Yoga equipment: How to choose your yoga accessories?
If you’ve started yoga, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a pretty impressive amount of yoga gear out there. Yoga mats, blocks, mat bags, cushions. The list of existing yoga equipment on the market never ends. But it does not stop there, when we know what yoga equipment we need, we must also choose among the multiple references of the same object. Foam, non-slip, lightweight or foldable yoga mat, cork or Eva block? Not sure what you need? Yogom takes stock to help you see more clearly. Are you looking for high performance, quality, elegant and ecological yoga equipment? Follow the guide to get the best equipment!
The criteria for choosing your yoga equipment
In order to choose the right yoga equipment for your body and the chosen discipline, it is important to ask yourself some questions and to think about the following criteria which are essential.
Your level of investment
- Is yoga for you an occasional pastime or is it a passion that you will devote yourself to every day?
- It seems logical that you are not going to invest in the same gear if you are just buying it for a one month challenge or if you realize that it is a passion.
- If it is for an occasional activity, you can easily choose entry-level products from specialized brands that combine low price and high quality.
Frequency and location of courses
- As a logical extension of the first point, you will also need to think about how often you choose your yoga equipment based on its durability.
- If you are going to use your yoga mat daily, you are not going to choose it the same way as if you use it once a week.
- Consideration should be given to the wear and tear of the material as well as the care required to maintain it.
The same goes for the location of your sessions. If you are constantly practicing outdoors (at the studio or in nature), the question of the weight of your yoga equipment will come up as you will be faced with carrying your equipment.
The type of physical activity you will be doing
- What type of yoga will you choose?
- Not all of them require the same products (for some a carpet is enough, for others you will have to equip yourself properly)
- Will you only do yoga or also meditation, fitness or pilates? If you do fitness you will need a mat with which you can use sneakers for example. If you do pilates, you will need to choose a mat that is not too thin to have a comfortable support for your knees!
- Discover the different styles of yoga
Your values
- It is also important to respect your values, even when buying yoga equipment.
- Product design, chemical-free materials, eco-responsibility, use of animal materials or not, these criteria are also to be taken into account.
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Discover the eco-responsible commitments of Yogom
which explains all the details behind the scenes:
- where yoga mats from all over the world are made,
- What are the materials of composition of the mats and yoga accessories,
- what are the different labels and certifications that can help you to know if the yoga equipment you want to buy is really eco-responsible or not and if its price is justified or not.
- Want to equip yourself exclusively with yoga equipment made in Europe? Discover our selection .
Your health
- Hypoallergenic, non-toxic, odorless, latex allergy, sensitive joints, etc.
- Do you have any health constraints related to the use of your yoga equipment?
- Some products (such as carpet) may be latex-based, which is not suitable for someone with alatex allergy .
- You can also look for a mat that is suitable for your fragile joints, or simply something odorless, non-toxic and/or hypoallergenic.
Where to buy your yoga equipment?
- In general, we recommend that youavoid large stores and Action-typedeclawing stores.
- Choose yoga specialists rather than multi-sport stores.
- These may be very attractively priced, but they rarely offer quality equipment that is comfortable and durable over the long term.
The essential element of your yoga equipment: the yoga mat
Choosing the right yoga mat is essential because it will accompany you during all your sessions and will be your ally over time. That’s why, if there is one object you should pay particular attention to its quality, it is the yoga mat. At Yogom, we are committed to producing quality, eco-friendly rugs. Each line of mats is designed with your needs in mind.
How to choose your yoga mat?
- A quality yoga mat should allow you to practice in complete serenity, but especially in safety.
- It is essential that you have a good anchor to the ground and that it is thick enough to protect your joints (but not too thick, otherwise you will lose your balance!).
- It is thus necessary to find a yoga mat adapted to your needs and especially to your yoga to accompany you throughout your Yogic adventure.
- The yoga mat must be adapted, but how to find a mat that suits us?
- Indeed, this can be a complex issue as there are many different carpet sites and models.
- Should you focus on comfort, practicality, size, material, feel or grip?
What are the major criteria in choosing a yoga mat? Yogom helps you to see more clearly and to ask yourself the right questions in this quest for the perfect carpet.
Which yoga mat to choose?
Learn about the main types of yoga mats you might need based on your yogi profile.
