Do you practice yoga at home?

I’ve always been a big fan of setting up a space where I can do a yoga class or a workout and experience some quiet and focus.

Starting your home practice is as simple as rolling out your mat, yet it can be helpful somewhere along the way to set up a dedicated space that’s just for you.

Here are a few great items to consider investing in as you elevate your yoga practice.

A High-Quality Yoga Mat

While the initial investment may feel like a big purchase, I highly recommend looking into a quality yoga mat if you are going to doing a lot of yoga from home. There are quite a few different options out there and the best bet is to find what works for you. Consider the thickness of the mat— more support can feel great on your joints, especially the wrists if you’re doing a lot of Vinyasa. You will also want to consider the grip of the mat, how easy it is to travel with, whether it’s made sustainably and ethically, and any other personal factors that matter to you.

Once you have a great yoga mat, make sure you clean it regularly and take gentle care of it. I’ve had mats that have lasted over 7 years and they’re still doing great.

Blocks, Cushions, Straps, Foam Rollers

Props are an amazing way to deepen your practice, gain more benefit from the poses, and improve your comfort level as you practice.

A few good yoga blocks can be used for modifying poses to find the right balance and improve your form. Yoga blocks help bring the floor closer to you and a strap can be helpful for poses where you aren’t able to reach your foot, for example. There’s a common misconception that using props will keep you from improving your flexibility when in fact quite the opposite is true. There is no shame whatsoever in using props; they can really take you deeper into the poses and help keep your alignment safe, stable and supported in the process.

I also highly recommend a foam roller for recovery and mobility work, and a meditation cushion is an amazing tool to have in your home workout space.

Cushions are good for any seated position because they give a little extra support and improve circulation in the legs when you are sitting for long periods. Lying back on a cushion can also help with gentle chest openers. There are a number of different yoga cushions available so be sure to find one that works for you.

Barbell, Dumbbell or Kettlebell Weights

Strength training is a great addition to yoga and can take your practice to a new level. Depending on how much space you have available, a set of dumbbells or kettlebells can be a great starting point; sometimes people even set up an awesome at-home garage gym with a squat rack and quality rubber bumper plates. Doing both yoga and weight training is a great way to tone your body overall, improve balance, and increase your strength.

An Essential Oil Diffuser

To make your space even more cozy, you might consider investing in a diffuser and a few different essential oils, a candle, throw rug, salt lamp, or other decorative items that help you feel grounded and at peace. While none of these are required to do your at-home practice, they can add a nice ambiance and help you get into deeper states of relaxation while you practice.

Take your time, reflect on what you need, and you will build a beautiful space that compliments your practice perfectly.