The Basic Equipment for Yoga!
Yoga Equipment:
There are many items available for those who practice yoga. None of them are truly required, but there are many that would be especially helpful.
You may have even seen a number of them in videos, on television, or in your local store. Perhaps you didn’t even realize they were used for yoga.
For many years yoga equipment was hard to find and somewhat expensive. Now it’s very prevalent and the prices on most equipment are very affordable.
The problem is, the prevalence of equipment makes it hard to decide what you need and what you don’t. You don’t need everything, no matter what the salesperson may try to tell you.
We’re going to look at some of the most popular types of yoga equipment and accessories so you can decide what you need, what you might want, and what you can live without.
If you’re just getting started you really need very little, especially if you’ll be taking a class. Your class may provide the items you need, but not all will. You’ll probably need to bring your own mat at the very least.
The equipment you buy will also largely be a personal choice. You may not need to buy something that someone else would consider essential.
For Example: you’ll find some people who prefer to sit on a hard floor or on the ground outdoors. Others find it very uncomfortable to sit on a hard surface and may feel pain in their back and tailbone. These people would really need a yoga mat.
I’m going to simply describe each item and let you make your own judgments as to what is right for you. I won’t try to tell you what you should and shouldn’t buy, but I will tell you what I feel might be helpful.
Yoga Mats:
For most people, a yoga mat will be essential. A lot of people won’t be able to comfortably sit on the
floor without a mat, and this can be very discouraging. You may be fine without one, but it’s something you should consider.
The first thing you should look for in a yoga mat is a good floor grip. You’re not going to want a mat that will slip around a lot, especially while you’re attempting difficult postures.You’ll also want to choose a mat with enough padding to make it comfortable.
You’ll find yoga mats in different sizes, thicknesses, and colors, so you’ll be able to find one to suit you. If you’re going to buy one, you should be sure to find one that you’re really happy with.
Yoga Towel:
There are special towels that are made for yoga. You may find super- absorbent towels that will be quite helpful if you sweat a lot, and you may even find these in “chakra colors” which you can use in various situations.
You may also buy a skidless towel that you can use on your mat to help absorb sweat. This may be especially important if you practice Bikram yoga.
Yoga Bags:
If you buy a lot of yoga accessories you may want to buy a special bag to carry them. They look like 
duffel bags, and are often made of nylon.
You can find these bags in many stores, and they range from around $10
up to $50 or $100.
Yoga Straps:
If you have trouble holding your poses you might wish to buy yoga straps.They can help you hold those difficult poses longer. Yoga Sandbags and Bolsters Sandbags and bolsters can help you keep your balance and support you through your poses.
They come in many colors, and you may be able to match your outfit, mat, and other accessories.Yoga Meditation Seating
Meditation seating comes in a variety of different types. You can buy special cushions, benches, and pillows for various poses, and they make it very comfortable for meditating for longer periods of time.
Yoga Balls:
For around $25 you can buy a yoga ball. They help you learn balance, build your strength, tone your muscles, and make it comfortable for people with injuries to exercise.
These balls provide extra support as you stretch, and are good for working out the back and hips, and can also be used during pregnancy.
You’ll need an air pump if you get one of these. The air will slowly come out of the ball as you use it, causing it to deflate after several uses, so you shouldn’t forget to buy a pump to fill it back up.
Yoga Blocks:
Yoga blocks are somewhat like mattresses. They have a number of uses, but they are most commonly used for body movement extensions.
Yoga Videos:
Many people love to pick up videos they can use at home. They may not have the money for formal classes, or they may feel shy or awkward about attending classes with other people. Perhaps they just don’t have a lot of extra time.
Videos are a really good way to get into yoga if you can’t take formal yoga classes. You’ll be able to get in more practice and feel more comfortable doing some of the poses at home. If you decide later to take formal classes you’ll already be a little ahead of some of the others in the class, especially if you start in beginners’ classes.
Yoga Music:
There are special CDs you can buy that are made to enhance the meditation experience. These can be used for enhancing the tranquility you experience.
There are also CDs that help with your flow, including trance music. You may also find chants and mantras on CD that can help you get into the right frame of mind.
Yoga Clothing:
You don’t need any special clothing for practicing yoga unless you just want to buy some. Many people like to exercise in full leotards of different types, but a comfortable cotton t-shirt and stretchy leggings that breathe would be just fine.
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