and patterns to suit individual preferences and demands. Here are the most popular options:
- Eco-friendly yoga mats are produced from natural rubber, jute, or cork. They are fantastic for environmentalists. Durable, non-slip, and cushioned.
- Extra Thick Yoga Mats: Extra thick yoga mats give more padding and support for sensitive joints or yoga on hard floors. These are wonderful for restorative yoga and other long-held positions.
- Non-Slip Yoga Mats: Certain surface textures or coatings prevent yoga mats from slipping and sliding. They provide stability and safety, particularly for energetic yoga practitioners.
- Travel Yoga Mats: Lightweight, rollable, and packable, travel yoga mats are ideal for regular travelers who desire to practice yoga. Rubber, cork, and other materials may be used to make thinner, less cushioned yoga mats.
Yoga Block
Some positions might benefit from a yoga block. These foam or cork blocks vary in size and form.
Beginners may use yoga blocks to align positions when they can’t reach the ground. Beginners may benefit from a posture without straining by bringing the floor closer to the body using a block.
A block beneath the hands helps bring the floor closer to the body in a forward bend, helping beginners to stretch without hurting their lower backs. In the triangle pose, a block beneath the hand helps novices reach the floor and extend fully.
In certain positions, yoga blocks may enhance balance. A block beneath the hand may offer a point of contact with the floor, increasing stability and decreasing the danger of falls.
Different yoga blocks have different advantages, such as:
- Dense Foam Yoga Blocks are the most popular options. They’re lightweight, resilient, and easy to clean.
- Cork Yoga Blocks: Made from cork oak tree bark, cork blocks are more eco-friendly. They support and stabilize better than foam blocks. They are inherently anti-microbial, keeping them clean and odor-free.
- Bamboo Yoga Blocks are eco-friendly and sustainable. Lightweight, resilient, and simple to clean. They support and are naturally anti-microbial.
- Wood Yoga Blocks: Sustainable hardwood blocks are eco-friendly. They are strong and stable. They feel natural and are heavier than other choices.
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Yoga Strap
A yoga strap supports specific postures and improves flexibility and alignment.
In sitting forward bends, a strap may assist novices in raising their feet closer to their bodies and stretching their hamstrings without stressing their backs. In the triangle, warrior II, and side-angle poses, a yoga strap may assist novices in achieving good alignment by bringing the hand closer to the foot and letting them stretch fully.
By adding resistance to certain positions, yoga straps may enhance flexibility. A strap helps intensify the twist in sitting spinal twists without stressing novices’ backs or shoulders.
Yoga straps may also support exercises to promote alignment. For novices, a yoga strap may assist in moving the hand closer to the foot in positions like downward-facing dog and upward-facing dog.
Yoga straps have varied characteristics and advantages:
- Cotton Yoga Straps: Comfortable and adjustable, many yogis choose cotton straps. Soft, breathable cotton makes them comfortable and easy to grasp. They are also machine-washable.
- Nylon Yoga Straps: Nylon straps are sturdy and long-lasting. Nylon makes them wear-resistant. They also adjust easily and come in several colors.
- Adjustable Yoga Straps: Easy-to-adjust yoga straps are ideal for novices who are still finding the right length. These straps contain buckles or D-rings to customize their size.
- Eco-Friendly Yoga Straps: Made of organic cotton, jute, or hemp, these straps are eco-friendly.
Yoga Blanket
Mexican or Falsa blankets, often known as yoga blankets, may support and relax you during practice. Yoga blankets are soft, breathable cotton or wool and available in many colors and designs. They may help and ease yoga practice in many ways. A blanket beneath the head, knees, or lower back may assist in relieving joint strain and stress.
Roll a yoga blanket to serve as a support for sitting or reclining positions. This supports the spine and opens the chest for deeper breathing.
For cross-legged sitting postures, a yoga blanket may be folded and put under the sit bones to lift the hips and give support. In cooler weather or air-conditioned rooms, yoga blankets may be used to cover up in savasana or other relaxation positions for warmth and comfort.
Not sure what to choose? Here are a few popular options:
- Mexican: Falsa blankets are handmade Mexican blankets. They are soft, breathable cotton and available in many colors and designs. They are lightweight and simple to fold and roll, making them ideal yoga props or covers.
- Fleece: Warm and comfy fleece blankets are popular. They’re warm and soft fleece, perfect for chilly weather or air conditioning. They are also machine-washable.
- Handloom: These blankets are hand-woven from cotton, wool, or jute. They are more eco-friendly and sustainable and ideal for traditionalists. Durable and long-lasting.
- Synthetic: these can be either polyester or acrylic. Lightweight and simple to clean, they may not be as breathable as natural fiber blankets. They’re cheaper too.
Yoga Bolster
Yoga bolsters are cylindrical cushions filled with cotton or other soft materials. It supports and comforts restorative yoga positions, which help the body relax. Honestly, they’re in my top 3 favorite products so far!
A bolster beneath the knees, back, or head may assist relax the body in restorative positions. In a supine posture, a bolster beneath the knees helps ease lower back strain and deepen relaxation. A bolster beneath the back in a sitting forward bend opens the chest and shoulders, deepening the stretch.
Bolsters might be made of cotton, organic cotton, or other materials. Washable coverings make certain bolsters easier to clean.
A yoga bolster supports the body and releases tension, making it important for novices, particularly those seeking restorative positions.
Different yoga bolsters have different advantages.
- Traditional Yoga Bolsters are round. Cotton or other soft materials fill their cylindrical form. They support and comfort in several positions.
- Rectangular Bolsters: Like round bolsters, but rectangular. They are wonderful for organized persons. They are also ideal for bolster backrest users.
- Zafu Bolsters: Round and smaller than standard bolsters. Buckwheat or other natural materials fill them, providing firmer support. They are also useful for long-term cross-legged sitting.
- Specialty Bolsters: Crescent, kidney, and other bolsters are developed for certain postures or routines. They come in different sizes, densities, and hardness degrees and are made of organic cotton.
Yoga Towel
Trust me, whoever says you don’t sweat during yoga has never performed a true session! In hot or sticky circumstances, the towel improves mat traction a lot. The towel absorbs perspiration to prevent the mat from becoming slippery, which may be unsafe and injuring. The towel prevents perspiration from absorbing into the mat, which may make it hard to clean and encourage bacteria and mold development.
Here are a few options I’d recommend based on your personal preferences:
- Synthetic Microfiber Yoga towels are absorbent and quick-drying. They’re perfect for traveling since they’re light and compact. They’re machine-washable and fast-drying. These are non-slip and may be put on a yoga mat to provide traction and absorb perspiration during hot yoga.
- Cotton Yoga Towels: Natural cotton yoga towels are eco-friendly. Hot yoga and Bikram yoga benefit from their higher absorption than microfiber towels. They’re machine-washable and fast-drying. These are non-slip and may be put on a yoga mat to provide traction and absorb perspiration during hot yoga.
- Manduka eQua Hand Towel: These microfiber towels are intended to grip a yoga mat and absorb perspiration during hot yoga. They’re machine-washable and fast-drying.
