My Happy Army, the time has come.
No more procrastinating. No more excuses. We’re officially starting our yoga journey!
Most likely we got some emotions popping up. Hopefully some excitement, but also maybe a little apprehension?
Starting a new routine and sticking to it can feel overwhelming. I know it did for me! Especially when you’re watching so many yoga practitioners effortlessly pull off headstands while you’re just trying to touch your toes without toppling over.
But good news is that you don’t need to be able to do any fancy poses to start. All you need is a few basic items to get you started on your mat.
What items, you ask? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
In this post, I’ll share 10 of my favorite essentials that helped me kick off my yoga practice.
Plus, I’ll give you the links to the specific items I personally use (the sheer number of options out there can be so overwhelming, so let's narrow it down a bit).
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for some loved ones, these items are perfect for anyone starting or continuing their yoga journey.
Okay, enough chit-chat. Let’s dive in!
DISCLOSURE: THIS POSE MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY TERMS OF USE POLICY FOR MORE INFO.
1. Yoga Mat
Your mat is your home base for yoga. So a yoga mat is a must-have!
I got one that’s around 5mm thick, which is perfect for stability without being too bulky. A good grip is key to prevent slipping, so look for one with a non-slip surface.
I use this beautiful blue mat I got from Amazon, and I absolutely love it!
It's eco-friendly, washable, and the designs are just gorgeous! It is a bit pricey, but as a yoga teacher myself, it's worth the investment for me.
However, for someone who is new to yoga, I highly suggest this mat from Gaiam.
I used this mat when I was first starting and it was perfect! Beautiful designs, non-toxic, and it lasts for a really long time!
Plus, it's only $16. Compared to other mats in the market, that's quite the steal!
2. Comfortable Clothing
I went for lightweight, breathable leggings and a fitted top that stays in place when I’m moving. You want something that lets you flow freely but isn’t too loose. Last thing we want is to flash people mid-pose!
Here’s my take: don’t feel like you need to splurge on expensive yoga clothes. Honestly, anything comfortable will do!
I got most of my pieces from Fabletics because I had a subscription, but you could totally just wear some sweats and a T-shirt.
However, as a mentioned in my post: My Morning Routine for a Successful and Productive Day, dressing the part can motivate us to actually do the work.
So if you're a girlie who loves to look good while they get in shape, go for it!
3. Water Bottle
Ok, so technically you aren't supposed to drink water while you are practicing yoga.
Actually, you're not supposed to drink water even 30 minutes after your yoga practice.
Yeah, it shocked me too in the beginning.
However, drinking water is essential, and we don't drink enough of it.
And when we don't drink enough water throughout the day, it effects our practice. Doing yoga with a very dehydrated body is just not as effective.
But not just any water bottle will do! I recommend getting one that holds around 32 oz (the perfect balance—not too big or too small) and has a tracking feature.
That tracker is a game-changer! It motivates me to drink way more water than I normally would! Honestly, if I don’t have my water bottle with me, I barely drink any water at all. It’s that effective!
I use this particular water bottle and love it for the little motivational messages and the wide mouthpiece, which makes sipping easy.
If you’re a fan of hot water, this bottle’s perfect for that!
4. Yoga Blocks (Optional but Highly Recommended!)
Blocks can be a lifesaver for beginners.
They give extra support in poses where flexibility is still a work in progress. You can sit on them, use them for balance, or just as an extra set of “hands” to bring the floor a little closer.
Anything works for this one as well. I've seen people use boxes, cement blocks, red bricks, anything!
I really like these blocks, specifically cause of the sanskrit text on it and it matches my aesthetic.
Plus they're eco-friendly, and I love knowing that the items I use are beneficial for the environment!
Another fantastic option is the blocks from Gaiam. My family members swear by them! They’re durable, reliable, and have stood the test of time. Plus, they’re super effective and beautiful.
If you’re like me and love having a cohesive, matching vibe in your sacred space (what is a sacred space? Learn more about it in my post here!), these are a great choice for keeping everything on-brand and color-coordinated!
