Yoga accessories can enhance your yoga practice by providing comfort, support, stability, and convenience. As a minimum, apart from your yoga mat, you should have a block and a strap for your home practice. At yoga studios this will already be provided for you.
Yoga blocks – These come in many different sizes and materials and are used to provide support and stability in various poses. They can be especially helpful for beginners or individuals with limited flexibility. Get two!
Yoga Strap – This strap helps by extending your reach in poses. It’s particularly useful in poses where you need to reach your toes or hold onto a part of your body that you can’t reach comfortably. Buy one that is at least 6 inches/1.85 meters, and definitely don’t spend a lot of money of this item.
Multi-loop Strap – A strap with many loops, making it easier to thread a foot through, or for gripping the strap with your hands. These ones are usually shorter than a normal yoga strap, but it’s a great addition since it’s easier to use for some stretches and poses.
Yoga Bolster – A yoga bolster (cushion) can support your body in restorative poses, providing comfort and relaxation. Some are softer and some are a bit stiffer. Rather buy a bolster that is a bit more stiff for better support.
Manduka Yoga Blanket – Yoga blankets can be used for cushioning, support, or to keep warm during relaxation and meditation. They are versatile and can be used in various ways. There are many different materials, designs, and colors.
Yoga Block Wedge – Do you wrists hurt in plank or downdog? It’s highly beneficial to use a yoga block wedge to elevate the heel of the hands, this takes some of the load off the wrists. Yoga block wedges can also be bought separately for each hand but this longer wedge will stay put on your yoga mat much more easily. Can also be used under the feet.
Yoga Towel – A quick drying thin towel that you can roll out on top of a studio mat. This is an option if you don’t want to carry your own yoga mat around.
Meditation Cushion – Let’s face it, sitting on the floor can be far from comfortable which is where a meditation cushion can come in handy. Even if you don’t sit in stillness to meditate every day you can use these for stretching and support.
Door Mounted Stretching Strap – Similar to an aerial yoga hammock, but instead of hanging from the ceiling you secure this strap with a door. Can help you access poses that are more challenging to get into, and where you need more support.
Headstand Chair – This is for you if you wish to practice headstand without the pressure on the head and neck. This is by far the most comfortable way to get upside down.
Yoga Wheel Set – This is quite a recent and fun invention on the yoga scene. A yoga wheel can assist in deepening stretches, improving flexibility, and providing support in various yoga poses. Best is to have different sizes but you can also buy just one big one.
Yoga Mat Bag – A bag designed to carry your yoga mat makes it easier to transport and keeps it clean and protected.