New to yoga and confused about which equipment to buy? Here’s a summary of what to look for in a mat, as well as other optional equipment to consider.
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Yoga mat
Sometimes called a “sticky mat,” the general purpose of a yoga mat is to create traction for your hands and feet to help you avoid slipping if you get sweaty. It can also define your personal space and provide a bit of cushion on the floor. Although you can often rent mats for a buck or two, there’s no way to know for sure if they’re getting cleaned, how often and how well. You’re better off buying a mat (as little as $20) until you’re ready to upgrade to a more expensive mat. You’ll need to consider the mat’s features, such as length (if you’re tall), thickness for comfort, and how easy it will be to clean. Some mats come with a handle, velcro straps and/or a tie so you can roll them up and sling them over your shoulder without it unrolling.
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Blocks
Foam (or wood or cork) blocks can help “raise the floor” to your hand for posing that you don’t have full flexibility for. Many classes provide blocks for beginners or those with limited flexibility, but if you’re doing a lot of yoga at home, it may be worth investing in one. Most blocks run around $10.
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Straps
Similar to blocks in the sense that they can be helpful for poses in which you can’t reach your feet, straps essentially serve as an extension for your arm. You wrap one end under your foot and hold onto the other end of the strap with your hand. You don’t necessarily need to invest in one if you’re just trying yoga; a towel, belt or other item can serve the same purpose. But if you want to purchase a strap, they’re typically under $10.
