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21 Best Yoga Equipment To Start Practising Yoga

yoga equipment uk

Knowing what yoga equipment to buy can be a daunting task for anyone, especially newbies. Let’s face it, when you’re new to a hobby or activity you have the tendency to buy anything that is recommended to you, in the hopes that it will work for you.

Here at OriGym, we want to teach you about the yoga apparatus and equipment that you’ll need for various different yoga practices.

We’ll also explain to you why these pieces of yoga equipment will be beneficial to your practice and will try to cover a wide variety of price ranges that will appeal to everyone. 

Before you jump in, do you think it’s finally time to leave your outdated and boring desk job behind and join a lucrative and versatile industry? If the answer is yes then OriGym’s level 3 personal training course could be the next step for you! We’ve also got a fantastic range of online personal training courses if that is more your speed.

Feel free to download a free course prospectus to find out more about our courses and services!

What Equipment Do you Need for Yoga?

bikram yoga equipment

One of the great things about yoga is that you don’t need tons of yoga equipment and accessories in order to be successful. Equipment for yoga is simply used to extend your skill level and to offer your body that extra support when needed.

When questioning “what yoga equipment do I need for yoga?” you should take into consideration that some of the most basic yoga equipment that will feature on this list is a necessity to your practice. These basic yoga equipment pieces are:

  • Yoga Mat
  • Yoga Mat Bag
  • Comfortable Exercise Clothes 
  • Water Bottle
  • Yoga Block
  • Yoga Strap

However, whilst other pieces of yoga exercise equipment are not vital to your practice, they will allow you to challenge and push yourself in specific areas, such as aerial yoga. For this reason, we have decided to cover a wide variety of products, in order to ensure that there is something for everyone and not just beginners interested in the basics. 

While this is both an advanced and beginner’s guide to yoga equipment and accessories, it is important to realise that one size does not fit all. 

Many of you who are reading this may be looking to buy the basics, in order to practice vinyasa or hatha yoga. Alternatively, some of you may be reading this wanting to explore a niche type of yoga, such as aerial, and will be looking to buy yoga fitness equipment that will assist in that area.

We hope our article provides a mixed bag of the best yoga equipment on the market today, with a range from basic yoga equipment to more complex accessories, all in the name of providing you with information that you’ll find beneficial. 

#1 Yoga Mat

equipment needed for yoga

Regardless of whether you’re using your own or yoga studio equipment, you need a yoga mat in order to practice yoga. There is no way around this fact, the yoga mat is the most vital piece of yoga exercise equipment. 

If you purchase just one thing on this list today, buy yourself a yoga mat. 

In terms of equipment for yoga, the mats will benefit you when practicing as they offer more grip than any kind of flooring. Nobody wants to injure themselves when exercising, which is why it is so important to buy yoga equipment that will keep us safe. 

Not only will yoga mats offer your hands and feet more grip when entering poses and holds, but they will also cushion your fall in the worst-case scenarios of slipping or tumbling. 

Another benefit of purchasing this piece of equipment is now more prevalent than ever in the age of Covid. Yoga mats are also really easy to clean, so if you’re returning to the yoga studio for the first time post-lockdown you can put all health and safety worries to ease. 

Check out OriGym’s reviews of the best yoga mat cleaners to keep your mat as hygienic as possible!

Instead of borrowing one from the studio, buy your own mat and yoga equipment and feel all the better and safer for it. 

Some yoga mats we would recommend purchasing are:

#2 Yoga Mat Bag

equipment used in yoga

When looking at yoga equipment for beginners, one of the most often overlooked pieces of equipment is the yoga mat bag. If you’re practising yoga solely from home this may not seem ‘vital’, but if you’re looking to join a class, then you’re going to want to carry your equipment in the most efficient way possible. 

Most gym bags, backpacks and handbags simply don’t have room to accommodate the unique shape and size of yoga mats. You don’t want to be squishing your mat into a bag, and potentially damaging it in the process. 

This is why the yoga mat bag is such an essential purchase when you buy yoga equipment. 

So, instead of either coming to class flustered and struggling to carry everything you need or potentially breaking your expensive equipment by forcing it into a gym bag, we would recommend simply buying a yoga mat bag. It is a smart investment in the long run that will save you money in not having to replace broken or damaged equipment. 

