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!

@Bellainey if you don't want to commit yet I can recommend the sweaty betty towel that goes over your mat it's super light

I teach yoga, if you're doing it at home you can use books and cushions instead of blocks and ties instead of straps.

A mat is important, you can get a decent one for 20-25, I have two which have lasted for 20 years. Go for a sticky mat which is at least 5mm. If you are the type of person who dips in and out you can get cheaper ones but they will damage more easily. Don't get one of those camping mats, they're awful.

And as others have said, a tight tshirt is much better than a baggy one.

I hope you enjoy it.

Decent mat (Liforme), and leggings that aren't see-through when you bend over. That's about it.

If you do decide to go for the Liforme mat, don't get caught up with the markings determining where you place hands and feet. Although that's how it's marketed it's an odd notion that everyone should put their hands and feet in the same place regardless of the size and shape of your body.

Thanks all, it does make sense about the markings. I am quite short as well!

I’m a yoga teacher and all I use is a mat. I do think leggings are great as baggy pants feel less free but that’s all; leggings & a mat and you’re good to go! Good luck

You don't need anything.
If you are going to do some at home / on-line, then just the carpet is fine (that's what I've done over lockdown occasionally ).
The classes I use to go to at the gym, have yoga mats provided.
You can wear what you want - I tend to exercise in shorts but most people wear any sor of legging, and a couple wear jogging bottoms and a couple of older ladies wear trousers.

i agree with everyone saying done get a cheapie mat, i found the rubber ones too slippy and they start to stretch after a while. my new cork one is much grippier and (apparently) naturally antibacterial. books, belts/dressing gown ties and rolled blankets can sub for blocks, straps and bolsters. you can wear anything comfortable & stretchy!

I have a 4.5mm cork mat. It's the best one I've used. Grip is excellent and is well cushioned and makes headstand a lot more comfortable.

@bimbimbap

i agree with everyone saying done get a cheapie mat, i found the rubber ones too slippy and they start to stretch after a while. my new cork one is much grippier and (apparently) naturally antibacterial. books, belts/dressing gown ties and rolled blankets can sub for blocks, straps and bolsters. you can wear anything comfortable & stretchy!

No one has said this!

Been doing bff yoga for many years. Many different mats. I wish I had started my practise with a decent mat rather than wait. Once I invested - I finally really “got it” and begun to love.

It’s similar to a cyclist and his bike; runner and her trainers; chef and his knives!

Quality of the mat is still crucial to practise.

I disagree. A suitable mat will help with comfort and grip, but not "crucial".
A mat from a supermarket will be good enough to start.
I have practiced yoga for 30 years on all kinds of mats and surfaces.

I have a cheap mat, a Primark fleece blanket and cheap leggings or yoga pants and tees, with sports bras.
Used to use blocks (provided by teacher) but she abandoned them.Now Iuse extra blankets folded instead of blocks if needed. never even heard of straps and I've done various types of vinyasa yoga with different teachers for several years. (off to Google yoga straps.)

Mats- you won't usually know what you need when you start- so pointless spending for a lots of money.

Some people like thick cushioned mats- of you have knee dsicomfort on kneeling for instance- although the thicker mats can't easily be folded over or doubled up for a couple of poses.
Thicker mats tend not to be so great for balance either, so athough comfy, may cause you to wobble a bit more, you may need to step off onto a wooden floor- but that can be a bit chilly in bare feet in the winter months.
Some mays have great grip, some mats are eco friendly, natural rubber ones have amazing grip, but are expensive, and a bit smelly.
They also weigh quite a lot, so if you are travelling by bus to class then you may not want to carry a heavy rubber mat around.

So when you talk of "quality " of a mat- what suits one person may npt suit another.
And you won't be able to figure that out until you start a regular practice.

I wouldn't spend more that £20 on a beginner mat- in fact the one I use at the moment cost me £15 from TK max, and I have been doing yoga regularly for 30 years.

I am another one who would advise against a baggy t shirt.
Some of the inverted postures or down dog may leave your midriff very exposed as the t shirt falls upwards.

You need your body and a mat.

A mat and comfortable clothes.... although you can still do it without a mat if you can find a non-slip floor!

Looking with interest at people's mat recommendations. I've had several, none of them grippy enough, including my current one which was not cheap. When I do downward facing dog, my hands just gradually slide forwards!

You don’t need lots, just a decent mat. I see people without a mat and feel for their knees!
I wear either leggings or shorts and a vest top with a good sports bra. Sometimes I do it in my underwear (at home).
I like to use a blanket and warm socks at the end while I meditate/reflect.

Oh yes me too!
I want to deepen and extend my yoga practice, I have a rubber mat that I bought about 15 years ago which cost about 100 quid at the time (😲)
It's had years of near daily use but now I need to replace it ....I'm thinking about a cork mat 🤔

Great to see yoga people responding quickly 🧘🏼‍♀️

I've got my eye on a new mat and am waiting till Black Friday for the splurge.
I use a few props and so those have been essential purchases but even then my first set of bricks were not as good as the one I have now which are bigger cork ones and more sturdy.

I like the idea of a cork mat, but not convinced of how grippy they'd be. I've just found a more rubbery looking one on Amazon with great reviews about the grippiness - putting it on my Christmas list!

Leggings are definitely good, OP, but you don't need anything fancy, just ones which are comfy and stay up.