From attire to mats: the beginner's guide to yoga essentials
Yoga has long been touted as one of the best workouts for meditation and flexibility. Loved by athletes such as Kevin Love and Russell Wilson, yoga is a wonderful mental exercise that has just as many positive effects as high-intensity workouts.
For those looking to incorporate yoga into their fitness regimen, Yahoo Sports has compiled some highly-rated yet affordable merchandise that will make your transition into the spiritual practice a smooth one.
The editors at Yahoo Sports are committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. At times, we may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.
Best Yoga clothing
Yoga involves complex total body poses, so choosing attire that won’t restrict your movement is key. Your apparel should be light and flow with ease from the beginning to end of class. Of course, donning something stylish likely increases your chances of having a terrific workout.
Alo Lark Tank
This tank is both chic and functional. The muscle silhouette works for most body types and the mesh construction won’t leave you feeling constricted in the middle of class.
Shop it: $40, aloyoga.com
Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight
Lululemon advertises several products made with their Four-way stretch Full-On® Luxtreme fabric, which provides natural breathability and sweat-wicking. For those days Bikram hot yoga is the workout of choice, these leggings won’t disappoint.
Shop it: $128, lululemon.com
Best yoga mats on Amazon
A durable mat is another key to a successful practice. Mats can be pricey, but they’re a good investment if you plan on making yoga your primary form of exercise.
The material of your mat should be thick and solid enough to protect your bones as you cycle through challenging poses, but they should not feel so foamy that you sink or feel unstable.
Amazon BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Exercise Mat
This mat is both easy on the wallet and the muscles, according to hundreds of reviewers on Amazon who claim the product is “incredibly cushioned,” and great for a beginner yogi.
Shop it: $16, amazon.com
Amazon Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
While on the pricier side, this mat promises optimum grip for even the sweatiest hot yoga sessions. Made with a renewable source, JadeYoga vows to plant a tree for every mat sold.
Shop it: $80, amazon.com
Affordable yoga towel on Amazon
Towels are extremely important when working out. Of course, you can bring a standard bath towel to class, but you risk their microfibers shedding on the mat. Yoga towels are manufactured to be more grippy the wetter they get so they can handle the most scorching sessions.
Amazon Shandali Hot Yoga Towel
This towel promises to avoid slipping accidents during class and improve muscle tone and fitness at the same time. One satisfied customer even asserted “This is by far the best hot yoga towel I have ever used.”
Shop it: $20, amazon.com
Best yoga accessories
Some classes often require blocks or yoga straps to increase difficulty level, muscle flexibility and maintain your balance. Your block should fit comfortably in your hand, so be sure to find the right size for you.
Yoga straps are thin, flexible straps that are integrated into practicing and achieving more difficult stretches and yoga poses. Even the most experienced yogis use them in their daily workouts.
Amazon JBM Yoga Block
The JBM cork block is all natural and environmentally friendly product, durable enough to withstand difficult poses and light enough to carry around with you to practice while on the go. Per the product description, they work for all types of yoga, such as vinyasa yoga, power yoga and restorative yoga.
Shop it: $28, amazon.com
Amazon Clever Yoga Strap
The benefit of having this yoga strap is that it can be used for yoga, stretching, and other general exercises. With an 8-foot and 10-foot strap in one package, they’re the perfect length for everything from basic poses to advanced wrapping.
Shop it: $10, amazon.com
