I know I’m not the only one who is ramping up my yoga practice in 2022. The yoga industry has already exceeded $88 billion, but it’s expected to reach $215 billion by 2025. With a fresh new year, it’s time to gear up with yoga essentials or stock up on new yoga equipment if your tried-and-true stuff is starting to look worn.
Why I Love Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that melds mind and body with a combo of balance, poses, meditation, and exercise. I started yoga practice in college when I took a class but it has become so much more important as the years go by. Yoga helps with my balance, back pain, and reducing stress while building strength, improving flexibility, and supporting joint health. One of the best things about yoga is how well-established it is. There’s so much gear and equipment that is perfectly designed to support my daily practice. So, where do you start?
Yoga Mat
The yoga mat is the perfect place to start when you’re looking for yoga gear to support your practice. The yoga mat industry generates an estimated $13 billion worldwide which isn’t surprising given how many designs, shapes, sizes, and textures you can get them in.
Thickness
In general, your yoga mat will likely be at least ⅛-inch thick, but you can get them in thicker variations to support your ankles, knees, and elbows. It’s really a matter of determining whether you need a thicker, more comfortable mat for your joints or whether you want to stick with something that makes it easier to balance when you’re in standing postures.
Texture
The texture is another consideration as you contemplate whether to get a smooth or more textured mat. Some mats offer combo or reversible solutions, so you can use one mat that supports different conditions. Some mats may have a “sticky” feel but smooth mats can also get slippery when you sweat. Textured mats offer grip without the slippery feel.
Length
Standard yoga mats are 68 inches long. I never knew that long yoga mats were a thing until I stumbled upon one. I’m 5’ 2”, so I probably don’t need a long mat, but I do like my long mat. I may not technically need it for my height but it’s nice to have the flexibility to move backward and forward in my practice.
Here are some yoga mats that I love!
Reversible Mat 5mm
This reversible yoga mat is 26″ x 71″ with a weight of 5.24 pounds and 5mm thickness. The Polyurethane top layer absorbs moisture to give you a textured grip, even during more extreme yoga practices. The mat also includes an antimicrobial additive which helps prevent mold and mildew on the mat.
Gaiam 2 Color Premium Yoga Mat
This reversible 2-color yoga mat features a high-tack grip texture that will keep you in place. The mat is 68” x 24” with 6mm thickness for premium cushioning, support, and comfort. This yoga mat is latex and 6P-free. It’s ideal for floor-based workouts or yoga practice.
Manduka 5mm Yoga Mat
This two-color yoga mat is 68″ x 24″, weighing 2.5 pounds with 5mm thickness. You can practice on both sides of the mat. Its eco-friendly manufacturing includes a closed-cell surface to prevent sweat from seeping into the mat. It’s a great solution if you’re a beginner yogi to support and encourage confidence.
Yoga Bags
Yoga bags are great solutions for those quick trips to the yoga studio. You just grab your bag and go! A yoga bag can include all those essentials like a yoga mat cleaner, blocks, towels, a water bottle, a foam roller, resistance bands, socks, and more. Depending on what size and type of bag you get, you may even have enough room to throw in your yoga mat.
Gaiam Yoga Mat Duffle Bag
This 100% polyester duffle bag is large enough to accommodate your yoga gear and has a mesh pocket, side pockets, and a zip closure. It’s 10” x 18” x 6” with a 9” handle drop. The bag is easy to clean and has a textile lining.
Mantisyoga Balance Tote Exercise Bag
This unisex bag is perfect for carrying all your yoga gear, whether you prefer an over-the-shoulder tote or a cross-body carry solution. This high-quality bag features a nylon-plastic coating and water-resistant materials which ensures that the bag is long-lasting.
Pilates Mat Bag
This handy yoga bag is made from 100% cotton canvas. With the side sleeve, you can easily carry yoga mats, jackets, and most other yoga essentials. It’s lightweight but also easy to wash and dry.
Yoga Blocks
Yoga blocks are must-have yoga tools for beginner yogis, as well as for accommodation. You can get into positions and postures that are difficult. With blocks, you can more easily work up to more flexible positions.
