Purists may say that yoga can be practiced without any gear, equipment or apparatus. But for many beginners – both young and old – there’s comfort in finding the right yoga essentials for your everyday practice. From a thick and comfortable yoga mat that gives your spine enough cushioning, to yoga blocks that can help you deepen your stretches – there are tools you can rely on to enhance the experience, add comfort and improve posture, says yoga expert Ashish Jana.
Emphasizing the importance of keeping yoga meditative and straightforward, he encourages practitioners to develop a quiet space that fosters regular practice. This approach ensures that every product you choose adds value to your practice, making every stretch and pose more comfortable, supported, and practical.
With over 13 years of experience in yoga and a full-time teacher at Yoga Vidya Niketan, Mumbai, Ashish Jana suggests a list of yoga essentials to make the practice easier, safer and more gratifying without requiring significant investment.
6 yoga essentials for home
As reported in the journal PLOS One (National Library of Medicine), yoga has been shown to improve flexibility and balance, especially in studies involving different age groups and varying durations of practice.
yoga food
A good yoga mat sets the tone for your entire practice. This prevents slipping, provides stability, and cushions your joints during poses, as suggested by Ashish Jana.
Quick advice from an expert:
If your space has carpet or soft flooring, a standard 4mm mat will work well. For hardwood or tiled floors, opt for a 6 mm thick mat to add extra cushioning and joint support.
This 13mm extra thick NBR yoga and exercise mat provides exceptional cushioning for floor workouts, yoga and stretching routines. Its non-slip surface ensures stable grip and balance, while the soft padding supports knees and joints during long sessions. Suitable for beginners, seniors and anyone who wants extra comfort, it comes with a convenient carry strap for easy transportation.
You can see some more options:
casual yoga clothes
Wearing something you feel most comfortable in helps you move freely and concentrate during your yoga practice. So, choose outfits that allow your body to stretch and breathe easily, as suggested by Ashish.
Quick advice from an expert:
- Choose loose, breathable cotton clothing for gentle or slow-paced yoga styles.
- Choose sweat-wicking, quick-drying clothing for more active or hot sessions.
water bottle
Ashish Jana says, keeping water nearby helps in avoiding fatigue and keeps energy levels stable. To avoid bloating, drink water before and after practice rather than during yoga practice. Ashish Jana explains that regardless of your yoga style, proper hydration with your practice supports focus and overall body balance.
Quick advice from an expert:
Ashish suggests using coconut water for added hydration, as it naturally replenishes electrolytes and helps keep your body balanced during your daily routine.
8.
SOLARA Insulated Water Bottle 1 Litre, Hot Water Bottle, 1000 ml Thermosteel Water Bottles for Travel, Home, Office, School, Gym, Adults, Hot and Cold Water Bottle, Sipper Bottle, Lime Green
yoga block
These are assistive devices designed to make poses more accessible and comfortable. Ashish Jana says it helps improve alignment, deepen the stretch, and provide additional balance while developing flexibility. Ideal for both beginners and advanced practitioners, these blocks allow safe adjustment into different postures.
Quick advice from an expert:
Made of wood, foam or cork, yoga blocks or bricks act as extensions of your hands, helping you stay balanced, and can be very helpful for beginners.
Crafted from high-density, durable foam, this yoga block set provides strong yet comfortable support for a variety of postures. Designed to withstand daily use without losing shape, it provides stability during balance exercises and flexibility training. The included strap enhances stretch and posture alignment, making it an ideal choice for users who want reliability and lasting performance in their yoga routines.
yoga strap or yoga belt
A yoga strap is a simple and effective accessory designed to increase flexibility and improve posture. Ashish Jana says that if you lack flexibility in your legs then this is a very useful item. It acts as an extension of your arms, helping you reach your feet and hold poses more comfortably without strain.
Quick advice from an expert:
If you don’t have a belt, you can use a scarf or scarf as an alternative.
This eco-friendly 8-foot yoga and stretching strap is made from 60% thick, durable fabric for lasting support. It has an adjustable metal D-ring buckle for a secure hold during yoga, pilates or therapy sessions. Designed for flexibility and balance training, it helps improve posture and stability while ensuring safe, controlled stretching activities.
Check out some other options:
yoga wheel or exercise balls
A yoga wheel is a circular support designed to support flexibility, balance and spinal mobility. Ashish suggests that if you enjoy restorative yoga and back-bending poses, the yoga wheel is a fun prop to experiment with.
Quick advice from an expert:
The expert says you can also use it to make some poses more challenging. Alternatively, an inflatable yoga ball is a great accessory to use for supporting your backbends and core strengthening exercises.
Constructed from high-density NBR foam with a durable internal frame, this yoga wheel provides firm yet comfortable support for a variety of yoga and stretching exercises. Measuring approximately 32 × 32 × 13 cm, it helps increase flexibility, improve posture and reduce back strain. Suitable for both men and women, it is ideal for yoga, Pilates and core strengthening routines.
This exercise ball is made from anti-burst, high-quality PVC for durability and safety during workouts. It comes with a convenient foot pump for easy inflation. Ideal for yoga, Pilates and core strengthening, it supports balance and posture training. Its non-slip surface ensures stability, making it suitable for home fitness routines and rehabilitation exercises.
Tips to practice yoga at home
Ashish Jana, full-time teacher at Yoga Vidya Niketan, Mumbai, who has over 13 years of experience, recommends starting by finding the right online yoga class that matches your fitness level and goals. There are many options available through YouTube, yoga apps, and wellness websites, ranging from gentle, restorative flows to more intense strength-based sessions. He says, “Everyone’s exercise looks different, so choose a pace and style that feels right for your body. Take your time to explore, and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to an instructor for guidance.”
Experts suggest choosing an exercise that suits your energy and comfort level. Consistency matters more than intensity, listen to your body, lead mindfully and let your practice develop naturally.
- What are the main things to improve yoga practice?
A quality yoga mat, blocks, a strap, and a wheel can improve balance and flexibility.
- Do beginners need all these props?
No, start with a mat and blocks, then add more as your practice develops.
- How often should I use yoga props?
Use these regularly to improve alignment, deepen stretches, and prevent strain.
- Can yoga props help reduce injury risk?
Yes, they provide support and stability, especially when learning new postures.
Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this article are not prescribed or endorsed by any expert. These have been selected based on Amazon user reviews and overall feedback. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist before choosing any product to ensure that it suits your individual needs and health condition.
