At-Home Yoga Essentials

When practicing yoga, it is really important to have everything you need in order to create a safe and fun yoga experience for every time you step foot on your mat.

In theory, yoga can be done most anywhere and with very few items. You really just need space and the willingness to learn. Along with patience, but yoga can help obtain a bit more of that along the way.

However, every body has different needs and require certain modifications.

With so many individuals practicing yoga at home during the pandemic, I wanted to create a little list of things to consider adding to your personal studio and space.

Let’s dive in.

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Mat

First thing first, you need a mat. Some mats (like Manduka) have lifetime warranties others are wonderful for a few years, but wear can and does settle in.

Think of what is important to you when it comes to your needs. Elements of a mat to consider: stickiness, cushion, and length. It’s also really important to consider the color you’d like. Colors give off vibes and you’ll be looking at your mat a lot.

Below are two solid options I have used and seen others use over the past decade:

Hugger Mugger Tapas Ultra Mat – Lots of cushion on the thicker side. Will experience wear and tear over the years.

Manduka Ekolite Yoga Mat – I have a Manduka travel mat and I love it. It’s very thin, so if you want the security of a lifetime warranty mat from Manduka, I’d highly consider this one. Manduka mats have a tendency to feel a bit slippery at first, but after some time, it will become sticky and you will love it.

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Bolster

Yoga bolsters are incredible additions to a personal studio space. We sit on bolsters for meditation, to lift the spin from the ground up. They also offer extra benefits in restorative postures while lying backside down.

Here are a couple I would recommend:

Gaiam Yoga Bolster – Considering the price and reviews, this one looks like a very good option.

Manduka Enlight Yoga Bolster – We use these at Chicago Yoga Six locations. They are more expensive but have lasted many years within a public yoga space. Another good option.

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Blocks

If I were going to get any items in this post to strengthen my practice, it would be blocks.

Blocks will change, along with enhance, your experience on the mat. They bring the floor to you in forward folds and can be used similarly to bolsters.

If you are going to be practicing yoga at home this fall and winter, I highly recommend purchasing a set of blocks.

These will do the trick:

Gaiam Yoga Blocks – I use these every day, they are wonderful and just what you need.

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Strap

A strap will help you access deeper stretches and movements you may be struggling with. Indeed, they are a lovely addition to a yoga practice.

Here are some options:

Gaiam Strap – Straps are easy to pick out, most will do the trick, including this one.

Gaiam Essentials – If you’re going to get blocks and want a strap as well, you might as well go this route.

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Stuff to Burn

I love adding candles and scents to my personal practice as well as my studio classes.

Sage, palo santo, and incense are a few of my favorite things to burn to help clear the space.

Here are a few to get you started:

White Candles in Glass  – These unscented candles add a beautiful ambiance to any space.

Sage Sticks – Burning sage is a wonderful way to rid your at-home yoga studio of any stale energy. The smell is invigorating.

Palo Santo – Palo Santo is another must-have. I find it to be more subtle and actually quite cozy.

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I hope this list helps you curate your very own at-home yoga studio.

Please feel free to visit my website, LM YOGA, for my weekly schedule, private sessions, and special classes.

peace, love, & namaste –

Lauren