Yoga Equipment List for Beginners
Why do you need a yoga equipment list for beginners? When you are new to yoga, you might find it challenging to figure out what equipment you need to get started. With yoga’s fame, many industries have propped up that manufacture equipment tailored to yoga practices. So, it might seem confusing when you start looking and can’t tell what items will be suitable for starting.
To begin your practice, there is actually not too much you need to know in advance. Nor too much equipment that you need to purchase. If you are a first-timer or someone that wants to start their home-based yoga practice.
Essential Equipment
There are many forms in yoga, and each form has its own requirements. There are items available for purchase and rent at the yoga studios. But some items are fundamental essentials that you need to get started:
Yoga Apparel:
Yoga studios aren’t gyms, and they don’t have stringent dress codes or requirements in attire. So you don’t have to go on a shopping spree for a new workout wardrobe. But yoga is a practice where you move, stretch, hold postures, etc. So, you do need attire that feels comfortable in movement and doesn’t get in the way of your practice.
Tops / Shirts:
Because yoga postures include poses where you bend, twist, and get down on all fours. It is important to wear a shirt that fits your form enough to not fall over your head when you are bending. If you feel more comfortable in something sleeveless, that’s okay too. As long as you are comfortable and your top doesn’t get in the way of your practice, it’s fine.
Keep in mind that some forms of yoga, like Bikram Yoga, are practiced in heated rooms. But in general, yoga studios are kept in cool temperatures. So, keep additional items with you accordingly. For a hot yoga class, bring towels with you, and wear sleeveless tops. While for a normal yoga class, you can bring a sweater to keep warm after your class ends.
4 Pieces Basic Crop Tank Tops
Shorts / Pants:
Traditionally, yoga is practiced in Yoga Pants. But there is a lot of variety available in the market now, in regards to the material, fitness, texture, styles, and color options. If you find the large variety overwhelming. Don’t worry, you can just buy some pairs of solid colors like black, dark gray, navy blue, etc. Some materials, like cotton, tend to darken when exposed to moisture. So you might be uncomfortable bending and twisting when there are patches of dark colors on your shorts and pants. Consider buying pants or shorts that have moisture-wicking material in them. This type of material pulls moisture (like your sweat) away from your body and on to the surface of the material. This will keep you from getting your clothes too wet.
Shorts are another great option to wear for yoga. Especially popular among men. But they are also a good choice for women, especially when combined with leggings or tights. If you are someone that feels more comfortable with exposed legs, then shorts are ideal for you. Shorts are even better if you are going to be practicing the more fast-paced forms of yoga-like Bikram yoga.
Women’s Capri Yoga Pants
Hair ties and Hairbands:
If you have long hair, regardless of whether you are a man or woman, it is important to get accessories that can keep your hair tied and secure. If your hair gets in the way when you are changing postures, it might lead to distracting your concentration, and in the worst case, this can mean an injury. So keep your hair secure and out of your field of vision.
6 Pack Women’s Yoga Running Headbands
Sports Bras:
As mentioned, doing yoga, you will be required to bend and change postures, so if you’re a woman, then you should consider investing in a sports bra for your yoga class. A sports bra will provide support for your chest and keep “everything” in place as you change postures and hold sharp angles. Make sure that you wear size and design that is comfortable for your body. Discomfort can be distracting.
Yoga Mats:
Yoga mats are staples of the yoga world. It’s almost impossible to picture someone practicing yoga and not using a mat. A yoga mat defines your personal space, where you will be practicing yoga, and more importantly, it plays the role of providing traction between you and the ground, so you don’t slip, especially when you are sweating.
Rental mats:
At yoga studios, yoga mats are available on a rental basis on very small amounts of a few dollars. However, yoga mats absorb your sweat while you practice, and those available for rent are also used by other people. Although some studios do inform you about their hygiene policies, you can’t tell just by looking, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ideally, it is better to have a yoga mat for your personal use. After all, it is going to be a long-term friend on your journey.
Material:
The material of your yoga mat will determine its texture, comfort, and shock absorption. They are generally made from vinyl or rubber. Rubber mats are usually made from jute or cotton; they are more eco-friendly but provide lower shock absorption. Vinyl mats are more long-lasting and provide more durability, making them ideal for long term use.
For Beginners:
If you’re a beginner in yoga, then you will be practicing simple poses and attending classes 3-4 days a week. At this level, you will want to be comfortable and get more confident as you gain more experience. You need a mat that provides a good grip so you can practice your holds and postures without worrying about slipping. It should also have a thickness that provides support for your joints and helps you while you balance on the mat. The ideal thickness of a mat for beginners would be 5 and 8 mm, and one light enough to carry around.
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
Optional Equipment
Not everyone is an expert, and it’s okay to use other equipment for support to get better as you practice. Yoga props are a heaven send in this regard. Students use them to improve their alignment in different styles of yoga and make the most of their practice while avoiding injuries. These items will allow students to practice and enhance their postures during class and become more confident in the ability of their bodies.
