You’ve been thinking about starting yoga, however, you’re not sure where to start.

Mat? Blocks? Bolsters? Oh, my.

So, what “equipment” do you really need to start practicing yoga? Honestly?

Nothing, really.

Yoga has been going on way before lycra and spandex were even invented. Way before there were yoga studios, yoga mats and influencers. So, what equipment did they use? Simple, loose clothing & a steady, flat surface. You can use the same and not stress about anything more.

If you’re in the market to get some of your own yoga props there are many companies out their vying for your dollars. So, lets break down pros, cons and see what can be simplified.

Mats

There are quite a few styles, thickness, material and surface types, of mats on the market today. Let’s start with thickness. Most yoga studios have solid, hard floors so there might be a temptation to get the thickest mat possible. However, you will want a thickness that is somewhat medium, 4-6mm for typical vinyasa flow practice. It leaves enough for movement with support and not sinking in too much. If your joints are tender or your practice will be more yin style (longer holds and on the floor mostly) then a mat up to 10mm might be what you want to try.

Moving on to material mostly used in yoga mats. These can be: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), natural rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), cork, jute & cotton and EVA (ethylene Vinyl Acetate). All these materials vary in price range, durability, grip, cleanliness and eco-friendliness. The most eco-friendly and price friendly would be jute and cotton option. These options are absorbent and easy to clean but don’t offer a ton in the way of grip. Natural rubber, TPE and cork are the other eco-friendly options. Natural rubber can be pricy but has a good grip and is biodegradable. These mats can also have strong scent and isn’t an option for those allergic to latex. TPE has good grip, cushioning and a good price range. Cork is sustainable, naturally anti microbial and provides good grip even when wet. Average cost for cork can be on the expensive side. PVC & EVA material mats are not eco friendly nor biodegradable however they are durable, easy to clean, good grip and tend to be cost effective with many options available.

Most yoga studios will encourage you to bring your own mat. They may have a few for you to use if you forget or you are just trying out yoga for the first time. I recommend bringing your own mat because you know the shape and cleanliness of your mat.

Blocks

A simple prop that can be very helpful in yoga are blocks. They can be adjusted to three heights depending on what side you place on the ground. They help with balance and basically bring the floor up to you while in the poses. Blocks come in foam, cork & wood. Foam blocks are lightweight and have some give. Cork blocks have the same qualities as cork mats and are sturdy However, they don’t have much give and can be heavy. Wood blocks are… wood, which has no give and is heavy but very sturdy.

You will mostly find foam blocks in many yoga studios. Cork blocks are becoming more popular and there might be some available in a studio. I personally have never seen wood yoga blocks in any studio I have visited. That’s not saying they aren’t out there.

Bolsters

Yoga bolsters (or pillows) are another prop that helps with balance and brings the floor up. They come in various rectangular dimensions with a cotton case that should be removable. The stuffing will vary but you’ll want to look for a bolster that is stiff with a little give. Over time the stuffing might compact over years of use and this will lower the height after awhile. Bolsters aren’t the most portable yoga prop so many yoga studios offer them and will have many on hand.

Straps

Yoga straps are helpful to act as just a slight extension of the arms. These props come in varying lengths: 6, 8 or 10 foot. I am 5’5” and I use the 8 foot length. Many times the yoga strap will be looped together end to end through a D-ring or slider clasp and the 8 foot length is wide enough to make the proper circle. If someone is taller you will definitely want a longer strap. The material should be heavy cotton for the best grip. Polyester will be too slick on the hands and might gouge.

This is a small prop and easy to bring with you, but most yoga studios have yoga straps readily available.

All this info is helpful but investing in all of it up front can be costly. A yoga mat is the basic investment you might want to start with. If you don’t have yoga blocks and you’re practicing at home you could easily substitute with to equally sized books. No yoga strap? Perhaps a longer towel. No yoga bolster? Try a couch cushion.

Just remember, to do yoga all you need is one thing - you.