Congratulations on taking the dive to start practicing yoga! Welcome to the Nama-slay family! 

I’m so happy you’re taking the necessary steps to invest in your wellbeing by starting yoga. While this is sure to be a fulfilling experience, it can be challenging not knowing if you have everything you need to get started. Don’t worry, I’ve got  you covered!

Here are 6 things yoga beginners need to start their practice.

 

1. Comfortable workout gear

Wearing comfortable clothes is very important when practicing yoga, and the more form-fitting the better! This applies to the ladies as well as the fellas out there. Get yourself some leggings that you can comfortably move your body in without excessive tightness. Ladies, you also need a low-to-medium impact sports bra. Form fitting tanks are also recommended just in case you do a headstand or any other inversion and don’t want to expose certain body parts. Not only does wearing form-fitting, comfy clothes help you feel and look good on the mat, if you’re in class it helps the teacher better gauge your form and alignment. 

Ladies: Shop for stylish and comfortable leggings here and here.  

Fellas: Try these yoga pants or these long yoga pants.

Here are some of my favorite places to shop for stylish, affordable yoga outfits.  

2. Yoga mat

Having the right yoga mat is pivotal to your practice. It’s going to be the most consistently used item in your practic, so make sure you find one that you love. Look for a cushioned material for support. I tend to like a longer mat so I have lots of room for movement when I flow. I also keep a couple of extra mats handy for spontanewous events. (I faithfully keep one in my car for times when I practice outdoors or feel inspired to whip out my mat on a road trip.)

Shop great options here, here and here. 

 

3. Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are one of my favorite props to use when I hop on the mat. They are essential to in helping you have correct form when entering different postures. They’re also great for alleviating strain on the hips and shoulders. They’re what I like to call “limb-extenders” because you can step on them to assist with poses, or balance them under your palms. They can also be used to intensify your practice over time.

Try these awesome, Gaiam Yoga Blocks.  

4. Yoga mat towel

Yoga isn’t a high intensity activity, but that doesn’t mean you won’t break a sweat during your flow. If you practice hot yoga, then you absolutely need a towel because your mat will be covered and sweat and it’s essential that you’re able to ground yourself and grip it to avoid injury.  

Stay dry with this Intention yoga mat towel.

5. Yoga strap

Using a yoga strap can help with your alignment and form when getting into different postures. It’s especially useful if you aren’t as flexible or you need some assistance getting deeper into poses. I haven’t attended any classes where I’ve used a strap, but it’s definitely good to have for your private or home-based practice. (Learn how to start your at-home yoga practice here!)

Add this strap to your practice. 

6. An open heart and mind

The most important thing that you need to start yoga is humility and an open mind. Don’t enter the yoga realm with a spirit of fear or defeat. Yoga is not about comparison; it’s about having your own unique growth and experience. Your journey is your journey and your practice is your practice. As long as you’re willing to give it your all, you will succeed. The beauty of it all is your progress will surely keep you inspired and will inspire others as well.

Now that you’re well on your way to being a yogi, check out my list of 8 free or inexpensive ways to start yoga. 

*This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive compensation from Amazon. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make Beauty & the Beat possible!

Ciao Bellas,