Whilst some yoga mat bags only fit in the mat itself, it is for the reasons mentioned above that we have chosen yoga mat bags that can accommodate multiple pieces of equipment used in yoga:

#3 Yoga Towels

yoga equipment list

If yoga mats are viewed as basic yoga equipment, then consider yoga towels the Bikram yoga equipment equivalent. 

The rise of Bikram yoga, or as it is otherwise known as ‘hot yoga’, has birthed a new wave of yoga fitness equipment. For those of you who want to get into hot yoga, consider the yoga towel to be the most vital piece of Bikram yoga equipment you can own. 

But what is a yoga towel and what does it do? 

When practicing hot yoga you’re obviously going to sweat more (that is the whole purpose of the class after all!). But what the sweat can do is actually make the mat dangerous for you to use, as well as making it more likely to slip or move on the floor. 

The yoga towel can be placed on top of the mat and prevents it from becoming slippery with sweat. An advantage of using the mat is that the more you sweat the more grip it will have, the towel will absorb the sweat and create resistance against the mat and floor. 

The yoga towel is a specially designed piece of Bikram yoga equipment as regular towels will not provide the same type of support.

Additionally, if you sweat a lot and are worried about the towel becoming slippery and losing grip, we’d recommend looking for towels with non-slip backings, such as ones that come with silicone nubs. 

Not only is this a great piece of Bikram yoga equipment, but it can also be placed on top of yoga mats during regular yoga classes, should you want to avoid any dirty/pre-used mats. 

Here are a few of OriGym’s recommendations!

#4 Water Bottles

hot yoga equipment

It’s so important to stay hydrated when exercising, and often many newbie yogis forget the fact that yoga is an intense workout. You wouldn’t practice without a mat, and you should take that same kind of energy when it comes to bringing a water bottle to the studio/class with you. 

Treat your water bottle as a piece of equipment that is needed for yoga, not an optional accessory, similar to the need for running water bottles during running!

The more water we lose from sweating, the more water we have to replace through drinking. If the average person weighs 150 pounds, then that means their body consists of 5 litres of water. 

The scientific approach to tackling water loss in exercise is to drink 1 litre of water for every 1,000 calories you burn. However, in his book The Lore of Running fitness expert Professor Tim Noake recommends simply drinking when you’re thirsty during exercise. 

Regardless of which approach you take, you simply need to stay hydrated. 

This is especially important if you’re practising Bikram yoga; in this instance, a water bottle should be considered a piece of hot yoga equipment, as once you’re in that type of environment you’ll be sweating profusely. 

If you have a special area of interest in hot yoga, consider adding a water bottle to your yoga equipment list. We would recommend any of the following:

#5 Yoga Pants and Leggings 

buy yoga equipment

When asking “what equipment do I need for yoga?”, many of you may have overlooked clothing. 

When stretching and twisting our bodies into the poses that yoga requires, we need to be comfortable. You may want to wear exercise clothing you already own, but if you want some of the best yoga equipment and clothing then you’re going to want to look at things that are designed specifically with the practice in mind.

You’re going to need pants or leggings that are high-waisted and come with moisture-wicking properties. This may apply to most workout gear, but the added bonus of yoga clothing is that it is usually softer and thinner.

Having these yoga specific designs will allow you to feel comfortable when exercising and your clothing will be able to flow and stretch as you do.

One important piece of advice that we can pass along is to make sure you get a size that is right for you. You don’t want to go too tight, as the waistband will restrict you rather than support. 

Likewise, you don’t want to go too loose because you’re going to be entering poses that may require you to have your legs in the air, and the last thing you want is to be pulling your pants up in front of an entire class. 

And gentlemen, don’t skip over this point thinking that ‘leggings are for women’:  comfortable pants are vital pieces of yoga equipment for men too, in order for you to get the same amount of support. We’ve got recommendations for everyone below: 

#6 Yoga Blocks

yoga exercise equipment

The yoga block is another widely popular piece of yoga fitness equipment. Traditionally made up of foam, bamboo, or cork, the yoga block is the most commonly used piece of yoga equipment for beginners.

The block is traditionally used to achieve positions, often being used as an extension of your arms, when you can't reach into the full extension of certain poses. The yoga block is recommended for beginners as it helps to bring the floor closer, which is much-needed assistance if you’re not yet as flexible as you’d like to be. 

For example, if you’re asked to do a half-moon pose, a block will give your arm that added length, making the whole practice seem less intimidating for beginners. 

