Hey everyone! I’ve been practicing yoga for about two years now, and I’m always curious about what gear everyone swears by and what stuff is just marketing hype? I want to know what your “secret weapon” is.
For beginners, I think a decent mat is really the only essential (got mine from Target for like $20!), but I’d love to hear what blocks, straps, or other props have actually made a difference in your practice. Also, has anyone found good YouTube channels or apps that don’t make you feel like you need to be a pretzel already?
Let’s help each other out and share the good, the bad, and the “why did I even buy this?” stuff. I know we’ve all got that random yoga gadget collecting dust somewhere!
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Deepen Your Practice Beyond the Mat
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Mine might be a weird one but a USB speaker. My practice is 100x better with some music in the background and there’s never been a prop or mat that changed my practice as much as some good quality music without it beeping at me about charge or losing signal.
Best purchase by far.
Oh and as a taller Yogi, a larger mat that actually fits (so I’m not constantly coming off it) and some yoga pants I don’t have to stretch (someone else just started this Tall Yoga Pants (for Tall Yogis)) was huge too.
Tried those fancy yoga gloves and socks once thought they’d help with grip but spent more time adjusting them than actually practicing 
Back to basics for me!
As someone blessed to guide others through hot power and vinyasa flows, I find myself continually inspired by the sacred offerings on Peloton yoga.
Kristin and Anna embody the spirit of true yoga guides. Their teachings flow with crystalline clarity and profound intention, each cue a mindful gift. They create such a nurturing space that even the newest practitioners can feel the transformative power of the practice. Aditi brings a divine energy when my spirit calls for more dynamic movement, though her teachings tend to resonate more deeply with those already familiar with their breath and body. Her power flows are my favorite but I might not suggest them for beginners.
And (as others will probably say) a good quality mat with some grip is a game changer.
I totally relate to the gadget collecting dust thing. I bought a fancy cork block and yoga wheel, thinking they’d revolutionize my practice, but honestly, they just sit in my closet now because I find myself getting too focused on adjusting them instead of staying present in the pose.
The only prop I actually reach for anymore is a basic strap when my hamstrings are being stubborn. Sometimes less really is more, and my practice flows better when I’m not fussing with a bunch of equipment!
A yoga blanket. Without question.
Maybe not for power yoga and not hot yoga (obviously), but it’s a practical choice for colder studios and slower flows.
A natural rubber or jute mats grip better than my ex grips their phone.
I snagged a Manduka eKO mat, and let me tell you, this thing transformed my practice from ‘amateur ice skating’ to ‘actual yoga.’ The grip is so good, I’m pretty sure Spider-Man is jealous, and it stays sticky even when I’m sweating like I’m in a hot yoga class (because I am)!
Traditional Mexican yoga blankets (you can find them for under $20) are great they work as extra cushioning in seated poses, rolled up as a bolster substitute, and even keep you cozy during savasana. They can even work as a mat in a pinch.
A tote that holds my mat!
I also have a yoga journal which helps me be a lot more mindful about my every day practice.
If you’re practicing at home and constantly adjusting your position or feeling cramped, investing in an extra-large mat is a total game-changer. I upgraded to one, and suddenly my flow feels so much freer and natural. You don’t need to worry about running out of space or being too far up or down.
You’re not carrying it to class anyway, so there’s nothing to lose.
If you tend to practice in the morning or live somewhere chilly, then having a small space heater nearby to warm up the area before you start moving makes such a big difference in how your body responds to those first stretches. The extra mat space especially helps when you’re doing wider poses or transitions where a standard mat leaves you touching the floor!
An actual mat cleaner instead of just water and vinegar. Keeps your mat fresh without a slippery film building up.
For beginners, I’d say yoga wheels!
They let you explore deeper stretches and have a bit of fun with your flexibility… just try to get a class because you can injure yourself with them too. An experienced instructor will help you discover the most effective and rewarding ways to incorporate this amazing prop into your routine, ensuring you get all the incredible benefits while honoring your body’s unique needs and capabilities!
I switched from my usual 4’ foam block to a 3’ cork one turns out the firmer, lower cork blocks are amazing for ashtanga flows while the taller, squishier foam ones are chef’s kiss perfect for those melty yin sessions where you just want to go ‘ahhhhh’ and sink in.
If you like to do a bit of everything you could also find props you can flip over and get different height choices.
A yoga wedge.
Cannot say it enough. I buy all my friends one for their birthdays. When you place this simple angled tool beneath your heels in squats or under your wrists in downward dog, suddenly poses that felt impossible become accessible, and your body whispers its gratitude.
They’re like 15 bucks and it bridges where you are in your practice to where you want to go. It isn’t just a crutch, but it helps you find the angles you need in the short term that let you do the poses without the crutch in the future.
Really sped up my progression.
My partner and I started our journey using regular bed pillows 
but quickly discovered how much we craved those deeply supported poses during challenging weeks or when we needed serious restoration :lotus_position:
The support is incredible and the velvety fabric makes every pose feel like a warm hug 
Yes, good bolsters can come with a price tag, but honestly, they’re worth every penny for that blissful savasana 
There are more budget-friendly options out there, but if you’re ready to treat yourself, these are absolutely divine!