Yoga is a beginner-friendly practice that has been around for centuries and has gained popularity in recent years. Participating will help build strength, especially within the core which is related to better mobility and coordination, aids joint health and benefit mindfulness. Research comparing yoga to general exercise even determined that yoga is just as effective at improving a variety of health-related outcomes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, having the right equipment can make all the difference in your practice. So, to get you started, or to widen your knowledge surrounding yoga, this blog will cover 'Yoga Equipment For Beginners'.

Yoga Mat: The Foundation Of Your Yoga Equipment

The essential item when you start your Yoga journey. If this is your first time investing in a yoga mat, here are a few handy tips to consider:

• Mat thickness
• Non-slip surface 
• The portability of your mat
• Convenience of cleaning your mat 
• Your budget

Here at Exersci, we have two great options for you. Both provide a non-slip surface for your practice, which is especially important if you're practicing on a hard surface. They also cushion your joints, making it easier to hold poses for longer periods of time. However, they differ in a couple of ways, mainly in the thickness and size of the mats.

Our Exersci® Thick Cushioned Yoga Mats is what you would consider the typical style of yoga mats. It is easy to set up, quick to unroll, and most importantly, stays flat on the floor with no curling of the edges. This will give you a comfortable amount of comfort, being 10mms thick, which makes it very convenient to transport. Yoga is not just something people do inside their home gym. The size of this mat and the strap holder carry no burden. This makes it easy to roll up transport to other gyms, houses and even to open spaces outside.

Similarly, the Exersci® Thick Folding Gym Mat with Carry Handle is also convenient enough to transport, with its folding properties and carry handle. However, this is slightly larger, making it more difficult to carry around or fit into your car. With that said, it has a far superior cushioning with 40mm of thickness. This provides essential support for beginners who may be slightly more unsturdy or for those with injuries. The added thickness will make it a lot easier on your joints and can make your yoga experience much more comfortable.

Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks are another essential piece of equipment for beginners. Blocks provide support during certain poses, such as the half-moon pose or triangle pose. They also help deepen your stretches, such as in a seated forward fold, by placing the block on the ground in front of you and resting your forehead on it. Additionally, they modify poses for those with limited flexibility or injuries.

Yoga/Resistance Bands

You may hear resistance bands and immediately think of this as a piece of equipment to aid your weightlifting training. Well, you're not wrong. But, these bands come in a range of sizes, thus a range of resistances. This means that you can use a thinner resistance band, which will provide little resistance but massively open up the potential yoga exercises that you can complete. 

A yoga/resistance band can help deepen your stretches and improve flexibility. They are often used to assist and modify poses for those with limited flexibility or injuries. E.g., if you are not able to reach your toes without straining, a band can be placed around your feet, during the seated forward fold.

Yoga Equipment Cleaner

Finally, a yoga mat cleaner is an important item to have on hand to keep your mat clean and fresh. Yoga mat cleaners are specifically designed to remove dirt and sweat from your mat without damaging it. They typically contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil or vinegar. Therefore it can be sprayed directly onto the mat and wiped clean.

FAQs

How can I prevent pain when performing yoga exercises?

Using a Thick Gym Mat can offer several benefits to prevent this, including:

Improved Comfort: A thicker yoga mat can provide more cushioning and support, which can make it more comfortable to practice yoga poses, particularly those that require you to put weight on your joints, such as downward dog, plank pose, and lunges.

Better Stability: A thicker yoga mat can provide better stability and balance, particularly for beginners who are still developing their core strength and balance.

Enhanced Durability: Thicker yoga mats tend to be more durable and long-lasting, as they can withstand more wear and tear than thinner mats.

Protection from Hard Surfaces: A thicker mat can provide better protection from hard surfaces. This is particularly important if you have knee or joint pain.

Overall, a thicker yoga mat can be a good investment if you are looking to enhance your comfort, stability, and protection during your yoga practice. However, keep in mind that thicker mats can be heavier and less portable, so consider your needs and preferences before making a purchase.

I’m not flexible, can I still perform Yoga? 

Absolutely! Yoga is a practice that can be adapted to suit your individual needs and abilities, regardless of your level of flexibility. In fact, yoga can be an excellent way to improve your flexibility over time.

When you are just starting, it is important to focus on finding modifications and variations of poses that work for your body. For example, you can use blocks or straps to help you achieve proper alignment in poses, and you can start with easier variations of poses before gradually working up to more challenging ones.

It is also important to remember that yoga is not just about flexibility. The practice involves a variety of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices that can benefit your body and mind in numerous ways, regardless of your level of flexibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the essential yoga equipment for beginners includes a yoga mat, blocks, a band, and a mat cleaner. These items can make your practice more comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable. As you progress in your practice, you may want to add more equipment, such as a yoga wheel or yoga balls, but these four items are a great place to start. Remember, the most important thing is to listen to your body and find what works best for you.

Check Out Our Range Of Yoga Equipment From Exersci!

Congratulations! You've made it to the end of this article. Do you think a yoga mat is what you need to start your flexibility training?

If you're eager to get to work on your mobility and flexibility training we have a wide range of thick and cushioned yoga mats in a stunning range of colours!

If you have any questions about our thick yoga mats or can’t find what you’re looking for? Please contact us at contact@exersci.co.uk or call us on 0330 175 6260 - We’re more than happy to help!