9 Things You Need to Do Yoga At Home
Essential and Optional Gear for Your Home Yoga Practice - By Cora Gold
Reading time: 4 minutes
Starting yoga can be daunting when figuring out what to buy. With countless options in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, you only need a few items to begin your yoga journey. Here’s a list of must-haves and some optional equipment to improve your practice.
1. Yoga Mat
The most essential gear is a yoga mat. Also called a sticky mat, it keeps you comfortable as you practice. A good mat provides cushioning and better traction to hold a pose.
Consider the following features when shopping for one:
- Material: Choose a yoga mat made of natural rubber, as it wicks odors and provides enough grip. Mats made with recycled materials are also available if you’re looking for sustainable options.
- Thickness: A thick yoga mat may be ideal if you have back pain or find lying on the ground painful. A thinner mat is an excellent option if you primarily do standing poses.
2. Yoga Pants
A comfortable pair of yoga pants allows you to move your body comfortably. Opt for a high-waisted pair with moisture-wicking properties so you can stretch and flow without worrying about sweating.
3. Fitted TopÂ
It’s essential to wear fitted tops so they don’t fly over your head when you do a downward-facing dog. A properly fitted sports bra can also benefit you by providing better chest support and preventing discomfort during yoga practice.
4. Yoga Towels
Unlike conventional towels, yoga towels help wick away your sweat and maintain your grip on the mat. Many people prefer spreading one on their mat to prevent bad-smelling bacteria from coming in contact with it. It also provides added padding for poses that require kneeling.
5. Yoga Block
This accessory helps you ease into various stretches and poses. Yoga blocks are made of wood, cork or foam — any should work, but a slightly wider block can provide more support. They’re accommodating for certain poses, such as the half-moon pose, keeping your chest open and aiding your stability.
6. Resistance Bands
Also known as yoga straps, resistance bands help add a layer of difficulty to your yoga routine. They’re lightweight accessories that can strengthen your muscles as effectively as conventional gym equipment. You can use a looped resistance band when doing downward-facing dog leg lifts and high-crescent lunges.
Nice-to-Have Yoga Items
Once you’ve covered the basics, consider investing in the following additions to elevate your yoga practice.
7. Tennis or Massage Ball
A tennis ball can double as a massage tool for a self-myofascial release before yoga. Once pain or tension is released from the back, arms and legs, you feel more flexible and able to hold more poses confidently.
8. Yoga Wheel*
This prop helps in deepening certain poses to boost flexibility. It opens your back, chest, hips, arms and legs more to release tightness. For instance, you can lie on the yoga wheel to flex your upper back.
9. Yoga Mat Bag
If you’re practicing yoga solely at home, there’s no urgent need to buy a mat bag. However, it’s a big help if you want to join a yoga class soon. The bag provides ample space for your gear that most gym bags can’t.
Shop for Yoga Equipment Today
Yoga is a mind-body exercise you can do at home with only a few pieces of equipment. These essential items ensure comfort and enhance your yoga journey. As you progress, consider purchasing an optional item to boost your practice.
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