It’s fair to say that a yoga block is a piece of equipment needed to practice yoga, but we’d suggest that the yoga block is also a piece of equipment needed to learn yoga in the first place. 

However, this isn’t the only use for the yoga block as it is multifunctional. Whilst beginners can use it to bring the floor closer to them, other benefits of the product are that it can also be used as a balance block to stand and practice poses. 

Alternatively, it can also be used as support to stretch out tight muscles.

The yoga block is a piece of cheap yoga equipment that every yogi should buy and enjoy. We have included some examples of yoga blocks below, in order to show you how affordable and valuable they are.

#7 Yoga Straps

yoga equipment for beginners

Yoga straps are pieces of equipment that are used in yoga to assist in the development of flexibility. If you’re a beginner with no previous flexibility training, then we would recommend investing in some yoga straps as they will decrease the likelihood of muscle straining. 

You don’t even need to use the straps in crazy elaborate poses, you will see and feel the benefit that yoga straps can provide from even the simplest of movements, such as sitting poses that use the yoga strap to stretch your legs. 

One commonly used technique of this yoga apparatus is to grab both ends of the strap and pull it towards you whilst leaning into a pose. 

So if we use the example of the pose mentioned above, we would be wrapping the strap around our feet and pulling them either towards our back or chest as we enter the pose. However, the strap is a multipurpose piece of yoga equipment and can also be used on the buttocks, knees and hips too. 

The poses and stretches that are used with the strap can effectively decrease tension whilst increasing flexibility. To increase flexibility along with your balance, we would recommend using the strap in the upright position. 

The strap can also benefit your arms by creating tension and muscles in your arms you will be making it easier to balance. 

So the yoga straps are the equipment needed for yoga, if you’re looking to explore the practice in order to increase your flexibility. We would recommend the following yoga straps:

If you need more inspiration then take a look at yoga straps reviews.

#8 Resistance Bands 

best yoga equipment

Whilst somewhat similar to yoga straps, resistance bands are a separate entry onto our yoga equipment list. Initially created to act as a physiotherapy treatment in the 1990s, resistance bands have quickly taken off in popularity among many athletes as well as dedicated yogis. 

You should consider investing in a set, as whilst they are not specifically designed for yoga, their properties and benefits of resistance bands will actually improve your yoga performance and skill level. 

Unlike the yoga band, the resistance bands are adaptable and if you choose to buy a set, they’ll increase both weight and resistance, improving your overall fitness level through this training. 

Whilst you may be somewhat confused as to how the resistance band can act as yoga exercise equipment, it may be worth considering them to be equipment that trains your body for yoga.

By continuously upping the resistance, during your training your body will respond by becoming stronger and more flexible. Naturally, this will be beneficial when it comes to tackling yoga as becoming more advanced in these two areas will mean that you’ll be able to hold more challenging poses for longer periods of time.

So, to answer the question of “what equipment do I need for yoga?”, you need so much more than just yoga specific equipment. You’ll also need general exercise equipment that will help to train your body. 

We would recommend the following resistance bands:

#9 Yoga Wheel 

yoga headstand equipment

The next entry onto our yoga equipment list is relatively new with it becoming a popular piece of yoga studio equipment in 2018. 

The yoga wheel is a hollow, circular-shaped prop that is similar to the yoga block, in the sense that is designed to aid in stretching, releasing tension and improving your flexibility. 

As previously mentioned the yoga wheel has similar benefits to that of the yoga block. It will help to improve your flexibility, by adding extra support for your limbs, however, because it rolls it will allow you to stretch your body even further. 

Additionally, the yoga wheel is a great piece of equipment for yoga as you’ll be able to stretch back and forth, whilst also allowing yourself to get into deeper positions.

Now that we have covered how the yoga wheel and yoga block are similar, we must mention the unique benefits that the yoga wheel poses. If you suffer from any back pains or spinal issues, you can use the yoga wheel to ease this pain. 

Simply lie on top of the wheel and begin to push your body back and forth, paying particular attention to the areas where you feel the most pain.

The yoga wheel is also a good piece of equipment used in yoga wind-down sessions and is great for relaxing tense muscles. If you’re having trouble sleeping after a nightly exercise, we would recommend switching to yoga wheel assisted practices for a night of better sleep. 

