Things Needed to Start Yoga

What You Need to Start Yoga

Published on November 13, 2007

Whether you are new to yoga or have done it for years, having the right items can ensure your practice is safe and enjoyable. Having the proper equipment can also help you get into the right positions and maximize your yoga practice. We recommend the following to support and enhance your practice and to be well-prepared for your yoga journey.

1. YogaBasics.com Premium Membership
Our Premium Membership makes it easy to start a yoga practice! with 25 yoga sequences, streaming audio, bigger pictures and tons more.
Sign Up for a Yoga Basics Membership

2. Yoga Books
These are the best books we have found for beginning students:
Yoga For Beginners
Yoga, Mastering the Basics
Yoga Zone’s Introduction to Yoga

3. Yoga DVDs
These are the best videos we have found for beginning students:
Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies
A.M./P.M. Yoga for beginners
Kripalu Yoga: Gentle
Yoga For Beginners
Yoga Journal’s: Beginning Yoga Step by Step

4. Yoga CDs
These are the best audio instructional CDs for beginning students:
Drops of Nectar: Yoga Relaxation for Rejuvenation and Healing
Yoga Sanctuary

5. Yoga Mat
A yoga mat provides padding as well as a non-slip surface to practice on. A classic yoga mat is best for beginners, but upgrading to a thicker mat is recommended if you are practicing on a wood floor.

6. Yoga Props
Yoga props are very helpful when starting yoga. Use a yoga block to stabilize standing poses, use a yoga strap to go stretch further in seated poses, and use a bolster or a blanket for restorative poses.

7. Yoga Music CDs

Playing music during your yoga practice will help relax, focus, and soothe. See our list of recommended music CDs here

8. Yoga Clothing
Wearing loose or stretchable clothing is best for practicing yoga poses. There are many clothing manufacturers that specialize in yoga clothes, but you will pay a premium for the fit and performance, so you might want to start with what you already might have in your closet.

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18 responses to “What You Need to Start Yoga”

  1. springschild Avatar
    springschild

    I wondered about adding candles to my practice area, is this a good idea?

    1. alexis Avatar
      alexis

      It may help you relax better. just make sure you cant knock it over.

  2. Timothy Avatar
    Timothy

    Yes, lighting some candles and burning incense are wonderful ways to enhance the mood of your practice space and help you relax with the practice.

  3. maelizzy Avatar
    maelizzy

    Do you approve of rubbing essential oil on wrists before practice?

  4. fatma Avatar
    fatma

    should I practice it during the day! I mean in the morning, or it’s ok to practice yoga whenever I want?

  5. SonyaK Avatar
    SonyaK

    A morning practice is ideal for some people but it largely depends on your schedule and the needs of your body. Yoga is offered through studios at all times of the day well into the evening. Practicing in the mornings sets the tone for the day and it’s a great way to get a consistent regular practice going.

  6. grammy1952 Avatar
    grammy1952

    I have had knee replacement.

  7. striker143 Avatar
    striker143

    Is the practice of YOGA devilish? If No, how can i get some of the materials in Lagos, Nigeria.

  8. striker143 Avatar
    striker143

    I also have a knee and wrist injury due to my excessive love for soccer. Can this limit my involvement?

  9. Timothy Avatar
    Timothy

    striker143 – You might find some yoga stuff locally in a big city in Nigeria or you can have yoga stuff shipped from the USA to you.

    Yes, both knee and wrist injuries can limit your yoga practice. I’d advise you work with an experienced instructor to show you how to modify the poses to work with your injuries.

  10. Centhia Avatar
    Centhia

    I just heard of yoga recently, i want to know if it can help with inferiority complex and fear of the unknown. Thanks

  11. Timothy Avatar
    Timothy

    Centhia – I’ve never heard of yoga being used for those issues, but I think it would help.

  12. terese49 Avatar
    terese49

    i singed up for a beginners class at college, but didn’t have a way to bring home a directory for the poses. Thank goodness I found this site. I have a serious back injury, and found I can do most yoga poses. Thank you, t

  13. Taylor Bays Avatar
    Taylor Bays

    This is such a cool site. Thank you for all of the information. I think it is adorable that you Timothy lives in Asheville. It is such a cute town, I would love to have the luxury of living there.
    -Taylor

  14. alexis Avatar
    alexis

    I have a few questions about yoga in general. I am just starring yoga by the recommendation of a friend she said that it would help me become more graceful in my athletic sturdy build.

    What are more tools that I need to start?
    How much should I practice?
    What time of day should I practice?
    Where do I learn yoga from?
    What websites,videos,pins (pintrest), and ect should I look at?

    Please fill me up on anymore information if you have it!

    1. Timothy Burgin Avatar
      Timothy Burgin

      Hi Alexis, many of your questions are answered on this page but I will work on updating and adding some other resources. Some of the info you are looking for can be found in our beginner’s section at: http://www.yogabasics.com/practice/yoga-for-beginners/

  15. Asher Avatar
    Asher

    I’ve seen a couple of steps in yoga videos/ These steps have got close resemblance to steps we perform while offering prayer. (Namaz)

  16. Ren Woods Avatar
    Ren Woods

    The section about yoga blocks was especially helpful. I didn’t realize how versatile they could be in a yoga practice and I’m excited to try using them

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Timothy Burgin Avatar
About the author
Timothy Burgin is a Kripalu & Pranakriya trained yoga instructor living and teaching in Asheville, NC. Timothy has studied and taught many styles of yoga and has completed a 500-hour Advanced Pranakriya Yoga training. Timothy has been serving as the Executive Director of YogaBasics.com since 2000. He has authored two yoga books and has written over 500 articles on the practice and philosophy of yoga. Timothy is also the creator of Japa Mala Beads and has been designing and importing mala beads since 2004.
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