At Yogom, we are committed to offering you ecological yoga mats adapted to each use. Discover our buying guide which compares our 6 mat lines, each dedicated to a specific type of yoga or to a specific characteristic of your body. You will find a comparative table of the characteristics of the 6 ranges and a decision tree to guide you to the right carpet for you. Yogom also offers you a personalized advice by filling in a small form: with this you should surely find the carpet of your dreams!
- A THICK YOGA MAT TO START WITH
Choose an entry-level foam mat from a specialized store or e-shop. As said above, avoid as much as possible the carpets coming from large-scale distribution which are often of lower quality. You will find many carpets in PVC during your research, which we strongly advise against, this material, in addition to being toxic in the long term is quite unpleasant to the touch and has poor technical qualities. Prefer a TPE ( thermoplastic elastomer ) which has the advantage of being PVC and latex free (ideal for allergy sufferers). At Yogom, we have designed the Yomad range range, which corresponds perfectly to these criteria. Yomad yoga mats are made of TPE, light and comfortable, perfect for occasional sessions or for beginner yogis.
- A NATURAL RUBBER YOGA MAT FOR DYNAMIC YOGA such as Vinyasa but also for fitness:
If you know you will be doing a lot of moving (sometimes abrupt) on your mat, choose a stable material on the floor. This will ensure that the mat does not bend or warp under your movements. If you are adapted to dynamic yoga such as Vinyasa Yoga a mat with a soft surface will be more than appreciated to help you keep a certain fluidity in your movements. The Performance Range range is perfectly adapted to this need. Its peach skin touch will guarantee softness and fluidity in your flows, once adopted, you will not let it go!
- A NON-SLIP YOGA MAT WHETHER YOU SWEAT OR NOT:
Are you tired of sliding down the dog? Then the grip of your carpet will be your main criterion. In this case, choose a carpet with a strong stability on the ground and with a very anti-slip coating. We advise you to look for mats with a rubber base that will provide maximum stability on the floor. For the part that will be in contact with your skin, if you are not allergic to latex, then a gum-like coating like the Star range will be particularly suitable. The Yogom Star Yoga Mats are the must-have non-slip mats in any situation, whether you sweat or not. No more little scares because your foot slipped in posture, rediscover the discipline in complete safety.
- A YOGA MAT TO TAKE WITH YOU ANYWHERE:
Did you know that there are travel yoga mats ? These extremely thin mats are designed to fold like a bath towel. Ideal to put it in your backpack and go meditate in the middle of nature, isn’t it? This Voyage range available at Yogom is also usable as an overlay during your courses in studio or elsewhere. This can allow you to practice on a clean mat that you own even in studios and halls. Once at home, you will only have to put it in the washing machine to clean it (by respectingthe instructions for instructions for cleaning your carpet). ).
- A NATURAL AND SOFT YOGA MAT FOR GENTLE YOGAS AND RELAXATION:
You like gentle yogas, often lying down, such as yin yoga nidra, kundalini, restorative, or meditation or relaxation?
Your first criterion will then be the comfort of your carpet! What if you were to consider a soft wool rug? The Softness Range range from Yogom is made of merino wool certified Oeko-Tex and promises you a cocooning moment just for you!
- AN ECOLOGICAL YOGA MAT MADE OF CORK:
Do you want to order an eco-friendly yoga mat first? Choose a recycled yoga mat made in Europe with natural materials. Have you ever considered a cork yoga mat? Made in Portugal with recycled rubber and cork, it is the cleanest yoga mat on the market!
- AN ECOLOGICAL YOGA MAT MADE OF RECYCLED RUBBER:
Yogom offers an ecological yoga mat made of recycled rubber for the environmentally conscious. This rug is made in Portugal with light, non-slip and Vegan certified materials, and is 100% recyclable. It offers good cushioning for the joints and sufficient stability, with a thickness of 4 mm and dimensions of 186 x 66 cm. The mat is durable, easy to clean, and can be used indoors and outdoors. Its soft surface made of recyclable textile microfibers and its base made of recycled rubber offer an excellent grip on the ground. Although it is not foldable, it can be easily transported thanks to a cork lace. The mat is suitable for a variety of yoga, sports, gym and fitness practices, but may contain latex, which can be an issue for those with allergies.