A study conducted by Harvard University supports this recommendation as it found that yoga can help you to unwind and act as a natural anti-anxiety treatment. 

If you want to buy yoga equipment that will help to ease any aches or pains, whilst also being used in your wind-down exercises then we would recommend the following yoga wheels:

#10 Foam Roller 

wall yoga equipment

Whilst similar to the yoga wheel, foam rollers can be used as equipment for yoga. Much like the yoga wheel, foam rollers can be incorporated into your exercise routines in order to help you achieve goals such as becoming more flexible and losing weight.

Whilst a yoga wheel is hollow, foam rollers are thick and dense. 

Due to this, they can be a more effective treatment for back and joint pains, as the denseness of the product will offer your body more support. 

Similarly, whilst the yoga wheel will move around easier in order to move a foam roller you’ll have to apply more pressure with your body. This may make it harder to improve flexibility in your joints, but it will strengthen your muscles more due to the increased level of resistance.

If you’re looking for cheap yoga equipment that is multifunctional, the foam roller may be the product you’re looking for. It can be incorporated into yoga stretches. You can also use it for a multitude of reasons: even just a warm-up or cool-down exercise. 

The foam roller is a great piece of yoga equipment for beginners to use as it will improve your overall range of motions, naturally improving your yoga skills in the process. 

In a 2015 study, it was found that 11 athletes who used foam rollers whilst also incorporating static stretches saw an increase in their range of motion. 

If you want to incorporate static stretching into your yoga routines, we would recommend trying hatha yoga. This practice is a lot slower than other forms of yoga and focuses more on holding poses rather than transitioning out of them.

If you’re interested in this cheap yoga equipment, that can will do wonders for your yoga practice we would recommend the following products:

#11 Massage Guns

equipment for yoga

Whilst we’re on the topic of the best yoga equipment for post-workout routines, we would recommend purchasing a massage gun. 

When purchasing yoga equipment for beginners, you may have a tendency to just buy products that will help you during the yoga class or session itself. But it's also important to invest in products that will help your body once the class is over. 

Compared to a lot of the entries on this list, this will be more of a pricey purchase, but consider it portable therapy for your muscles. 

Massage guns will relax your muscles after a tiring workout or stretching session. Many of these massage guns will treat your muscles with percussion therapy, which can make you happy by releasing serotonin in your body. This will put your mind at ease and make you a happier person. 

The foam roller and yoga wheel can stay to one side, because this advanced yoga apparatus will ease tension within your muscles and joints, by stimulating the blood flow to these areas. 

Increased blood flow can not only ease joint aches and pains but can also promote a faster metabolism, which in turn can translate to weight loss, healthier bowels and a better sleeping pattern.

Additionally, we would recommend using the gun for 15-20 minutes following a stressful workday: especially if you’re someone who is hunched over a computer all day, the massage gun can greatly ease any pains and aches your desk chair may cause. 

When you’re looking to buy yoga equipment, keep post-workout equipment in mind too. We would recommend the following yoga massage guns to treat your body and muscles to much needed deep tissue therapy.

#12 Meditation Pillow 

hanging yoga equipment

If you’re someone who wants to get into meditation but struggles to stay comfortable on a hardwood floor, we would recommend investing in a meditation pillow. Couch cushions are fine, but meditation pillows are some of the most overlooked pieces of equipment used in yoga. 

Specially designed to hold your body up tall as you sit cross-legged on the ground, the meditation pillows are comfortable and will help to align your spine into its correct curvature. Sitting flat on the ground or on a regular pillow will not provide your body with this level of support, in fact, doing so can even damage the range of motion in your hips. 

However, the meditation pillow does support your hips and once you sit down on it, the pillow will help to move your hips forward slightly, in order to align with the curvature of your back.

Meditation pillows are traditionally round but have evolved over time to compensate for different individuals' needs. 

Some are crescent-shaped which are designed specifically to support your thighs. It is important to note, however, that if you purchase meditation pillows of this shape tuck your ankles in towards your body to keep them off the floor.

Regardless of what kind of pillow you choose to purchase, if you feel discomfort in your ankles we would recommend placing the mediation pillow on top of a blanket. 

That way not only does your body have extra support but you’ll be completely comfortable whilst doing it. Remember mediation is all about relaxation: being comfortable during this process should be your top priority.

