The ultimate goal of yoga is unification and enlightenment of the body. Postures, gestures, breathing, and internal cleansing all relate to your internal energy.

Do you know what can make yoga more fun to practice?

That’s right, yoga accessories!

Whether you’re a beginner or a certified yogi, check out our list of yoga must-haves!

Yoga Mat

The first step to starting yoga is, of course, a yoga mat.

Yoga mats are the most basic and most important of yoga accessories. With a simple mat, you can already work on a variety of exercises. Get your mat ready and check out some of the most popular yoga types you can try!

The standard yoga mat is at ⅛ inch thick, which is suitable for beginners taking on balance and breathing exercises. For more intensive core workouts and body inversion yoga, you may need a thicker yoga mat.

Use a mat with an excellent grip to avoid slips, especially when you’ve sweated out all those burned calories.

Are you having trouble picking a mat for yourself?

Try the Premium Gaiam Yoga Mat!

This fantastic mat is available in black (two sizes!), blue, and purple. It is 68”x 24” in size and ⅕ inch thick. The extra-cushion is best for support and grip. However, this mat may become brittle if not used regularly. Why not take this as a challenge and motivation to practice yoga consistently?

Mat Bags

Every yogi uses mat bags for convenient transportation of their mats.

Get the Fremous Yoga Mat Bag for its aesthetic and functionality. It has adjustable straps and multi-purpose pockets to keep you comfortable and ready to go. It also has 33 unique designs.

This one’s for yoga mats that’s less than 10mm thick, though. So if your mat can fit, why don’t you go for it? We’re personally loving the Fence and Spring designs!

Mat Cleaners

If you’ve been attending yoga classes pre-pandemic, you probably wouldn’t be stressing over cleaning your mat. You do it regularly, so it’s all good.

Now, you’re at home and need to disinfect your mat by yourself.

When not cleaned for a long time, your yoga mat can be a breeding hub for athlete’s foot or plantar warts. To avoid these conditions and maintain a hygienic yoga space, clean it at least once a week.

And did you know that mat cleaners are also great for aromatherapy? They also come in wipes or in spray bottles.

If you’re having trouble finding a good brand, try getting the Manduka Organic Mat Cleaner. It’s suitable for phosphate-free washing as it uses essential oils. It also comes in a reusable container, perfect for refilling! They have three different scents, lavender, lemongrass with sage, and ginger grass.

Straps

Yoga straps are great for beginners. They help you stabilize yourself and maintain positions, especially when you are still learning the basics. For flexibility exercises, you can stretch each side of the strap while leaning into a post.

Straps are also useful for strengthening your muscles. You can pull the straps on its opposite ends. Using this accessory in an upright position also helps in improving balance and coordination.

Here are a few ways you can maximize your yoga straps:

• Side stretch
• Open shoulders
• Bound angle pose
• Reclined big toe
• Extended hand to the big toe
• Dancer’s Pose (Natarajasana)
• Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana Arms)
• Half or Full Boat Pose (Ardha Navasana)

Straps are also useful for people who are eager to take on challenges. Increasing your yoga exercise’s difficulty will be extra satisfying when you can stretch your straps like never before.

If you haven’t gotten a yoga strap yet, you should consider its material, buckle, length, and price before buying one!

Here’s our pick! It’s the Hugger Mugger Quick Release Yoga Strap—10 feet long and lightweight. It is made from durable material and can withstand up to 500 lbs of force. This yoga strap also has a suitable grip buckle, making it able to avoid slips, change positions, and adjust lengths.

Bolster

Are you still feeling uneasy about your yoga exercises?

A yoga bolster might help! You would typically use bolsters for restorative yoga. These accessories are among the essentials you need as it provides a firm cushion for your body.

Bolsters are essentially pillows, but with modified use. It provides you with comfort and support at the same time.

Use bolsters for these yoga poses to maintain a calm mind and body.

• Child’s pose (Balasana)
• Easy pose (Sukhasana)
• Legs up the wall pose (Viparita Karani)

Get the Lotuscrafts Yoga Bolster for Yin Yoga for the best therapeutic yoga experience. It is a 28”x12”x8” pillow weighing 3.5 pounds. Its cover, available in various soothing colors, is easily removable and washable. Moreover, this bolster is not only made of environmentally friendly material, but the workers who made this brand accessory were also treated under fair labor practices.

Now that’s awesome!

Blocks

Are you struggling to support yourself while holding poses?

Yoga blocks may be what you need!

Usually made from wood, cork, and foam, yoga blocks are perfect for enhancing your yoga experience. Its primary use is to support beginners to achieve correct poses and proper alignment.

Blocks can offer you support for these yoga poses:

• Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana)
• Garland pose (Malasana)
• Revolve triangle
• Chair pose (Utkatasana)

Additionally, it can also help yoga veterans transition to more challenging positions by providing length. You may also use blocks to add resistance to advanced exercises and strengthen your muscles in the process.

Foam blocks allow versatility and convenience, while cork blocks are better for support and stability. Blocks are available in 3”x6”x9” and 4”x6”x9” and you should find a block size fit for your body type and size.

According to yoga instructors, the Gaiam Yoga Brick Block is the best choice for yoga bricks. Gaiam manufacturers use a cork core, enabling the block to give proper support while still being lightweight. This block is also moisture-proof and absorbent-free, good for minimal cleaning even with constant exercising.

