Are you starting to practice yoga at home? Or maybe you are one of the many people who is having to practice at home because of restrictions or stay home orders. In either case, you may be wondering what all you will need to start or continue a yoga practice at home. We’re here to help.
Read on to learn more about what you need to practice yoga at home with ease.
What You Need to Practice Yoga at Home
If you are new to practicing yoga at home, you may be surprised at how easy and stress-free it really is. There’s no fighting traffic or trying to be at class at a certain time. Instead, you can tailor your practice to your needs and schedule. Put together by a yoga studio in Portland, OR, here are some of the things that you may need to practice yoga at home as efficiently and effortlessly as possible.
Essential Clothing
You don’t need a specific brand or print of yoga pants in order to practice yoga at home. All you need is clothing that fits well, is comfortable and breathable, and feels good when you are moving. Some recommendations for essential clothing items include:
- Harem-style pants – these allow for easy movement.
- Shorts if you are hot-natured.
- Tops that are breathable and relatively form fitting so they don’t impede your movement.
- For women, a good sports bra is essential.
- If you have longer hair, hair ties or headbands.
- Yoga socks can be comfortable, but they are not essential to your practice. Many people prefer to practice barefoot.
Yoga Mat
Most gyms and studios have yoga mats available for visitors to use, but if you are practicing at home, you will need a mat that works for your space. If you are using a hard floor surface, you may want a “sticky mat”, which stays in place when you are moving. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to consider the thickness of the mat, as some yoga movements are hard on your knees without padding.
Yoga mats range in price and style, and you can expect to pay as little as $15 for a mat at some retailers. If you want something a bit more professional or a certain style, you can always opt for a brand that specializes in yoga gear. Some yoga mat brands that are well-known for their quality and longevity include:
- Pro Mat
- Yellow Willow
- Jade
- The Reversible Mat
- Lululemon
- Manduka
Ultimately, finding the right mat for you will depend on your style, goals, and preferences. Shop around and try a few before deciding what works best.
Optional Items
When practicing yoga, there are numerous items that can benefit or expand your practice. These items are optional, but can definitely add some fun and creativity to your yoga routine. Some of the most recommended optional items include:
- Blankets – Yoga blankets are used to help lift the hips or provide support for specific areas of the body during poses. They are also handy when you are cooling down or enjoying some final relaxation after a workout.
- Yoga Blocks – Yoga blocks are useful in helping you align your body and improve your posture. They are often used in poses where your hands are on the floor. This “raises the floor” to meet you, rather than you moving down toward the floor. Blocks are made from foam or cork, and are often soft enough to prevent discomfort or injury.
- Yoga Straps – Yoga straps are useful when you are stretching and may not be able to reach a particular part of the body. Essentially, straps extend your reach, helping you get the most out of your movement without stressing your body. Straps are especially helpful if you have limited range of motion, such as after an injury.
Whether you choose to practice with just the essentials, or you want to fully outfit your at-home yoga studio, this guide can help ensure that you have the tools you need to succeed. Find what works best for you and your practice. Ultimately, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to set up your own yoga space.