Gaiam Yoga Block 2-Pack
These yoga blocks are portable and lightweight to support deep stretches, maintain proper alignment, and improve your balance. They measure 4” x 6” x 9”. They’re made from 100% sturdy foam.
Bala Half Moon Balance Blocks
These unique balance blocks are made of dense, supportive foam, and support flexibility and stability for stretching and rehabilitation.
Lift And Lengthen
Lululemon Yoga Blocks
This dense-foam block is designed to be supportive and durable. It’s 9.8″ x 5.9″ x 3.0”, weighing 0.58 pounds. You can stack blocks to give you a deeper stretch. The unique marbled design makes this foam block stand out.
Exercise Balls
Exercise balls are not typically the kind of equipment that you take with you to the studio, but they’re a great solution for your home yoga practice. With an exercise ball, you can improve your core strength, do muscle work, and naturally strengthen your back muscles and abs.
Stability Ball – All in Motion
This exercise ball comes in three different sizes to accommodate a range of heights. Each ball comes with a pump. The ball weighs 2.3 pounds when deflated, so you can throw it in your bag with the pump to take with you to the studio or on-the-go. It’s designed to be burst-resistant, supporting 300 pounds.
55cm Exercise Ball
This exercise yoga ball is made from non-toxic PVC material, free of BPA and heavy metals, and is made with anti-burst technology. It’s designed to support a 2,000-pound capacity to stand up to even your most rigorous yoga practice. It’s durable and is one of the best high-density exercise balls on the market.
URBNFIT Exercise Ball
This stability ball is made from high-quality PVC material. It’s designed to support 600 pounds of weight. The anti-burst yoga ball is coated with a non-slip glaze, designed to offer a safe and reliable cardio exercise experience.
Foam Roller
A foam roller has a range of benefits. It can relieve inflammation, muscle tightness, and soreness. You can use it to increase the flow of blood to your muscles, so it’s a way to warm up for yoga practice and other exercises.
Gaiam Restore Foam Roller
This foam roller measures 18” x 6″ in a compact design that’s perfect for on-the-go use at the studio, at home, or on the road. This roller is perfect to improve your balance, build strength, lengthen your muscles, and release tension. It’s small enough to throw into your yoga bag, but still large enough to use as a therapy tool to loosen and soothe sore and tight muscles, improve blood flow, and improve mobility.
To get you started, Gaiam Restore comes with a quick, 15-minute “How To” digital workout to show you the ropes of how to use this foam roller.
Lululemon Double Roller
This unique, dense foam roller has the dimensions of 20″ x 5″ which is the perfect size for relieving stress in your back, arms, and legs. You can use the exterior roller to massage your legs and arms. You can also release tension in your back, either, before or after your yoga practice. It’s 1.7 pounds which means it’s light enough to throw in your yoga bag.
My Roller Mini Foam Roller
This mini foam roller is compact, comfortably cushioned, and lightweight. It’s a therapeutic tool designed to help relieve tension, muscle aches, and pain.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an easy, portable way to add resistance to your yoga practice. You can throw these resistance bands in your bag or use them as part of your warm-up or cool-down. Use the sturdy grip to increase or decrease your level of resistance as needed.
Bala 5 Bands Set
These resistance bands are made from 100% natural latex. This 5-band set comes in a drawstring mesh pouch with different colors to indicate the level of intensity. This is the perfect way to mix up your yoga practice without overdoing it.
Aerie Resistance Bands
These five resistance bands tone and strengthen your muscles. They come in a carrying case with a workout booklet to give you ideas that will enhance your yoga practice and other exercises.
Blogilates Booty Resistance Bands
These easy-to-use Blogilates Booty Resistance Bands are made from Foam and TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber). With two resistance levels, they’re the perfect solution for on-the-go, at-home, and studio practice.
Socks
Yoga socks can make all the difference in the world when you practice at the studio, at home, and on-the-go. The right yoga socks offer grip, so you don’t slip on the floor. They protect your feet while making a fashion statement. But the main benefit of yoga socks is the way they keep you safe, secure, and very much in the moment while you practice yoga.
