While you don’t need much to start practicing yoga(1), incorporating the right yoga accessories can make a big difference in your routine.
Whether you’re shopping for the perfect mat or looking for props that can support or elevate your practice, here are some items to consider at any stage of your yoga journey.
How to Choose a Yoga Mat
A yoga mat can make your body more comfortable by providing greater stability as well as a layer of cushioning between you and the floor. Whether you do downward-facing dog from home or prefer attending classes at a studio, a yoga mat is an essential part of any practice.
Traditional yoga mats have an average thickness of 1/8″ and range from 68-72″ in length. You can find them in a wide variety of shapes, colors, designs and materials. Select the mat that best reflects your personality, suits the intensity of your workout and makes you feel good each time you unroll it.(2)
Yoga Mat Materials
When shopping for a yoga mat, you’ll likely come across four different types of materials:
Traditional PVC
Synthetic rubber
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
Cork
Each type comes with its own advantages and price point.
Traditional PVC
This type of yoga mat is great to start with if you’re just beginning your yoga journey.(3) It also has a number of advantages:
Lower price point
Most common material, which makes it easy to find
Sticky surface that adheres well to the floor, so it won’t slide around while you’re changing poses
Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubber mats include those made of NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber). Choose this type of mat if you’re looking for something with these qualities:
Thicker material
Sturdier design
Solid grip
An assortment of yoga mats.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, this recycled rubber material could be a good choice for you. It also offers these benefits:
Waterproof
Easy to clean
Durable
Cork
Cork is a newer material for yoga mats, so it may not be as easy to find as the other types above. It may be worth your while to go on the hunt, however, if the following characteristics are important to you:
Eco-friendly
Durable with a good grip, thanks to its rubber base
Naturally antimicrobial, which eliminates bacteria and odors
Easy to clean
Yoga Mat Sizes & Shapes
When it’s time to purchase a new yoga mat, take advantage of the opportunity to try a different size or experiment with a new shape. (A good rule of thumb is to replace your yoga mat every 6-12 months, or as soon as it loses traction or shows signs of wear and tear.) Consider these options:
Extralong/extrawide mats: if you’re taller or want more space to spread out, getting a mat in these larger-than-average sizes could feel more comfortable for you.
Round or square mats: these shapes can provide extra space for any kind of pose, so your body never comes into contact with the floor, even if you misstep.
Curved mats: designed to mimic the contour of the human body, an hourglass-shaped yoga mat can give you more freedom to stretch than a standard mat.
Youth-size mats: a smaller, kid-sized mat can encourage the budding yoginis in your life to practice alongside you.
Additional Yoga Accessories
Once you’ve fallen in love with your chosen mat, you may want to add some variety to your yoga practice with the help of other accessories.
Yoga Block or Brick
The yoga block—or yoga brick—is one of the most commonly used props and can be found in a range of materials. Consider buying a set, since some poses require multiple blocks. A yoga block or brick can:
Provide increased support in certain poses by bringing the floor closer to you
Help you deepen or ease into poses without needing to stretch as much
Help maintain proper alignment and improve flexibility
Yoga Wheel
This circular prop can be used to support beginners as well as more advanced yogis who are looking for ways to challenge themselves. A yoga wheel can:
Help you stretch and open up your chest
Enhance balance and strength training
Support your back, neck and head in various poses
Add a level of challenge to certain exercises
Yoga Bolster
Similar to a yoga pillow, a bolster can provide advanced support and help with alignment. A yoga bolster can:
Help with seated and reclined poses
Be useful for therapeutic, restorative or prenatal yoga classes
Accommodate your preferences, as they’re available in both round and flat shapes
A woman carries a yoga mat. People practicing yoga.
Yoga Blanket
If you need cushioning for a certain pose or require more support due to limited flexibility, a yoga blanket can be helpful. A yoga blanket can:
Substitute for a yoga block, depending on the pose
Be used to sit on for increased comfort
Help you stay warm in Savasana or during meditation
Help provide a slow, restorative flow
Yoga Strap
Also called a yoga band or yoga rope, a yoga strap can help you achieve a wider range of motion in certain poses. A yoga strap can:
Wrap around your feet for a deeper pull into a stretch
Help open up your shoulders
Improve stability and balance
Yoga Socks
While yoga is usually done barefoot, this may not appeal to everyone. Yoga socks can:
Improve your grip on slippery floors or mats
Wick away sweat
Keep you warm
Prevent odors
Protect your feet from exposure to harmful bacteria or fungi
Yoga Towel
A large microfiber yoga towel acts as a cover for your yoga mat. Some yoga towels include nonslip grips on one side to keep the towel in place, and others feature corner pockets to hook to the mat. A yoga towel can:
Enhance grip and traction
Prevent slipping or risk of injury while on your mat
Absorb sweat and prevent odor
Provide a dry place for your forehead to rest
A smaller yoga hand towel can be used as a sweat towel during your practice.
Yoga Mat Holder
A yoga mat holder—or yoga mat bag—makes it easier to transport your mat from home to work, the studio or your next retreat. A yoga mat holder can:
Come with over-the-shoulder straps or carrying handles
Offer a dedicated storage place, making your mat easy to find and access
Provide extra room for your keys or water bottle, depending on its design
No matter what your level of experience or flexibility may be, you’ll need a yoga mat and ideally some accessories for your practice. While there’s a wide variety of props to choose from, consider investing in the items that align best with your lifestyle and routine to ensure you have everything you need for a successful yoga practice.
