The Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Exercise Equipment
What you actually need, what's worth investing in, and honest picks from someone who uses this stuff every day
The Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Exercise Equipment
What you actually need, what's worth investing in, and honest picks from someone who uses this stuff every day
Disclosure: Some links in this post are reseller links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and stand behind.
You don't need a lot to start a yoga or fitness practice. But what you do need, it's worth getting right. The wrong mat can make a solid practice feel unsafe. The right block can make a pose that felt impossible suddenly click. A good bolster can turn a restorative session into something genuinely transformative.
Here's what I recommend to my clients — beginners and experienced movers alike — and why.
The yoga mat
Your mat is the foundation of everything. It needs to be sticky enough to hold you in place, stable enough to keep you safe in transitions, and sized for your body.
A few things matter more than most people realize:
-> Stickiness is non-negotiable. A slippery mat undermines your confidence and your safety — especially in poses like downward dog where your hands and feet need reliable grip.
-> Thickness is often misunderstood. Thicker is not better. A thick, squishy athletic mat might feel comfortable but it creates an unstable surface that makes balance poses genuinely difficult and transitions risky. A standard yoga mat thickness of around 4-5mm is ideal for most people. If you have sensitive knees, look for something in the 6-8mm range — but make sure it's designed specifically for yoga.
-> Length matters if you're tall. I'll never forget the day I finally invested in a long mat. My hands and feet stopped falling off the edges and I had real room to move. If you're on the taller side (5'8" and up), it's worth the investment.
My current picks:
Jade Harmony Yoga Mat — Named best mat for grip by Yoga Journal. Lightweight, sticky, and sturdy. I get the longer version and it brings me genuine joy every time I use it. These are the mats my clients have used for years.
Jade Mushroom Mat — My newest favorite. Incredibly lightweight, eco-friendly, and great grip. One note: if you practice on a hard floor, place a blanket under your knee in kneeling poses — the cushion is minimal by design. I have the longer version. Such freedom.
The yoga block
Blocks bring the floor closer to you — which means more poses become accessible, safer, and more effective. They're not just for beginners, either. I use blocks in my own practice and with clients at every level. The above image shows a cork block which is exceptionally sturdy, but also a bit hard/heavy for some yoga poses. 
My pick:
Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block — Soft enough to be comfortable, firm enough to be stable. I use these in yoga and personal training. One note: if Manduka's version is out of stock, Hugger Mugger's foam block is a close second.
The yoga strap
Straps extend your reach — they're essential for poses where tight hamstrings or limited shoulder mobility would otherwise keep you from finding the full shape. A good strap is one of the most underrated tools in yoga.
My pick:
Cotton D-Ring 6ft Yoga Strap by Hugger Mugger**** — This is the standard in many yoga studios. I've found this brand to be the most reliable and it elevates the practice in so many ways. You won't be disappointed.
The bolster
If you haven't tried restorative yoga yet, I strongly urge you to. And, this prop, a yoga bolster, will change your relationship with rest. It supports the body completely in gentle poses designed to release tension and activate your nervous system's rest response. Deeply nourishing.
My picks:
Hugger Mugger Yoga Bolster — Firm, rectangular, comfortable, and found in most yoga studios for good reason. I've purchased at least three from Hugger Mugger for different purposes and have never been disappointed. The industry standard.
Manduka Lean Bolster — A lighter, slightly thinner option. Perfect for savasana or a home restorative practice.
A recovery essential
Yoga Tune Up Therapy Ball Pair — I use these in all my yoga therapeutics classes and with private clients. Essential for myofascial release and self-massage work. I love the bag they come in. Used near-daily, excellent for rolling the feet or any part of the body holding tension. You'll replace them every one to three years if used frequently.
One more thing
If you're just getting started and want a complete picture of how to prepare for your first yoga class — what to wear, what to bring, what to expect — I put together a beginner's guide that covers all of it.
And if you want to see my full equipment list — all 19 picks including strength training tools, foam rollers, resistance bands, and more — you can find it here:
