Yoga is not a pretentious activity that requires fancy equipment. In fact, you can practice it anywhere, without any equipment, as long as you are comfortably dressed. Nonetheless, there are some accessories and props which can make it easier for you to focus on your practice and achieve your goals. If you are a beginner yogi, you should equip yourself with the following accessories before your first class. However, even if you have been practicing yoga for a while, in the following lines you might still discover something that could be of use to you.

The yoga mat

This is the basic prop that you need to practice yoga comfortably. Sure, you can practice this activity without the mat, but that will feel very uncomfortable, especially if you are sitting on a very hard surface. You could also practice yoga on a carpet or on a blanket, but that will also pose problems, since both the carpet and the blanket could slip, and they don’t do a great job absorbing the hardness of the floor. Yoga mats on the other hand, are specifically designed to provide a comfortable space, that can accommodate any yoga posture.

A comfortable pair of pants

Yoga will test your flexibility in unimaginable ways, so you need to be dressed comfortably. As a top, you can wear anything you want, be it a tank top, a sports bra or a plain t-shirt. However, the pants are particularly important. They should have sufficient give to allow you to stretch properly, and they shouldn’t be too loose, so that the extra material won’t bother you. Leggings are the best choice, but you can also make do with a pair of fold over pants.

A yoga bag

Yoga bags are specifically designed to accommodate yoga mats. Our advice is to opt for a bigger bag, one with a little extra space for carrying basic workout necessities like a water bottle or a towel. You can buy the bag in a set with your mat, but you can also find bags that are sold separately, and they usually come in catchy colors and creative designs.

Yoga blocks

Blocks are cheap and lightweight, so you can use them at home, but you can also easily carry them if you practice yoga outdoors or at a studio. They can be incorporated into any posture, the main goal being to bring the floor closer to you, or to create length and extension.

A yoga headband

If you have bangs, or your hair is simply to wild and rebel, you will need a good headband to keep your hair out of the way during your practice. Any type of headband will do, as long as it is not slippery. Nonetheless, most yogis opt for special yoga headbands with special patterns that inspire peace and serenity.

A mat cleaner

Needless to say, your mat needs to be cleaned regularly in order to provide a clean and comfortable environment for your practice. Since mats are made of different materials, we advise you to read the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning the mat. Most mats can be cleaned with warm water and soap, but a special mat cleaner can be more effective in removing the dirt and the unpleasant odors that are trapped in the mat. You can find special yoga mat cleaners at your local yoga studio, but you can also find them in major retail shops.

A foam roller

While yoga is meant to relax you, it will also push your limits from time to time, so sore muscles are to be expected. To relieve some of that tension, invest in a good foam roller, preferably one with grids. You can use it on your back, on your hamstrings, on your calves, on your glutes and on any other area that feels sore and tense. You can use it before the practice, after the practice, or whenever you have a space moment and you feel tense.