- A YOGA MAT WITH ALIGNMENT:
Do you like being able to check your alignment throughout your sessions? Adopt the Bodyline systemno matter what the carpet line, it is a design option with a variety of hand and foot markers for better positioning on the mat ! No need to ask your teacher or partner to watch you and tell you if you are well placed or not, the alignment of the mat allows you to see very quickly if you are well placed or not.
- A CHEAP YOGA MAT :
Your budget is limited? Prefer good deals from quality brands, it is common for specialized brands to offer sales or discounts on older collections while stocks last. This is the case at Yogom with the bargain corner. With us, no sales or products created especially to be discounted, good deals are all year long!
- CHANGE YOUR CURRENT CARPET?
If you want to change your current mat because you don’t feel good on it, if it’s because you are slipping, find out why you slip on your yoga mat and why it doesn’t suit you. This will help you find out which type of flooring would be best for you.
All these tips still haven’t enlightened you enough on how to choose your yoga mat? Take advantage of the YOGOM QUIZ to choose the ecological yoga mat that suits you !
Discover the presentation of the different ranges of Yogom in video and presented by the founder of the brand herself!
Yoga mat cleaning spray
- Utility: ideal for cleaning your carpet after your session (whether daily or weekly). Using a cleaning spray allows you to clean your carpet and remove any traces of perspiration and other dirt that may have gotten on your carpet. It is a way to protect your carpet and keep it longer.
- Composition: cleaning sprays often contain alcohol or other chemicals, at Yogom we decided to design it based on water and perfume extract of Grasse so that it is not toxic and spreads a sweet smell in your home.
- Price: Between 10 and 30€ or almost free if you do it yourself!
- Yogom spray : clean your carpet after your session and let yourself be carried away by the sweet smell of Yogom carpet cleaning spray. Available in different fragrances such as monoi, orange blossom, jasmine, honey, coconut and violet.
Choosing your carpet can be scary, but if you’ve read this article so far, you should have a good idea of how to go about it. The different yoga mats and their maintenance are no longer a secret for you.
Yoga accessories
Do you know how to choose your yoga mat? The hardest part is done: bravo! Now you’ll have to look at all the yoga accessories that will accompany your mat. As you can see, there is a wide range of yoga products on the market. We review the usefulness, price and all the information you need to know about these yoga and possibly meditation accessories.
The yoga block: the essential accessory of your yoga kit!
- Utility: supports mainly used during the realization of the postures of yoga to prolong your arms (when you do not touch the ground for example), to intensify a posture or to secure your session (in work of balance for example if you are not at ease)
- Type and level: beginners or advanced. When you are a beginner in yoga, they are a great asset to reassure you or to help you understand the sensations to have in certain postures (postures that you may not have the strength or flexibility to do without blocks). On the other hand, if you are experienced, this is an opportunity togo further and use them to experiment with new sensations in certain postures.
- Examples of use: depending on the number of blocks you have at your disposal, you can use them in different ways regardless of the yoga you practice. In general, it is recommended to have at least two, so that you can work on symmetrical postures. Moreover, the rectangular shape of the blocks allows for an even more varied use adapted to your level.
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- Meditation 1 block under the buttocks or 1 under each knee
- Supporting a balance posture with one hand on the ground: 1 block is enough
- Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga: 1 or 2 in the back in the butterfly pose for example
- Improve your chaturanga: 2 (one under each hand)
- Inversion against a wall: 3 or 4 under each shoulder
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- Price: from 10€ at yoga specialists, up to 20€ or 30€ depending on the material used.
- EVA BRICKS
The recycled Eva brick (ethylene vinyl acetate which is a type of foam) is the cheapest and most frequently found model on the market. It has the advantage of being soft and particularly light. This makes it very practical to wear.
- CORK BRICKS
Heavier but also denser and more resistant.
Its 100% natural composition and its manufacture in Portugal make it more eco-responsible than its sister in Eva.
The cork also gives it anti-slip and anti-static properties.
The stretching strap
- Usefulness: the essential accessory tostretch and gain flexibility during your practice. Used as an extension of your arm(s), it allows you to access tricks without hurting yourself or overexerting yourself.
