What You Need to Start Yoga
Photo Credit: YoshiKatsu80
One of the great things about yoga is that you don’t really need anything to practice yoga. But we do recommend the following to support and enhance your practice.
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.
I wondered about adding candles to my practice area, is this a good idea?
It may help you relax better. just make sure you cant knock it over.
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.
Do you approve of rubbing essential oil on wrists before practice?
should I practice it during the day! I mean in the morning, or it’s ok to practice yoga whenever I want?
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.
I have had knee replacement.
Is the practice of YOGA devilish? If No, how can i get some of the materials in Lagos, Nigeria.
I also have a knee and wrist injury due to my excessive love for soccer. Can this limit my involvement?
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.
I just heard of yoga recently, i want to know if it can help with inferiority complex and fear of the unknown. Thanks
Centhia – I’ve never heard of yoga being used for those issues, but I think it would help.
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
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
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!
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/
I’ve seen a couple of steps in yoga videos/ These steps have got close resemblance to steps we perform while offering prayer. (Namaz)