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Ladies whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, the right accessories just make the yoga practice much better, safer and more enjoyable. We know how frustrating it is to start a new sport and try to figure out exactly what you need, we have done that here for you. This complete guide covers 10 essential yoga essentials for beginners from yoga mats for every class to the perfect sports bra for all yogi postures, plus bonus items at the end for your studio sessions. This guide as the ultimate yoga essential accessories list for beginners is also suitable for your Pilates practice as well. With a focus on durability and eco-sustainable products this is the best yoga starter kit for women. This list will give you everything you need so start building your kit now.
1. Non-Slip Yoga Matt – As the foundation of your Yoga or Pilates practice a matt with grip, cushioning, stability is fundamental. What you want to look for is a non-slip surface, 4–6 mm thickness for joint support, and ideally eco-friendly materials such as TPE and natural rubber. As an addition you could also get a slightly thicker cushioned yoga mat, giving more support for knees from 10-15mm.
2. Breathable Yoga Top – you want to allow for range of motion with any yoga top you select, something that will be form fitting with all the different poses you will be doing. Ideally you want something breathable with seamless construction, built-in shelf bra if preferred and quick-dry fabric. You are likely going to be layering so this will be the base layer for al practices.
3. Comfortable Squat Proof Yoga Legging – with all the warrior and side lunge poses you will be doing you want yoga leggings that will be durable and survive every pose possible including yogi squat. Something high-waist, four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric and squat-proof would be ideal for any movement, all coverage and absolute comfort.
4. Gripped Non-Slip Yoga Socks – you will want these not just for hygiene reasons but also for more stability in your movement and poses, as you work on your Yoga or Pilates matt. Thes are perfect for at home practice or at the studio, especially if you are looking to explore hot yoga. Yoga socks with a silicone sole grip, breathable cotton blend, with grips from the toe would be ideal.
5. Light Weight Yoga Blocks – will be useful from the beginner level however you will find yourself reaching for these yoga blocks throughout the journey of your yoga practice as they help with modified poses, increased alignment and reach new stretched poses. Materials you will want to consider are EVA foam or cork for sturdiness, these will be lightweight and perfect if you wanted to travel with them.
6. Cotton Yoga Strap – another accessory for safely deepening stretches and improving flexibility in a slightly different way to yoga blocks, something you will need for things like leg stretches, improved alignment and restorative poses. Again, yoga straps are usually a tool for a beginner yogi’s however you may find yourself pulling this out again throughout your yoga practice. Look for durable cotton, metal D‑ring or buckle, 6–10 ft options.
7. Yoga Bolster Pillow/Meditation – a key support in restorative poses and meditation practices. The yoga pillow will come in handy for restorative Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra practices. You will want something with firm support, washable cover, cylindrical bolster or zafu cushion.
8. Yoga Blanket for Comfort – this can be used for padding under the knees, cushioning in savasana or a warm layer in mediation. A Yoga Blanket with natural fibres like cotton or wool, that is durable, washable.
9. Supportive Yoga Bra – for comfort during dynamic flows and inversions. What you want is a yoga bra with moisture-wicking, adjustable straps, medium to high support.
10. Silk Hair Ties for Yoga – it’s unlikely that you will have your hair out if it’s reasonably long as you work through your yoga poses, so opt for silk hair ties which are gentle on hair, reduces breakage and frizz, comfortable under headstand. Material will be silk or satin, try to avoid metal and wide options for thick hair.
Bonus Studio Essentials for Every Female Yogi
11. Studio Yoga Tote Bag – when you go to classes you will want a bag that covers everything you need ideally with compartments, something that may be breathable for sweaty clothes and with space for your yoga matt, yoga blocks, & yoga strap
12. Cozy Lightweight Yoga Hoodie – this will be essential for the cool down session at the end of the class when you go into savasana or in any meditative practices you attend, as you will not likely be taking your yoga blanket. Depending on the season you will want something lightweight,
13. Essential Water bottle for Yoga – During class you may need to refresh and re-hydrate, a stainless-steel water bottle is the perfect companion for the yoga studio. You will want a 500ml to 1ltr leak-proof bottle for your workouts.
14. Towel – a must have for any form of hot yoga class. Look for a rapid-dry microfiber, towel so you are ready to mop up the sweat during and after class.
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