- Type and level: this yoga accessory is specifically recommended for beginners at the very beginning of their practice to help them when they lack flexibility. When you become a little more experienced, it is more useful to improve or progress in your flexibility work.
- Examples of use: it is very often used in yoga in postures such as the seated pinch, or the dancer. It can also be used in anchoring postures because it allows you to remain better aligned while performing the posture as in the posture of the arm stretched to the big toe.
- Price : between 10€ and 25€ from specialists (Yes, you read correctly, which means that Yogom is in the very low range of market prices, so don’t hesitate to equip yourself ;))
- Cotton Stretch Strap : With its 260 cm length (usually less than 200cm), you can do stretching postures if you have long legs and are bothered by the short length of the usual accessories.
The cotton bag
- Usefulness: you often move around outside with your carpet? Protect it from bad weather and dirt (wind, rain, pollution, dust etc.) by slipping it into your yoga bag.
- Examples of use: the bag can be worn on the shoulder or across the chest. It can also be used to store your mat at home in case you practice at home.
- Cost: between 15€ and 25€ from specialists
- Yogom cotton bag: fall for the Yogom bag. Its size is ideal since it is large enough to store a large carpet.
The carpet strap
- Utility: ideal for carrying your yoga mat and deploying it quickly. Its small price often makes it more accessible than the transport bag, even if it does not protect your carpet!
- Examples of use: like the bag, it can be worn on the shoulder or across the chest.
- Between 5 and 25€ at specialists.
- Macramé carrying strap : tired of the classic cotton ones? Fall for this macramé accessory. I’m going to order it
- Carrying strap included with the mat: we know how essential this accessory is, so at Yogom we don’t do things by halves. Free with the purchase of a mat on the Yogom store.
The meditation zafu
- Usefulness: the Zafu meditation allows you to meditate comfortably in positions that are not normally comfortable due to a lack of flexibility or a joint problem.
- Examples of use: it is used for example very frequently in lotus position so that the knees touch the ground or in diamond position to protect the ankles.
- Between 30€ and 80€ from specialists depending on the fabric and padding used.
- Traditional cotton Zafu: you don’t know where to get your Zafu ? Discover the Yogom available in two colors: Sand and Light Grey.
- Traditional woolen zafu : you prefer a soft zafu? Opt for the Zafu in Merino wool from the Yogom Softness range . I’m going to find out.
The bolster
- Purpose: this long cushion that looks like a small bolster used mainly in gentle yoga to allow stretching or access to a comfortable posture.
- Examples of use: in torsion posture for example or in lying twist it allows to rest the knee without hurting yourself. It also helps to relax the spine.
- Cost: between 35€ and 90€ depending on the material and the padding used.
- Merino wool bolster : soft yoga enthusiast with a real need for comfort and softness? Adopt the merino wool cushion from the Yogom Softness range.
- Do-it-yourself bag : low budget? Instead, choose the Yogom fill-it-yourself cover. The innovative, eco-friendly and economical solution to get that famous cushion without breaking the bank. I discover the DIY cover.
Discover our buying guide to choose your yoga cushion as well as our Bolster User’s Guide illustrated in 20 postures .
The yoga blanket
- Utility: ideal for your relaxations of end of practice or your sessions of Yoga Nidra. wrap yourself in a blanket to relax completely.
- Composition: often in polyester or cotton. Sometimes you can find woolen ones, like at Yogom (much warmer and therefore more pleasant when the body cools down at the end of practice!)
- Price : between 30 and 100€ depending on the material used.
- The Yogom merino wool blanket: what if you decided to opt for a soft wool blanket for your sessions? Its large size (135x200cm) will keep you warm from head to toe. I discover the Yogom wool blanket.
Yoga clothes
If you do yoga, no matter what type of yoga you practice, you will have noticed that it is quite uncomfortable to use classic sports leggings that are often sticky and in synthetic materials. Indeed, a comfortable outfit is necessary, but it is especially necessary that the outfit is adapted! That is why in yoga we often recommend thin and loose fabrics in which you will not be limited in your movements. We also look for breathable materials that support perspiration.
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- Utility: in addition to dressing you up (no joke), your outfit will make your practice much more comfortable. In addition, it often happens that an unsuitable outfit can cause injury, if it causes chafing or irritation. You also don’t want your buttocks to be seen upside down, nor your belly not yet fully sheathed!
