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From helping regulate our hormones to strengthening our immune systems, exercise is key to keeping us happy and healthy as we age. And for those of us in our 40s and beyond, yoga is one of the best ways to stay in shape, both mentally and physically. If you’re new to this ancient practice, we’ve got you covered with the best yoga equipment for beginners, from mats to water bottles.
Other accessories, including straps, DVDs, headbands, and more, can also enhance your yoga experience. Scroll down to shop FIRST’s picks for the best yoga equipment for beginners. Namaste!
A good yoga mat is the one product everyone needs to start their yoga practice. We turned to Hawaii-based yogi Aisha Danielle for her top pick: “For beginners, I like to recommend the Manduka eKOlite yoga mat," she said. "First of all, this mat has the perfect amount of grip. As a beginner, you don’t want to be slipping around on a mat — it takes away from the practice and can get annoying, especially if you find you sweat a lot. I also really like that it has a good balance between soft cushioning and firm stability without being too heavy to tote around. And best of all, it’s eco-friendly. Lot’s of yoga mats contain things like PVC that are non-biodegradable and end up harming our environment, so this mat is an overall winner.”
When shopping for a yoga top, we suggest getting one that's lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, like this Hibelle racerback yoga workout tank top. Made from a cotton and spandex blend, this shirt is luxuriously soft with a relaxed fit and a racerback for proper ventilation. Best of all, it stays put as you move, meaning there won't be any unintentional flashing, no matter what pose you're in.
There's a reason why women the world over are obsessed with Lululemon. Take the brand's Groove flare pants which are specifically designed for yoga. They've got a four-way stretch for added give, moisture-wicking material which ensures you won't overheat, and a wide waistband that won't dig into your skin as you move about. Brilliant!
Store and carry your mat and any other yoga essentials with ease in ThePureBag. Crafted from antimicrobial vinyl, which is embedded with silver to keep any bacteria at bay, this yoga mat carrier offers superior protection from germs. It's reversible, so you'll have two different colors to choose from on any given day, and there's a detachable strap that makes carrying it a breeze.
There is one indisputable fact about yoga: You will sweat. While it's a good thing to work up a sweat, BLOM's multi-style headband can keep it in check — and off your mat. This stylish piece is designed to wick away moisture, and will also keep your hair out of your face as you flow. It's a win-win!
Shandali's GoSweat hot yoga towel can be used on its own or on top of a yoga mat to cushion your body against the hard ground. It's also excellent at absorbing sweat from the mat, so you won't slip and slide during your poses. When you're done working out, simply toss it in the washing machine for easy cleanup.
Ever wonder how to clean a yoga mat? With Asutra's 100 percent natural and organic yoga mat cleaner, all it takes is a spritz and a few wipes with a cloth. This essential-oil derived yoga mat spray comes in seven soothing scents, including calming citrus, energizing peppermint, and peaceful lavender. It not only disinfects and rids your mat of any dirt, sweat, and germs it also provides the benefits of aromatherapy. Aah!
As any experienced yogi will tell you, having a good, solid yoga block is a must, no matter your experience level. Incredibly helpful for building up flexibility, foam blocks provide stability and balance. Straps, meanwhile, are designed to extend and deepen your stretches (and prevent painful muscle injuries). Both are must-haves in any yoga kit, and this two-for-one set has you covered. It comes in three colors and can be spot cleaned with mild detergent.
As we mentioned above, it's common to sweat a lot during yoga, which means that staying hydrated is incredibly important. Replenish your body with this stylish 17-ounce S'well stainless steel water bottle. With triple vacuum insulation, it's designed to keep water cold for up to 24 hours. It's also condensation-free.
If you're not into the idea of attending a class just yet, it's easy to get started at home. Pick up a copy of Yoga Stretch for Beginners and Beyond. Filled with beginner exercises that are meant to be done in the comfort of your own home, this DVD is perfect for those looking to build a strong foundation of total body strength, stamina, and flexibility.
If support is what you need, then keep a yoga bolster, like this one from YogaAccessories, on hand. Made with a comfortable cotton cloth cover, this block is great for those who find they need some extra help keeping themselves propped up. Think of it as a firm body pillow that makes yoga easier as it softens your posture or aids in opening the body during certain poses.
This yoga blanket from El Paso Designs offers up another form of supportive cushioning if you find your mat to be a little too flat. Yoga blankets are especially great for those who find sitting on the ground tough due to joint and bone issues, as they provide a perfectly customizable amount of padding. Simply fold the blanket under yourself during poses for just the right support. This one's woven from a blend of eco-friendly recycled fibers and comes in an array of more than 40 colors.
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