7 Essential Yoga Accessories for Beginners

Starting yoga can feel a bit intimidating, but having the right tools can make a world of difference. Whether you’re practicing at home, in a studio, or outdoors — these 7 yoga essentials for beginners will make any practice worthwhile. They’re lightweight, travel-friendly, and include everything you need to set up your own personal practice wherever you go. Let’s break down why each of these yoga accessories is essential, and why you should have them before your first yoga class.

1. Yoga Mat

First things first—you can’t practice yoga without a good yoga mat! No two mats feel the same, and finding your preference is among the most important decisions in the early stages of your journey. Among the many factors that go into finding the ‘perfect’ mat, a few of them include: (1) length of the mat (2) texture (3) thickness.

The most important of these (and the most contentious) is how thick of a mat you should use. More experienced yogis opt for a thinner mat to have a grounded feel and maximum stability. On the other hand, beginners, or those that have sensitive joints prefer thicker yoga mats or thin mats with cushioned yoga accessories to relieve stress on joints and cushion themselves during hard poses. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of yoga mat thicknesses and their optimal use:

• Thin Yoga Mats (1/16” or 1.5 mm): Ultra portable, near-direct contact with the floor, minimal cushioning (Ideal for: Ashtanga or Vinyasa Yoga; strength-based practice)
• Standard Yoga Mats (⅛” or 3mm): Balanced combination of cushioning and support (Ideal for: All types of practice)
• Thick Yoga Mats (¼” or 6mm): Seated poses, slightly heavier, above average protection (Ideal for: Restorative yoga, people with joint sensitivity)
• Extra-Thick Yoga Mats (½” or 12mm+): Significant padding and joint protection (Ideal for: Low impact activities, Pilates, floor work, meditation)

2. Foam Yoga Blocks

Think of foam yoga blocks as your own personal yoga spotters. These blocks give you the support you need to modify poses and make them work for your body, regardless of your experience. Not super flexible yet? No worries. Gradually make progress with the 9”, 6”, and finally 4” sides of the block until you’re able to do poses with no assistance. Yoga accessories like these help you get into positions more comfortably and deepen your stretches as you progress. In terms of yoga essentials, there aren't many more essential than yoga blocks.

3. Grippy Yoga Gloves

When your hands start to sweat, it’s easy to lose grip during your poses. Grippy yoga gloves solve that problem by adding an extra layer of stability. With traction-enhancing rubber dots, these gloves help you feel more secure whether you’re in downward dog or holding a warrior pose. The open-finger design adds another layer of control, breathability, and support for a truly grounded feel; add it to your list of yoga accessories to bring to your first class. 

4. Multi-Loop Stretching Strap

Flexibility is something that builds over time, and a multi-loop stretching strap can be your best yoga accessory for working on it. Whether you’re reaching for your toes or stretching out your shoulders, this cotton strap makes it easier to achieve deeper stretches safely. Plus, the loops give you options for adjusting as you get more flexible. As you get more sessions under your belt, you’ll feel compelled to push for harder poses. The groundwork you’ve laid stretching the weeks prior will be time well spent.

5. Yoga Knee Pad

Thinking of purchasing a thinner mat but want the option to switch things up? The Yoga Knee Pad is the perfect yoga accessory to give you the best of both worlds. Protecting your joints should be a top priority, especially during poses that put pressure on your knees or elbows. A knee pad with soft, supportive foam can provide just the right amount of cushion so you can hold poses longer without discomfort. Use it for lunges, tabletop positions, or any floor work where extra padding makes a difference. Grabbing one of these yoga essentials early will keep practice enjoyable while you wait for the best yoga mat for you. 

6. Fabric Resistance Bands

If you’re looking to add some strength training to your yoga routine, fabric resistance bands are a great addition. Despite how easy experienced yogis make yoga look, it’s more demanding than you might think. Building core and lower body strength are essential to performing more difficult poses. These resistance bands are soft yet sturdy, making them the perfect yoga accessories for leg and glute exercises. They’re an easy way to level up your practice and work on toning your lower body.

7. Yoga Wheel

Ever see those yoga poses that look impossible and wonder how people do them? A yoga wheel might be the answer. It’s a versatile tool that can help you deepen your backbends, stretch out tight muscles, and even assist with practicing inversions. Plus, it’s great for gently rolling out your spine after a long day or an intense session. Decompressing your spine will keep you ready for frequent practice sessions, giving you all the motivation to continue your new hobby!

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re starting out or looking to build a solid home practice, these seven yoga essentials are perfect for helping you get the most out of your yoga sessions.  With the right yoga accessories, you’ll feel more confident, supported, and ready to flow through your practice. So grab your mat, gather your props, and find your flow—you’ve got this!

(p.s. Be on the lookout for our upcoming release, our 7 Piece Yoga Starter Set!)