The following Yoga Equipment List for Beginners is optional and not a must for a beginner’s practice. But they can be very useful, so it is best to familiarize yourself with them. If you do decide to get one, they are easily available at yoga studios (for purchase or for rent) and even in online stores.
Yoga Mat Bags and Slings:
Being essential items, you will be carrying your yoga mat with you to and from every class. You will also have to store the mat at home. These mats are used by spreading them flat on the ground. So, while you can roll them, they do keep unfolding by design. Because of this, it really helps to get a bag for your mat or a sling. Both the items make it easier to transport your yoga mat and store it at home while not in use.
Slings
As the name implies, these are straps with Velcro straps on each end to bind the rolled-up version of your mat. They are very straight forward in design and use. You can just strap your mat, sling it on your shoulder and be ready to move.
Bags
Yoga bags are available in more variety and designs and often have additional features like special locking mechanisms or pockets for your phone, drinks, etc. They come in two main types. The first version has straps attached to the larger bag; you can strap in your mat to your bag and start carrying. The second version of a bag usually comes with zippers and or snap mechanisms that lock in your mat.
Whether you choose bags or slings, there are styles and brands available. You can choose what works best for you based on your budget and personal preference.
ELENTURE Yoga Mat Bag
Blankets:
This one might sound a bit silly, but you would be surprised how normal it is for a yoga class to require the use of a blanket or pillow. In fact, there are some forms of yoga that are based on the practice of learning to relax. In these classes, you need to get comfortable and learn to relax your body. Such classes are generally for people who experience high levels of stress and find difficulty being comfortable enough to get rest.
Additionally, blankets can be very useful for beginners to use during certain postures. A blanket could be used to provide support under the limbs for additional support and comfort. The important thing in yoga is to remain comfortable enough to concentrate and focus. A blanket can go a long way to help with that. They can be handy for all sorts of things during class.
Yoga Blanket
Yoga Blocks:
If you have ever been to a gym or studio that holds aerobic related activities, then you have probably seen soft blocks of varying sizes that people use for support during their activities. Yoga requires the use of such blocks too. They are extremely useful for adjusting and holding your alignment without straining your body too far. They are specifically used for postures where your hands are to be stretched to the floor. By using a block when stretching your hand and bending your body backward, it’s easier to open the chest area, which allows for better respiration. Without the block, the chest might not open enough, and this would lead to a misalignment, which can cause a person to slip as the posture collapses.
These blocks are made from foam and wood. The material depends on the use. you can stack them on top of each other to arrange different heights. This makes them very useful, which is why you can also use them at home to improve your postures and get some practice. In this way, you can get accustomed to their use.
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block (Set of 2)
Bolsters:
These are long, narrow, and firm pillows that can be used in or along with blankets and blocks. They are essential to Restorative yoga and Parental yoga classes. Moreover, You can place them under the knees and head for support or behind the back when reclining for support. They are also useful for passive stretching. If you are taking Restorative and or Parental yoga classes, it might be useful for you to consider investing in your own bolsters for home use, so you can practice while not at the studio. Additionally, having your own will also be a more hygienic option.
There are two main shapes for these types of pillows: Round and Cylindrical. You can use the round when you need support for a long stretch, and the cylindrical ones are best for ergonomic support.
Gaiam Yoga Bolster Rectangular
Wheels:
These are long, narrow, and firm pillows that can be used in or along with blankets and blocks. They are essential to Restorative yoga and Parental yoga classes. Moreover, You can place them under the knees and head for support or behind the back when reclining for support. They are also useful for passive stretching. If you are taking Restorative and or Parental yoga classes, it might be useful for you to consider investing in your own bolsters for home use, so you can practice while not at the studio. Additionally, having your own will also be a more hygienic option.
There are two main shapes for these types of pillows: Round and Cylindrical. You can use the round when you need support for a long stretch, and the cylindrical ones are best for ergonomic support.
ATIVAFIT Sports Yoga Wheel
Straps or Belts:
Yoga belts or straps are very useful during posture holds. They act as extensions of the arms, especially for postures where you can’t reach your feet. If you can’t reach them, you can wrap the belt around your feet. Then you can hold onto the strap to maintain your posture. The best thing about this type of equipment is that you don’t need to buy one. you can use something similar from home. A normal belt or towel can be a very appropriate replacement for the same use.
ATIVAFIT Sports Yoga Wheel
Conclusion
So, this was our Yoga Equipment List for Beginners. It contains everything from yoga apparel to yoga mats and bolsters and wheels etc. This list aims to cover everything that a new yogi might need during his or her first yoga lesson. Some of these things are not necessarily for beginners. But once you start practicing yoga, you need to buy them one by one with time. Because they will help you a lot. You should be completely equipped for yoga. We sincerely hope that this list proves to be really fruitful for you.