5. Yoga Strap
Similar to blocks, a yoga strap is awesome for stretching and working on flexibility. I like to use it for hamstring stretches or poses where my hands can’t quite reach. It’s like an extra little extension that helps you ease into new moves.
I would invest a little on this, since we don't want them to break mid-pose!
I use the bands from Popflex, and I absolutely love them. Not only are they super cute, but they’re also incredibly durable and can handle even the toughest workouts.
Plus, I’m a huge fan of Cassey Ho and everything she represents.
She’s all about empowering women with content and products that help them become the healthiest versions of themselves, while looking amazing! How could we not support that?
6. Towel
For most yoga practices, I don't sweat. My body just doesn't produce that much sweat to begin with.
However, I've had students who really sweat out all their toxins in their practice. Which is why I'm putting a towel on the list.
It helps prevent slipping on your mat and lets you wipe away sweat so you can stay focused on your practice.
I highly recommend these towels from Wuwahold. They’re super soft, perfectly sized, and come in a variety of colors to match your style. You really can’t go wrong with them!
7. Yoga Wheel
A yoga wheel might not be the first prop you think of, but from my experience, it’s an absolute must-have!
With modern life keeping us glued to screens and sitting for hours on end, our backs are taking a serious hit.
And don’t even get me started on what this does to our core strength and balance!
Poor posture and limited range of motion often stem from these habits because everything in our body connects back to the spine.
A yoga wheel helps counteract these issues by supporting your back, improving your posture, and gently opening up tight areas.
I highly recommend these yoga wheels—they’re stunning, sturdy, and come in different sizes to suit your needs. You really can’t go wrong with them!
8. Instructor or Online Class Access
I really do believe that everyone needs to first start yoga with an instructor. You'll still get the benefits without an instructor, but when that alinement is just right... there is nothing like it.
It’s worth finding an instructor (in-person or virtual) to help with alignment. Good form is key, especially in the beginning.
Soon, I will post my very own yoga course: The Foundations of Flow, where I will walk you through 8 beginner classes to begin your yoga practice! So keep an eye out for that coming out in 2025!
9. Fitness Tracker
Yes, the tracker theme is back—and for good reason!
A fitness tracker keeps you accountable and motivated to stay consistent.
I use my Fitbit for everything: tracking workouts, sleep, water intake, my period—you name it! I love how it keeps all my health data in one place, making it easy to monitor my progress.
If you’re an Apple Watch user, that works just as well! It syncs seamlessly with the Health app on Apple devices, giving you the same all-in-one experience.
If you’re serious about building and maintaining healthy habits, having a fitness tracker is the way to go!
10. Mindset
Last but definitely not least—mindset.
Yoga is a lot more than just contorting our bodies. It’s about connecting your mind and body. To truly embrace your practice, it’s important to come to the mat with an open and positive mindset.
We start with the mindset of abundance, not scarcity. What does that mean?
A scarcity mindset focuses on what you don’t have.
Maybe you’re longing for six-pack abs or the ability to do a backflip, but you’re not there yet. While it’s great to have goals, it’s not helpful to beat yourself up for what you haven’t achieved (yet).
An abundance mindset, on the other hand, shifts the focus to what you do have.
Maybe you have a healthy body that allows you to work toward those goals. Or a strong, resilient mind that helps you overcome challenges. Whatever it is, remind yourself:
You are enough.
When you recognize that you already have everything you need to achieve your goals, those goals start to feel more attainable. You begin to operate from a place of gratitude and possibility rather than self-doubt.
So, as you step onto your mat, start from a place of abundance. Set an intention for your practice, take a deep breath, and enjoy the flow. I promise, this small shift in perspective makes a huge difference in your experience.
That's it!
Yoga is one of the most accessible forms of exercise out there, and it’s for everyone! Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to take your practice to the next level, it’s never been easier to get started.
The best part? You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. Just the essentials I’ve listed above, and you’ll be ready to step onto your mat and crush it. So, why not give it a try?
While exercising is key, the foods that you eat equally impact your health! Make sure you check out my posts on 10 Energizing Foods for Pitta, 10 Energizing Foods for Vata, and 10 Energizing Foods for Kapha to see what foods are right for you!
That's it for now! Sending positive vibes your way, and happy exploring!
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