| Product Model | Brand | View Best Price |
| #3: Fitterfirst Classic Yoga Strap | Fitterfirst | View Price |
| #4: Togu Yoga Balance Relaxed Inflatable Seating Cushion | Fabrication Enterprises | View Price |
| #5: Natural Fitness YoGo Traveler Yoga Mat Zippered Bag, 2 Count | Escalade Sports | View Price |
As one of the easiest physical activities to begin actively taking a part in, yoga is already a very popular physical activity, and has been so for thousands of years only continuing to grow more popular as time goes on. Although yoga does not necessarily require equipment, many regular yoga practitioners, often referred to as yogis, believe that having the proper equipment is the step needed to further one’s own yoga practice. Utilizing the proper yoga equipment can make any yoga practice not only safer, but can also improve the overall efficacy of the workout. Accessories and equipment, such as yoga mats, yoga towels and blankets, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and many other tools, can lead to a more focused, safe, and comfortable experience.
Yoga equipment comes in a wide selection of different accessories that have a variety of uses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, there is no lack of yoga gear that could enhance one’s yogic practice. It is important to keep in mind that using yoga equipment is not “cheating”, and does not mean that the user is weak or inflexible. Having and using the proper equipment can actually lead to being a more aware, more skilled yogi.
Yoga can be a very helpful tool for not only getting in shape, but also maintaining a healthy overall demeanor. It has countless benefits, including, but not limited to, improving mood and energy levels, lowering your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, helping to maintain and control weight, reducing stress levels, improving sleep quality, and facilitating clearer thinking. It can also assist in improving your overall balance, flexibility, and strength.
While yoga practicing as a whole does greatly vary, most forms of yoga focus on the same principles: meditation, flexibility, posture, and breathing. Although it can seem intimidating, yoga can be practiced by anyone at any ability level with a range of poses that are accessible to any user, and there are a variety of objects to make the experience even safer and easier.
Yoga straps, also known as yoga belts, are designed to be looped at different lengths using a cinch or buckle, and can assist greatly in advancing one’s yoga practice. These tools can be most beneficial for beginners who need to improve their flexibility, helping to maintain poses and proper positioning while being fairly inexpensive.
Most poses and stretches that require the use of these straps are generally regarded as being difficult, so using them can also be the key to improving. They are greatly useful in refining posture in certain poses, such as a seated forward fold when one may just not be able to reach their feet, or in aligning one’s back to extend grasp.
Yoga blocks are a lightweight block normally made from hard foam or sometimes cork that can be a wonderful tool for yogis of any level, offering incredible versatility for a range of poses. Yoga blocks are lightweight and easy to use, typically available in three heights that make them great for use in a variety of applications by users of all skill levels.
They’re generally used for stabilizing certain poses, or adjusting the depth of bends and stretches. They can be used to support the hips when flexibility is still progressing for poses like pigeon, be used to increase the stretch in reclined backbends, or they can be used as a reaching aid when sitting or standing. Blocks are also greatly beneficial for loosening tight muscle groups, and keeping the body aligned.
Unlike traditional blocks, a yoga cushion/ball provides instability that aids you in improving your overall strength and balance. This soft and comfortable semi-flat cushion is great for dual-purpose functionality, enabling easy use for the same tasks as a block, but also serving as a soft spot for seated meditation that also helps to engage the core muscles in strengthening and balancing tasks.
With the purchase of a yoga mat or other supplies, it can also be highly beneficial to purchase a yoga bag for one’s own convenience. When rushing from one class to another with your mat in hand, or even just simply transporting it between areas of a gym or from your home, your mat can come unrolled, which can serve as a great inconvenience. Choosing a bag or even just a set of mat straps, can help keep your mat securely rolled and easy to transport. The bag can also assist in keeping your mat and other supplies safe and sanitary when not in use, as well as serve as a safe place to store personal belongings during classes or workouts.
Although there are very many types of mats, most types work for any kind of yoga. With that being said, knowing and understanding the differences in the choices available can be a great asset when you’re selecting the best mat for your personal needs.
Mats come in varying thicknesses, ranging from thin, compact mats that may weigh one or two pounds, to quarter inch thick mats that can weigh closer to ten pounds. If you have no idea which size to choose, the standard mat is generally about ⅛-inch thick, and is generally a good starting point. This size is more stable than most thin mats, while also not catching or getting in the way of certain poses as thicker mats might.
However, if your regular schedule or plans include frequent travel whether by foot or by plane, a smaller mat may be preferable to reduce weight and bulkiness. That being said, if you’re someone living with chronic pain, or have a great degree of joint stiffness, then a thicker mat might be the right choice for you. Thicker mats provide more cushioning and support, but may increase the difficulty of staying balanced in standing poses due to the softer surface they provide.
Mat durability is another deciding factor that may influence your choice of one mat over another. The durability of a mat is sometimes related to the thickness, but is more often influenced by the material that the mat is made from. PVC is the most common mat material, offering the perfect blend of stickiness and smooth texture. PVC is a plant-based material that grips well, is durable, and is also easy to clean. These mats are also latex-allergy friendly. However, they are also not the most eco-friendly option, so if this is a high priority for you, you may prefer a different material.
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a man-made blended material that is often more environmentally friendly than PVC mats, but offers less durability. The stickiness factor is lower than the traditional PVC, but good enough to ensure safety and comfort while still maintaining an earth-friendly construction, and typically smoother and more comfortable than natural mats.
Natural mats come in a vast range of materials, and, while offering less stickiness, they provide traction for the body due to the natural texture. While these mats are the most environmentally friendly mat option available, they are nowhere near as durable as the standard PVC mat. They are also naturally textured, which can be divisive - some users love it while others hate it.
Blocks and straps can be a great solution for range of motion and stability assistance, especially as you progress and try to master new and more difficult poses. Even experienced yogis will tell you that using the help of a strap or a block is a great way to ensure you stay safe during sessions while helping improve your posture and flexibility.
Like mats, yoga blocks and straps are available in both traditional and more natural materials and in a range of sizes and thicknesses. Natural materials like cork and 100% cotton can be more comfortable and earth-friendly, but typically offer less strength and durability than man-made materials.
Range of movement varies from person to person, and since most yoga studios have blocks and straps on hand for students to use, you may want to test each object in a range of sizes and shapes with the guidance of an instructor before committing to a purchase.
