Yoga - What do you really need?

[sparrowhouse]

I'm just having a look for some leggings, normally just use a cheap pair of normal ones - seeing the vast range of items you can get made me think do I really need to buy any others? Some of the prices seem pretty expensive for what they are, not just leggings but mats, tops, etc etc.

So thought I'd ask what do you actually need and what is really useful? (equipment, clothing, books)

Thanks!

[TorysSuckRevokeArticle50]

One of my friends is a yoga teacher, she say to get started all you need is a mat and some comfy clothes that you can move in.

Once you get more advanced blocks, blankets and stuff get more useful but initially just a mat you can comfortably kneel on so your knees don't hurt on the hard floor.

[doadeer]

Just a mat!

You can use any leggings / pants initially.

Blocks are a couple quid and you can use anything for a strap (dressing gown belt) if you want to. You can always find a work around!

Good luck on your yoga journey

[morefun]

I have never bought expensive yoga gear - some great tops and leggings from t k maxx kept me going for years. Cheap yoga mat. I don't have anything else. See if you need blocks or straps when you get going

[Decentsalnotime]

Five year obsessive yogi here

Save your money and get best mat you can. Liforme is brilliant

[ListeningQuietly]

Cheap comfy leggings
A reasonably tight T shirt and a padded / carpeted floor

Decathlon do loads of decent cheap tops and leggings

Mat - try to get one that is 5mm thick so that your knees are protected

[Decentsalnotime]

Have you done any yoga yet?

If not, get a cheapo mat

As for books and props - no
You need to do some yoga to work out what, if anything, you need by way of props.


Books? I can’t imagine anything more dull than reading about yoga!

[Pipandmum]

Thick mat and comfy clothes - they do not have to be tight leggings. Loose clothes work too, but you must be able to move.

[drspouse]

Someone in my Pilates class does it in jeans!
I started out without a mat but I was always having to use a cushion for my knees.

[ListeningQuietly]

I always suggest a reasonably tight shirt
because otherwise down dog and all forward folds become a permanent tucking in battle

ditto nothing with a hood

[mineofuselessinformation]

A reasonable mat as PP have said.
You don't need to go top of the range if you're just exploring whether or not you like it. The key is that it's not slippy enough to let your feet or hands slide when you're in a wide position like downward dog - very annoying if it happens!
Leggings only need to be stretchy enough that you can do the 'legs apart' poses without them being at risk of splitting! Going up a size in sports leggings is a good idea as otherwise they can ride down over your bum so you need to pull them up.
I always wear a vest style top to prevent my belly being on show (tucked in), with a looser top over.
I also wear a sports bra / crop top, as although I only have small boobs, a normal bra moves around too much too be comfortable.

[eurochick]

A mat. That's it really. I quite often do it in my pjs at home. When I went to classes I just wore normal gym kit. As suggested already, loose tops don't work as they ride up when you are upside down. For some positions yoga blocks can be helpful but I don't use mine that often.

[Roselilly36]

Just comfy clothes will do, that you can stretch in. Buy a thick mat, I brought a thin one as first, complete waste of money, if your yoga class venue has a hard floor.. I also use a strap & blocks, I like the yogamad blocks. A bag is useful to keep your kit in too.

[doadeer]

I'm obviously against the grain but I couldn't do yoga on a thick pilates style mat, I would feel unsteady and unbalanced. If I need to in poses like crescent lunge I just put a blanket under my knee.

I spend a lot on my mat as I get too sweaty and slippy so I need a super grip one like lifeform

[Decentsalnotime]

Me too
Thick yoga mats - you don’t have the grip

Liforme- absolutely revolutionised my practise

[JayeAshe]

An open mind

[60sPony]

A yoga mat and a decent sports bra. Doesn’t need to be anything too expensive just something you find comfortable

[60sPony]

And I’d say a thin mat

[Atadaddicted]

I’ve been going yoga for some time now.
I do easy gentle yoga, but the Quality of the mat is still crucial to practise. Spend your money here, but not a penny on books!

[BananaPop2020]

It is definitely nicer to have your own mat - TX Maxx have loads of good stuff at reasonable prices.

[ManservantHecubus]

I wear cheap leggins vests t-shirt etc. Recommend a sports bra with no clasp on back for comfort. (Primark £5 jobbie is fine). I use a mat in classes but prefer hard floor for grip with a towel for lying/sitting on. I don't use Straps or blocks.

[Bellainey]

Sorry this is a bit of a derail.....@Descentsalnotime do you mind sharing what is so great about Liforme mats? I am toying with buying one. I have a good mat, but am so tempted!

[doadeer]

@Bellainey I have a Phantai mat it's very similar to lifeforme no matter how much you sweat there is just zero slip. They are great!

[GreyishDays]

If you’re just doing it at home, you may not even need a mat. Just try some Adriene videos and see.

[Bellainey]

Thanks @Phantai, I'll have a look. I've just started hot yoga so less slip would be great. Sorry again about the derail!

[Bellainey]

So sorry @doadeer yoga mat name confusion!