Mats to Pants: Essential Items for Beginning a Yoga Practice

Anytime an individual wants to start a new workout, the beginning can feel expensive, because many marketers would have us believe that we need a lot of “essential” gear to be successful and fulfilled in the new practice. Most workouts, however, require minimal equipment, and some of it you may have just laying around your house for other purposes. Here are some essential items you’ll need to begin a yoga practice, as well as non-essentials that can be substituted for things you may already have. Some great essential items are available at The Clymb.

Must-Haves: Clothes and Mats

You’ll probably want to invest in a few pairs of yoga pants and a good sports bra early on in your practice. These will help you stay focused by minimizing the distraction that ill-fitting clothing can cause. You will also want a yoga mat. Gyms and yoga studios often offer these to students free of charge, but if you’re going to make yoga a long-term practice, it’s best to have your own mat, so you can reduce the amount of germs you touch on a regular basis. If you’re concerned about the price of these items, The Clymb offers discounts of up to 70% off retail which should help make purchasing a durable mat more affordable.

Optional: Towels, Carriers and Socks

Once you’ve begun your yoga practice, you’ll want to evaluate whether or not a special towel, mat carrier, and socks are essential to you. Many of those who practice yoga find that these items make the practice more convenient, thus more enjoyable. A yoga towel has a different type of fabric and absorbency, so many people find them useful, especially if they practice hot yoga. A mat carrier keeps your mat rolled up and is easy to sling over your shoulder if you need free hands. Yoga socks can keep you from slipping around, allowing you to focus on each pose.

Important: Simplicity Fits the Yoga Culture Much Better

Yoga hasn’t always been in the mainstream, but since it has gained momentum in the last ten years, more and more companies are trying to figure out ways to maximize their dollars through creating items that the faithful Yogi doesn’t really need. A water bottle is a water bottle. A more affordable mat will do the job just as well as a really expensive one. Look for the best deals and purchase what works best for you. Try yoga for a while to figure out what gear is most comfortable for you – you may just find that simplicity fits the yoga culture much better.