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- Type of clothing: There are many different types of yoga clothing (and no, you don’t have to worship leggings!) such as loose fitting pants, bras and even jumpsuits.
- Depending on the practice: this is the most important question to ask when buying a yoga outfit. We don’t need the same outfit if we practice Yoga Nidra or Flying Yoga! For the first, for example, we prefer warm and wide clothes to be comfortable while in Flying tight clothes will be recommended not to be bothered by the folds of the fabric.
- You can find very cheap sets around 20€ but we don’t recommend them because of their low quality. Count well between 50 and 100€ for a quality and ecoresponsible set.
- The yoga suit in modal Yogom: and if you practice in a suit? It may seem incongruous when you say it like that, but who hasn’t had enough of having their belly in the air as a downward facing dog? With Yogom’s modal wetsuit (a revolutionary ecological material), no more hassles and hello freedom of movement! No need to change in the locker room, you arrive and leave with your suit! To be worn without moderation in your living room and at the beach!
- Socks: avoid socks on your yoga outfit list, unless your goal is to slide down your mat countless times per minute! In addition, it is important to have your feet and toes free during your practice to be able to anchor yourself properly.
Yoga books
Are you looking for a beginner yoga book or some reference books on yoga ? Discover our selection of 4 yoga books that you will surely enjoy whether you are a beginner or not:
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- Yin Yoga, Praise for slowness by Amélie Anoni : discover in this book yin yoga, the principles of this yoga, its foundations, its history as well as the explanations of the principal postures and the sequences to be carried out in autonomy at home !
- The Secrets of Yoga by Clementin Erpicum and Caat : you have just started yoga or a friend is trying to drag you to a class and you are still reluctant? Or maybe you’re tired of seeing yoga overused on social networks and you want to know more about this ancient discipline? But you don’t want to read the encyclopedia of yoga either?
- Yoga: 2500 Years of History by Clementine Erpicum: you will find in this book many answers to your questions: where do the postures come from, who are the individuals who shaped yoga, what are the philosophical principles of yoga, how to understand them…
- Yoga Anatomy : the postures by Ray Long : The Best Seller of Yoga Anatomy! Everything you need to know about yoga postures and their implications on the body!
Yoga card games
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- Usefulness: you may have seen yoga card games before? Most offer illustrations of yoga postures. They are mainly used to build your own yoga sessions to practice at home.
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- Different types: we have just seen the posture cards but there are also intention cards (you draw a card per day with an inspiring sentence), also called “oracles“. Finally it starts to exist and Yogom is a pioneer on the subject of card games to learn the philosophy of yoga. Indeed, once you start to master the postures (asanas) and your teachers have talked to you about some crazy but interesting concepts, you will probably want to know a little more abouthistory of yoga and the concepts of yoga life philosophy.
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- Prices: count between 20 and 40€ (look at the price according to the number of cards in the set).
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- The Yogom card game: 108 cards designed in the form of questions and answers like the trivial pursuit! You will learn the history of yoga, the ethical principles of the yogi, and the sacred texts and their main teachings. You can use it as a multiplayer game or as an oracle by drawing one card per day!
The scents: the atmosphere
Make way for rituals! Once equipped, you may want to consider the atmosphere in which you wish to immerse your yoga or meditation practice. Yoga and meditation expose all of your senses, which is why the sense of smell can help you introspect and relax!
Discover the main scents used in yoga and meditation by yogis.
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- Incense: these scented sticks are burned and give off a fairly strong smoke and smell. We do not recommend the use of incense whose chemical components can be toxic when burned. There are natural alternatives that smell as good and have beneficial properties!
- Palo Santo: Palo Santo is a small sacred wood harvested from a dead tree and has purifying properties for the atmosphere but also the spirit. It would facilitate meditation. Yogom sells them in small chips that are easier to burn than large sticks that are difficult to light. Discover the Palo Santo Yogom.
- Candles : lighting a candle can bring you not only a warm presence but also a scent if you choose a scented one!
Discover in video the usefulness of yoga accessories!
Discover also self-massage balls for yoga. You know now according to which criteria to choose your yoga mat and which yoga accessories you need: the yoga products has no more secrets for you! All you have to do is order!