When questioning what equipment do you need for yoga, don’t overlook the meditation pillow. It is a great piece of yoga equipment to have on hand. We would recommend the following products if you’re interested:

Our dedicated guide on yoga cushions and pillows can offer you further advice.

#13 Sandbags 

yoga equipment and accessories

This next entry on our list of best yoga equipment is for all you out there who practice or wish to practice restorative yoga. They are designed in order to make you feel supported and grounded, with the main purpose of sandbags being to restore and heal damaged muscles, by gently resting on top of them. 

Consisting of a sturdy outer zip closure casing, the sandbags are traditionally filled with play sand or uncooked rice. Note, sandbags should not feel too heavy as if they were weights, but rather they should feel just comfortable to carry for several minutes. 

Think of these sandbags as if they were a comforting hug: the pressure that hugs can provide against our bodies is linked to the section of the brain called the amygdala. This section of the brain is responsible for our emotions, and the sandbags pressure is similar to a hug, in the sense that it will relax our body and defuse any feelings of anxiety, due to its connection with the amygdala. 

However, that is not the only use as sandbags are multifunctional and are great pieces of yoga equipment for beginners who are struggling to find their balance. 

The equipment can also act as an anchor for various body parts, offering you that added support if you’re still finding your footing. 

For example, if you’re attempting to do the mountain pose, place the sandbags on top of your feet: this added weight will stop you from moving about or fidgeting and will allow you to stand in proper alignment.

So whether you’re just beginning your yoga journey or whether you’re just looking for some restorative equipment we’d recommend the following sandbags: 

For some more useful yoga guides check out some of these:

#14 Eye Pillows 

cheap yoga equipment

Also used in restorative yoga are eye pillows, which look very similar to sandbags but function slightly differently.

The eye pillow is obviously placed over your eyes during meditation or restorative yoga sessions, with one of its main benefits being the regulation of your nervous system, mood, digestion and even the immune system. 

Traditionally, yoga eye pillows are filled with flax seeds. Once it's on your face, the lightweight contents combined with the soft textured fabric will penetrate the vagus nerve. 

This nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees everything from the previously mentioned mood, digestion and immune system. 

This nerve essentially establishes a connection between the brain and the rest of the body, and once light pressure is applied to it, the vagus nerve will send a message to the rest of your body that it's in a state of peace. 

This is a useful tool that can be incorporated into the majority of the 24 yoga styles.

Additionally, the eyes pillows can cut out visual stimulants such as light, which sends a message to your mind to be still and rest. With this one piece of basic yoga equipment, your body will enter a state of tamed tranquillity, stopping all racing thoughts and worries in their tracks. 

Relaxation can also be achieved through the perfect amount of pressure applied to your eyes, which will relax the muscles in the rest of your face and shoulders as a result too. 

If you’re interested in cheap yoga equipment UK readers will be happy to note that eye pillows are relatively cheap in retailers; we have linked a few below.

#15 Yoga Chairs 

yoga equipment for men

Yoga can be misinterpreted by a lot of people as many think in order to achieve success in the practice you need to be a contortionist, but that simply isn’t true. 

If you struggle with mobility then yoga chairs can allow you to join in on the practice whilst doing so in a manner that is safe and comfortable for you.

In the same way that your body moves and flows through poses during traditional cycles of yoga, it can do so during chair yoga classes too. Any form of traditional yoga can be taught whilst using the yoga chair, it does not limit any possibility of learning the form you wish to pursue.

Without ever leaving the seat you can take advantage of the many benefits this yoga apparatus offers. 

Using the yoga chair can help to improve your flexibility: remember flexibility is not gained from doing crazy elaborate poses and holds, flexibility is gained from extending your range of motion. 

It is entirely unique to you and your body so take things as slow and gentle as you need to and you’ll find the success you’re looking for. During this process like with any yoga class, you’ll also build up stronger muscles through consistent movement and stretches. 

If you struggle with your mobility and are interested in using a yoga chair to join classes, we can recommend the following products: 

#16 Online Classes

yoga fitness equipment

Online yoga classes are a new-age form of equipment that you should consider investing your time and money into. Whilst this may not be a typical form of yoga equipment and accessories, their growing popularity makes online yoga classes hard to ignore. 

There is an abundance of online and virtual classes to take part in: some are free to subscribe to on YouTube whilst others will offer you a paid subscription service. 

