Everything you need to enjoy the full experience provided by your instructor. Some studios provide much of the equipment that you’ll need for class, while others ask that you bring your own. In today’s ever-changing world, it’s smart to call the studio ahead of time to ask what they’d like you to bring to class.
Here, we’ll take a look at all the gear you may need for your first yoga class.
On Your Feet
Many people choose to practice yoga in bare feet, which is a great way to connect with the ground as you move through your practice. Sometimes, bare feet can slip on yoga mats, or you may simply feel more comfortable in socks. Yoga socks are a great way to allow your feet to still connect with the ground while also providing the sticky support you need so you don’t slide down to the ground in a tough pose.
Yoga Mat
Having your own yoga mat is a fun, expressive part of participating in yoga. Choose a mat that reflects your personality. You may also want to get a mat bag—most have a convenient compartment for your wallet and keys. Be sure to thoroughly clean your mat after each use. If it gets sweaty, unroll it at home and let it dry completely before storing it.
Block
A foam yoga block can be a great help in getting for supporting your body during tough poses. Your block can be used to support your hand when you can’t quite reach the ground, support your back in poses that require an arch, or to support your knees when you’re in a seated position. You may want to bring two blocks so that you can stack one on top of the other when you need a little bit of extra support.
Strap
A yoga strap is a simple piece of equipment that can be used to help you get into various poses, especially as you’re working on your flexibility. A good yoga strap has small handles and loops that allow you to change up your grip to get deeper into the poses. Your strap should be made of strong material and shouldn’t have any give when you pull on it. Yoga straps are typically adjustable, and you’ll be able to make your strap whatever length you need for the poses demonstrated in your class.
Stay Hydrated
Of course, it’s important that you bring plenty of water to your yoga class. If you’re participating in a long hot yoga class (an hour or more), be sure to bring something to drink that contains electrolytes (like a sports drink) to replace what your body will lose through sweat. If you’re taking a standard yoga class that’s less than an hour-long, plain water is perfect to meet your body’s hydration needs. Be sure to bring a bottle that has a great seal so that you don’t need to deal with any spills in the studio.
