Yoga is a great way to help with physical and mental health for people of all ages. Through deep breathing and slow movements, yoga improves flexibility, strength and balance, increasing blood flow. It's a great way to relieve back pain and arthritis symptoms, and it alleviates stress, creating brighter energy and better moods.
Like many activities, yoga requires specific materials, the most important being a yoga mat. Yoga blocks and straps are perfect for beginners because they help with balance and stretching. Yoga bolsters are great for prenatal and meditation classes, providing extra comfort. Of course, yoga isn’t complete without a comfy and fashionable outfit.
When practicing yoga, your hands often get sticky, so mats help provide traction. They also provide cushioning when on hardwood floors. Yoga mats range in price but usually cost $80-$120. You can find beginner mats for as little as $20, but quality likely will not be as good as a more expensive mat. Key aspects to consider are length, thickness, material, durability, comfort and traction.
Yoga blocks are perfect for beginners and help with balance. Some yoga poses, such as half-moon, are advanced, so yoga blocks are a great way to help with posture and increasing strength when holding poses. Yoga blocks help keep the chest open and torso long. Along with different materials, yoga blocks come in three heights, making them versatile.
Also called belts, yoga straps are great for holding poses where you can’t reach your feet. They’re also useful for other stretches, acting as an extender. If you don’t have a lot of flexibility in your shoulders to bind, straps are nice because they “connect” both hands in an untroubled way.
Yoga clothing should be breathable and comfortable. You can express your style with yoga attire and can never go wrong with pants or shorts. Shorts are especially good for hot yoga. If you prefer looser clothing, yoga joggers or harem-style pants are great alternatives. They’re stretchy, comfortable and provide extra room. Ankle elastic ensures they stay in place.
Yoga tops should be form-fitting so they don’t slide up. Clothing with wicking material is a good choice, especially for hot yoga and those who sweat a lot. While it’s preferred to do yoga barefoot, yoga socks are available. When purchasing, make sure they have grips to provide traction and keep feet covered.
If you plan on attending yoga classes on a regular basis, consider purchasing a yoga mat bag or sling.
Yoga bolsters have many uses and are popular in prenatal and restorative classes. They can act as a stack of blankets or pillows to help with seated and forward-bending positions. When reclining, you can place one under your back to provide additional support or under your knees to use as a cushion.
Yoga bolsters are designed in two shapes: round and flat. Flat (more rectangular) bolsters are generally more convenient. Round bolsters are good when you want more support or a deeper stretch.
Relatively new to yoga, wheels are a great way to help deepen stretches and increase flexibility. They’re about 4 inches wide and 12 inches in diameter. On the other hand, wheels can challenge stability for advanced yogis.
This pro yoga mat is ultra-supportive, measuring 6 millimeters thick. Its dense cushioning provides support, stability and joint protection. It's on the expensive side, but is extremely durable and long-lasting.
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At a great price, this yoga mat is well-made, providing comfortable padding and space. As a bonus feature, it comes with a carrying strap, making it easy to transport.
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Made of natural cork, this yoga block is heavy-duty and will last for many years. It provides extra support for difficult poses and can be used under hands or feet, or as a seat.
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Node Fitness Premium Yoga Block
These lightweight yoga blocks are designed to improve flexibility and alignment, deepening stretches. Made of durable and eco-friendly ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, it’s soft but allows for a firm, stable grip.
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Reehut Yoga Strap With Adjustable D-Ring Buckle
Available in seven colors, these yoga straps are made in three lengths, providing the necessary support to keep you balanced. Made of strong polyester cotton, they protect hands from irritation and other injuries.
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This eco-friendly cotton yoga strap is perfect for beginners, allowing for safe and secure poses.It helps tremendously to help improve posture and flexibility, and it’s machine-washable.
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90 Degree By Reflex Women’s Power Flex Yoga Pants
These high-waisted yoga pants are sold at a great price and are very comfortable. The fabric is breathable, making it easy to conquer any yoga pose.
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Toesox Women's Bellarina Half Toe Grip Non-Slip for Ballet, Yoga
The heel tabs help protect the Achilles tendon while arch bands give extra support. The nonslip grip sole makes them perfect for any yoga class and the five-toe design allows for ultimate breathability and mobility.
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Sold at an inexpensive price, this yoga mat bag has two pockets: one large pocket for yoga mats and one small pocket for items such as keys and cellphones. It's free of clasps, zippers and strings, making it easy to transport.
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Clever Yoga Adjustable Yoga Mat Strap Sling
This cotton yoga sling won’t dig into your shoulders when carrying your mat. Available in two lengths, it can also be used to help with stretching.
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Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster
While on the luxurious side, the upholstery-grade fabrics of this yoga bolster are durable and long lasting. Its firmness is great for any yoga pose and assists with maintaining posture, and it comes in seven colors.
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Hugger Mugger Round Yoga Bolster
Perfect for restorative yoga, the round shape supplies soft support while the solid foam core is firm enough to reinforce difficult postures. Two side straps make it easy to carry.
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UpCircleSeven Dharma Yoga Prop Wheel
This yoga wheel resists sweat and is designed for those who suffer from back pain. Ideal for yoga, it opens the back and is an amazing help with stretching. Designed with thick foam padding, it provides maximum comfort when tackling the toughest of poses.
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Sold at a reasonable price, this yoga wheel is made to be long-lasting. Made of a hybrid thermoplastic elastomer that cushions, it supplies ultimate comfort to your hands, feet and back while improving resistance. Due to high-quality padding, it’s anti-slip, making it a great accessory for hot yoga.
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Tessa Schaal writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
