Technically all you need for yoga asana is yourself and a flat surface. That’s fine. However, a mat on top of the flat surface makes the entire practice much more comfortable.
What I have here are the basic – or mostly basic – tools needed for a yoga practice. The affiliate links go to a company with mid-range pricing. If this equipment is out of your price range, or you’re reluctant to invest too much until you know that yoga is the right path for you, you have plenty of other options. In Kalamazoo, you can get yoga mats and related equipment at 5 Below, Marshall’s, TJ Max, Target, Meijer, and any of the sports equipment stores in town.
The other tools beyond the mat are also handy, but not required. Disclosure: all items on this site have affiliate commission links.
The product link is to a Gaiam yoga mat. The supplier is ubiquitous to yoga practitioners, and I have items from them purchased more than a decade ago still in good shape.
$60.00-ish USD
Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness towards the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous and indifference towards the wicked.” – the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Yoga blocks offer a lot of helpful support. They offer extension or a resting point depending on the pose. These are a regular tool of most yoga studios.
Again, the product link goes to Gaiam. The photo is here so you can get the general idea.
$10-ish USD
A yoga strap is possibly my favorite assistant. It offers resistance or extension, depending on the pose, and is invaluable when working your way through the basics!
$10ish
A sarape, called a Mexican blanket by English speakers in the Midwest, is one of those things you can never have too many of. That’s especially the case in a yoga practice (but also true for those of us that spend lots of time at the lake.) It can serve as a yoga mat, or as a platform for your mat, keep you warm during cooling asanas, give you a pillow, and serve as a truly flexible prop when you your hips or knees need extra support.
I have no idea how these blankets became ubiquitous to US yoga practie, but I love them.
$20.00 ish (varies)
Not everyone needs the grippie gloves. I happen to from time to time because I will sweat during Hatha practices. If I’m sweating, even the most slip-proof mat can become slippery. It adds a level of safety I find relieving. I figure I am not the only person to have this experience or concern, so I wanted to point to them as a resource.
$10ish USD
Socks versus barefoot is a quiet controversy among yoga practitioners and teachers. I guess it all depends on how you feel about feet. One way or the other, you do need to wash your yoga mat at the end of every practice, after all.
These are an example of a foot covering that allows flexible while avoiding slipping during standing and inverted poses. I have a preference for leather ballet practice shoes like those made by Dansko. Find what works for you where you’re at!
10ish USD
Where You're at Yoga 