Online classes are great pieces of yoga equipment for beginners to have on hand, as they will allow you and you alone to dictate the pace of your class. 

If you’re struggling to do something, and want to take time to properly get into and master a pose, then it's as simple as hitting pause until you’re ready to continue. In-person classes do not offer this kind of personalised speed, and it is easy to become frazzled or anxious with a fast-paced class if you’re totally new to yoga.

Additionally, another added benefit of using these online classes is that they’re significantly cheaper than in-person sessions, which may require you to confirm your attendance and pay in bulk. 

Avoid all of this by joining the millions of online users, using platforms such as:

#17 Posters and Pictures 

basic yoga equipment

Posters and pictures are surprisingly valuable accessories that any yogi can learn a lot from. Whether you choose to get posters that teach you poses, or are looking to simply decorate your home studio with some yoga symbols, posters and pictures can actually impart hundreds of years worth of knowledge. 

Originally created by Indian mystics, yoga symbols were often used as a wordless form of communication. The creators of many symbols wanted their wisdom to transcend culture and language barriers, with the desire of imparting their teachings through a simple picture. 

If you’re interested in meditation we’d recommend getting a poster of a Mandala symbol. This symbol has calming properties, which can be activated by following its unique shapes and patterns with your eyes. 

Similarly, posters that teach you poses also impart wisdom, and much like the online yoga classes will allow you to learn at your own rate. 

Alternatively, you can use the posters to become better acquainted with the names of yoga poses. It's one thing to follow along with a class or video, it's a whole other thing to actively try to learn more about the practice.

If you’d like to acquire some of this basic yoga equipment, we’d recommend the following posters. 

#18 Wall Ropes

yoga apparatus

Wall yoga equipment is another new popular form of exercise that is taking the practice by storm. Wall yoga will often involve you doing poses whilst standing/leaning against a wall for support. 

You will achieve this by being suspended from said wall with a piece of rope.

Wall yoga equipment such as these ropes will allow you to use the wall as a form of resistance as you enter specific poses. This will benefit your body as hanging upside down can release tension within your muscles which is achieved due to improved blood flow and by stretching the entire skeletal body.  

In addition to this, it can help to improve posture and spinal issues. This is achieved through traction, which helps to relieve pressure from compressed vertebral discs. 

It’s important to note that wall yoga equipment such as ropes, will require some installation time and will need to be bolted to the wall or ceiling with mounts in order to support your body. 

If you cannot do this in your current place of residence, we would recommend researching yoga studios within your local area that offer wall-based yoga classes instead.

If you’re interested in wall yoga equipment, we would recommend the following ropes:

#19 Aerial Swings

yoga studio equipment

Aerial swings and hammocks are great pieces of hanging yoga equipment, which will allow you to take to the skies and perform anti-gravity poses and stretches. 

Additionally, much like the yoga chair, aerial swings are more accessible for those who have mobility issues, as they won’t have to lower themselves down onto the floor. 

One of the unique benefits that this hanging yoga equipment offers that others don’t is that it can help improve your digestive system. 

This is due to the fact that the shapes you make whilst performing while suspended will gently massage your organs, stimulating the digestive system as a result. If you suffer from digestive issues of any kind and are looking for a new exercise routine, we would recommend taking up aerial yoga. 

Additionally, whilst the foods and drinks we consume can have an effect on detoxing our body, performing aerial yoga on these swings can also act as a natural detox for your body. 

Using hanging yoga equipment such as swings and hammocks will detox the lymphatic and circulatory system which can help prevent cardiovascular-related diseases. In addition to riding your body of toxins, improvements in your lymphatic system will also leave you feeling healthier and reduce bloating in the stomach area.

If you’re interested in buying some hanging yoga equipment we can recommend the following items:

#20 Feet Up Yoga Trainer/Inversion Yoga Stool

cheap yoga equipment uk

The Feet Up yoga trainer is a piece of yoga headstand equipment, which is designed to teach you how to do headstands and can also double as a yoga chair too. 

To use it, you simply place your head into the hole and use the base of the trainer to support yourself whilst you push the rest of your body vertically upward into a headstand.

This process is a little more complex than it sounds, but the great thing about this piece of yoga headstand equipment is that it comes with its own unique set of benefits. 

The first and most obvious being it teaches you how to do a headstand, one of the trickiest poses to master. Due to its complexities, we’d recommend this for beginners who really want to challenge themselves, if you feel you wouldn’t be able to perform it safely don’t take that risk. 