Blankets

Yoga blankets are versatile yoga accessories. You can use them as a cushion to add warmth to your mat. You can also use it as a support for your hips or knees for straining yoga positions.

Producers use cotton or wool to give the blankets the right density, shape, and warmth. With their soft texture, yoga blankets are suitable for both support and comfort.

You can use blankets by spreading them out. You can even arrange them three different ways:

• Flat folded
• Rolled
• Pleated

The only problem with blankets is they’re not as convertible as other support-providing accessories such as blocks.

Wedge

When your wrist pain starts becoming a hindrance to your yoga practice, it’s time to get yourself a yoga wedge.

Some yoga positions can put too much stress on your wrists, especially when you are doing weight-bearing exercises. 

Don’t beat yourself up!

You can invest in a yoga wedge. Instead of extending your wrists sharply, you can elevate the heels of your hand with this accessory.

Yoga wedges are one of the accessories you shouldn’t be ashamed of getting. Owning one doesn’t mean you’re weak or unfit; it only means you’re courageous enough to break your boundaries slowly.

Wedges are even applicable for all kinds of yogis, from beginners to experts.

Here are a few yoga exercises you can do better with a wedge:

• Downward dog pose
• Pyramid pose
• Forward fold
• Warrior 1

Lessen your wrist pain with StrongTek Yoga Foam Wedge Blocks. These wedges are well-designed and soft-cushioned with great texture and durability. They also come with storage bags.

Exercise Ball

If you’re tired of your yoga exercises and feel like taking up a challenge, how about getting yourself an exercise ball?

The exercise ball, or stability ball, is a large vinyl ball used for routines. This accessory is excellent for improving your endurance, balance, and coordination. With the ball, you can train your core muscles from hips to shoulders to work together and improve stability.

This accessory can also help you avoid injuring muscles and joints while taking your workout routines to the next level.

Here are some of the challenging routines to do with an exercise ball:

• Downward Dog with Leg Lift to Lunge Stretch
• Warrior I to Warrior II and Side Angle
• Lying Hip Stretch
• Rolling Squats With the Ball

Stability balls are also relatively cheap for a long-lasting product, making it a good investment for your wellness journey.

Why don’t you try the URBNFit Exercise Ball for your intense workouts? It is anti-slip and anti-burst. It also comes in a variety of colors and sizes suitable for intense activities up to 2000 lbs!

Yoga Wheels

Yoga wheels are the newest and hottest yoga accessories! Wheels essentially combine the benefits of blocks and balls.

These help you improve your core strength, balance, and flexibility. You can even squat on top of the yoga wheel, an improvement from the exercise ball.

This accessory also offers support when attempting various yoga poses, much like a yoga block. You can also use wheels to intensify your meditation sessions. You can prop them up to your shoulders while leaning on a wall.

Try some of these poses with a yoga wheel and be convinced of its benefits:

• Reclining hero pose
• Scorpion pose
• Handstand
• Planks

Aside from these advantages, yoga wheels also offer massage options. Lie on your back and stretch and lengthen your front body with the yoga wheel beneath you. This position with the yoga wheel can also help alleviate back pain.

That’s a lot of use for just one accessory!

Excited to buy one for yourself?

You can purchase the UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel – Pro Series. It is available in ABS plastic and cork.

Take note: the corks are sturdier and more environmentally friendly.

These wheels also have different colors and sizes. Just be sure to pick the one right for your body size! The thick padding is also anti-sweat and anti-slip.

Hammock

Want to get level-up your yoga?

Yoga hammocks got your back, literally. Anti-gravity yoga is superb for meditation, stretching, and relaxation. Yoga hammocks help you stay afloat and move with ease as you carry on with your aerial yoga workout.

This accessory helps you exercise your flexibility and core stability.

Here are just some of the benefits of using a yoga hammock for anti-gravity yoga:

• Refine posture
• Intensify stretches
• Strengthen muscles
• Better oxygen circulation

Dangling in the air might not be as easy as you’d imagine. So before trying aerial yoga for yourself, train with a professional first to avoid injuries.

Once you’re ready to swing in the air, go ahead and try YOGABUDY Naturals Yoga Swing. It’s relatively inexpensive and great for both beginners and experts! This hammock is also easy to set up so you can get your posture fixed in no time.

The only consequence to getting this accessory is its price. So if you plan on buying, be sure to use it as much as you can. After all, by investing in this accessory, you’re also investing in your health.

Yoga Towels

Are you tired of feeling uncomfortable from all the heat and sweat during your yoga sessions?

Here’s a secret making you feel comfortable:

Everyone sweats during yoga!

It’s essentially one of the results of working hard and exercising your body right. Sweating only means you’re burning fat. So to control your sweating, use yoga towels.

Drying with yoga towels not only frees you of body sweat; it also improves your grip, so you don’t slip. Yoga towels also prevent fluids from dripping in your yoga mat, making your mats easier to clean.

Yoga towels come in all shapes and designs. Some are long like your yoga mat, and some are just like regular hand towels.

If you want to start with a less costly option, try the TOPLUS Yoga Towel. This deal contains a large and smaller yoga towel, perfect for testing out different styles and uses!

How many of these yoga accessories do you have and use?

If you’re a beginner, get the essentials first—mat, cleaners, blocks, bolster, and straps! And once you’re ready to level up your practice, how about trying the ball, wheel, and hammock?

If you don’t have them yet, well, what are you waiting for? There’s no better time to start maximizing your inner potential than now!