Find Your Balance Studio Socks
These studio socks use naturally breathable mesh fabric with ErgoToes™ foot-specific design, 360º arch support, and reflective detail. They have grippers inside and outside to maintain balance.
Pivot Barre Socks
These no-show socks have no-slip silicone grips, cushioned soles, and elastic straps that are ideal for use in studio classes. The combination of breathable nylon, polyester, and spandex make sure these yoga socks are comfortable throughout your yoga practice.
Gaiam Grippy Lace-Up Socks
These Gaiam Grippy Lace-Up Socks are modern, toeless socks with a grippy, non-slip silicone bottom. The attractive, lace-up design supports stability with or without your yoga mat. You get the traction and stability you need for your yoga practice.
Towels
Towels come in handy for so many reasons, but yoga towels keep you dry, even when you’re in an intense yoga practice. You need high absorbency to help you hold your poses without slipping. You also need a towel that grips the mat to offer support and coverage.
Lululemon The Towel
The Towel from Lululemon is designed for yoga and on-the-move needs with dimensions of 26″ x 71″. You can use it as a top layer on your yoga mat. It has clean-cut edges that won’t fray. This absorbent, microfiber towel is a great solution for hot yoga classes.
Gaiam Stay Put Yoga Towel
This Gaiam Stay-Put Yoga Towel is designed to reduce sliding and hassle during yoga practice. It’s perfect for hot yoga and it also has corner pockets to keep your towel secure on your yoga mat.
Manduka Togitoes Yoga Mat Towel
This ultra-absorbent, quick-drying towel is made from recycled polyester, polyester, nylon, and silicone. It’s made from four recycled plastic bottles. It’s part of a yoga collection from architect-turned-yogi, Peter Sterios, designed to revolutionize yoga practice with its unique look and feel. With silicone nubs on the bottom, this towel is designed to firmly grip your mat and offer support.
Water Bottles
Hydration is more important than you might think. When you are hydrated, you can perform better during yoga practice with increased flexibility and strength. With a reusable water bottle, you can track how much water you’re drinking while doing it in a sustainable way.
Hydropeak Active Chug 32 Fl Oz
The Hydropeak water bottle is made of stainless steel and is hand-wash only. This triple-insulated, lightweight bottle keeps your water cold for 24 hours. It has copper-coated insulation with a wide-mouth lid that fits large ice cubes and 3rd-party filters.
20oz Wide Mouth MiiR Water Bottle
This water bottle by MiiR® is the perfect stainless-steel hydration solution for your yoga practice. Built with Thermo 3D Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation, it has a wide mouth for ice cubes and can keep your water cold for more than 24 hours.
The Coldest Water Bottle
This vacuum-insulated water bottle is made from stainless steel in a modern design. The double-wall construction keeps your water cold and sweat-free, even when you’re in hot yoga or practicing yoga at the park.
Yoga Mat Wash
If you’re using your yoga mat on a regular basis, you probably need a yoga mat wash to refresh your yoga mat. You need to wash your mat to prevent the buildup of germs and other substances. It cuts the smell and cleans your yoga mat.
Gaiam Mat Wash
This Gaiam mat wash has antibacterial, antiseptic, and moisturizing properties, and is made with organic essential oils. You can kill odors and germs while removing sweat and dirt. It’s the best way to keep your mat fresh and clean.
Manduka Mat Wash
Manduka’s Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh keeps your yoga mat smelling fresh. It’s formulated to naturally clean and freshen the mat with natural essential oils that are non-irritating and pet-friendly. It has a subtle scent. The ingredients include purified water, lemongrass essential oil (or organic lavender essential oil), and bio-based fragrance solubilizer.
Summer Rain Yoga Mat Cleaner
The Summer Rain Yoga Mat Cleaner comes with witch hazel, eucalyptus, tea tree, and fragrance oil. This is the perfect mat spray for use in the studio, at home, or on-the-go. Just spray on and wipe it clean.
With all the yoga essentials in your bag, you’re ready for yoga practice!
What do you need for your yoga workout? Show us your yoga bag essentials in the comments below!
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