However, another benefit of the Feet Up Yoga trainer is that it’s easy to use for those who have had shoulder injuries in the past. When using the product, once your legs are fully extended in the air, there is zero pressure on your spinal cord, relieving any pressure from your neck and shoulders. 

In unsupported headstands shoulder injuries could cause the person to collapse, however with the added support that the Feet Up Yoga Trainer offers, inverting has never been easier. 

If you’re interested in this headstand yoga equipment, it's important to note that this isn’t  cheap yoga equipment: UK residents will have to pay a maximum of £125.00 for the name brand product. However, we’ll also link multiple retailers who stock similar products below. 

#21 Power Plate/Vibration Plates

what equipment do i need for yoga

Many of you may be familiar with power plates or vibration plates, but did you know that they can also be incorporated as yoga equipment too. 

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this equipment, power plates are exercise machines that you stand on top of, and they then send high-frequency vibrations through the muscles in your body. 

In terms of operating as yoga apparatus, many yogis love to use the power plates as structures to hold their poses on.

The most commonly sought after benefit of using power plates is weight loss. Due to the high-frequency vibrations, your metabolism actually increases in speed. However, simply participating in vibration yoga alone won’t be enough to lose significant amounts of weight: for optimum results, we recommend pairing it with a balanced diet and plenty of water.

As we have already discussed, there are many kinds of yoga that will help tone the muscles in your body. However, if you’re looking for significant toning, we would recommend trying vibration yoga as vibration plates alone have been proven to increase muscle toning, so pairing them with a practice such as yoga will result in your desired outcome. 

This can be achieved by repeatedly applying pressure to the same muscles, through holding yoga poses that target these areas whilst on the vibration plate. 

Once again if you’re looking for cheap yoga equipment this may not be the product for you, as power plates are quite pricey. We’ll link a few of them below:

FAQ 

What Equipment Do I Need For Yoga Studios?

what equipment do you need for yoga

If you’re interested in creating a home yoga studio, you’re going to need a space that is quiet and comfortable. Whilst you can customise your own space with any yoga studio equipment you see fit, we can once again refer you to the general list of equipment, which we gave in the introductory section of this article. 

For a basic yoga workout, we feel every yoga beginner could benefit from:

  • Yoga Mat
  • Yoga Mat Bag
  • Comfortable Exercise Clothes 
  • Water Bottle
  • Yoga Block
  • Yoga Strap

Is Different Clothing Necessary For Different Yoga Practices? 

yoga equipment uk

Whilst we would recommend that yoga clothing always adhere to the examples we have given, you can adapt as you see fit. For example, in terms of hot yoga equipment instead of wearing leggings and pants, we would recommend wearing yoga shorts to remain cool, as well as yoga socks to avoid slipping. 

The answer to this question is specific to individual people, wear whatever you feel comfortable with. As a beginner, you are bound to make mistakes, but the good thing is you can always learn from them. If you wear something that's too hot, too tight, not tight enough, then you’ll know what to wear for the next class. Everything is a learning experience!

Before You Go

Buying the right yoga equipment can seem overwhelming but try not to worry; yoga shouldn’t bring on any kind of stress. We would recommend trying a few things out at your local gym or yoga studio before committing to a product for your home studio.

We hope you’ve found our list informative and we hope that it has made your choice in equipment a little easier! 

Fitness and health is a huge part of everyday life now which has led to an increase in the need for personal trainers. If you want to join this lucrative industry then enquire about OriGym’s CIMSPA accredited personal training courses today!

Download our latest course prospectus as well as this contains all the information on our courses and services.

References:

  • Harvard Health Publishing (2009) Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
  • Jakob Škarabot, Chris Beardsley, Igor Štirn (2015) Comparing the effects of self-myofascial release with static stretching on ankle range-of-motion in adolescent athletes - PubMed 

Written by James Bickerstaff

Content Writer & Fitness Enthusiast

James holds a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing and Film Studies and has recently gained a MA degree in Film, both of which he attained from Liverpool John Moores University. After taking up the couch to 5K challenge on a whim, James found a new passion for running, which he combines with his love for healthy cooking and writing. All of this led him to becoming a copywriter for OriGym.  

When he is not writing content for the site, James can be found researching new recipes, writing music reviews, reading and watching latest film releases.   

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