Julia's Top 10 Essentials for Your Home Yoga Practice

Julia's Top 10 Essentials for Your Home Yoga Practice

If you haven't hopped on the yoga train yet, when's a better time to start than now? Whether you're a total beginner or you've been practicing yoga for years, though, there are tons of products out there to help you enhance your current practice. For advice, we sought out the wisdom of certified yoga teacher Julia Izquierdo (@juliaizyoga). Here's what she had to say:

Yoga is one physical activity that doesn't necessarily require a lot of equipment. All you really need is a mat and you can start to practice yoga. Although, there are many accessories and props that can improve your personal practice. 

Many studios may offer props like a yoga strap and blocks, to assist you in certain poses. Yoga is an ancient practice of many different styles, and physical asana is only one aspect of yoga. Here is a list of some of the best accessories for your practice, at home or in a studio.
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Julia Izquierdo
Yoga Teacher

I am a certified yoga teacher based in Miami, FL. I completed my yoga teacher training in 2018 and I've been practicing for nearly 8 years. I am extremely pa... See More

  • Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat with Yoga Mat Carrier Sling Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Gaiam
    Premium Yoga Mat with Yoga Mat Carrier Sling

    Julia Izquierdo

    A yoga mat is really the only essential needed for your practice since it provides a soft surface to execute the poses. This Gaiam mat is an excellent beginner mat. The material provides a good gripping surface to ensure you don't slip while holding certain poses. 

    It is also relatively thick to give you comfort and support, especially if you have any discomfort in the knees. Lastly, this mat is affordable and is not a major investment if you are only just beginning your yoga journey. It also comes with a strap so that you can transport the mat to and from class.
    $18.97
  • Asutra Natural & Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Asutra
    Natural & Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner

    Julia Izquierdo

    After sweating a few times on your mat, you might want to clean it. I love this mat cleaner because it is made with natural ingredients and essential oils. It is also non-toxic, so you don't have to be concerned about your skin absorbing the liquid. 

    The lavender scent is soothing and can double as aromatherapy. Since it is formulated without any harsh chemicals, this cleaner won't break down the material of your mat and will actually help extend the lifetime of your new mat.
    $12.99
  • Kindfolk XL Yoga Mat Duffel Bag Image 1
    Source：amazon.com
    Kindfolk XL Yoga Mat Duffel Bag Image 2
    Source：amazon.com

    Kindfolk
    XL Yoga Mat Duffel Bag

    Julia Izquierdo

    If your mat doesn't come with a strap included, you can use this mat bag to transport your yoga mat to and from the studio. A bag is sometimes better than a strap if you would like to bring along other accessories like a small towel or a water bottle. 

    The material is made from faux leather, so it is vegan and environmentally friendly. The design is both eye-catching and unique, too!
    $39.99
  • Amazon Basics Foam Yoga Blocks Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Amazon Basics
    Foam Yoga Blocks

    Julia Izquierdo

    Yoga blocks are another non-negotiable for my personal practice. These yoga blocks are an incredible tool to enhance your practice, whether you have been doing yoga for years or are only a beginner. 

    I recommend these foam blocks for beginner yogis since they are flexible and soft. They can provide support and are useful in so many different postures. They can help you to advance a certain posture, stretch deeper, or help to modify certain poses. 

    This Amazon Basics choice includes a pair of blocks so that you are not limited in any way. The material is also slip-resistant and can be great for a hot yoga practice.
    $18.49
  • Tumaz Adjustable D-Ring Buckle Yoga Strap Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Tumaz
    Adjustable D-Ring Buckle Yoga Strap

    Julia Izquierdo

    This yoga strap is another great tool for helping to deepen your practice. It can help you to achieve a pose or a stretch that you wouldn't otherwise be able to do. This strap is the ideal length to be used in different ways and poses. 

    The D-ring buckle is used to tighten and secure the strap to fit your practice. You can also adjust it to various lengths. The strap will not stretch, so it is helpful when you are looking to deepen a posture. It's an affordable prop that is essential to your practice.
    $9.45
  • Youphoria Yoga Microfiber Yoga Towel Image 1
    Source：amazon.com
    Youphoria Yoga Microfiber Yoga Towel Image 2
    Source：amazon.com

    Youphoria Yoga
    Microfiber Yoga Towel

    Julia Izquierdo

    The microfiber towel is useful if you have trouble gripping your yoga mat. If your fingers are constantly slipping, this mat can provide a non-slip surface to grip onto. It is also useful in a hot yoga class to absorb sweat and avoid slipping on your mat. 

    Since the towel helps to absorb sweat, it is also a good way to keep your mat generally clean and long-lasting. This particular towel is the perfect size to be thrown right over any yoga mat. The material is silicone-free and will grip your yoga mat even when wet!
    $13.95
  • UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    UpCircleSeven
    Yoga Wheel

    Julia Izquierdo

    This yoga wheel is an innovative prop that is excellent for beginner and intermediate yogis. It can be used in various ways to deepen backbends and open the chest. 

    Made of safe and durable PVC material, this wheel can withstand several hundred pounds of weight, so you do not need to worry about lacking support. It also has some padding to provide extra comfort and support. This yoga wheel will not flex and it can be used in so many different ways.
    $42.97
  • Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow Image 1
    Source：amazon.com
    Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow Image 2
    Source：amazon.com

    Ajna
    Yoga Bolster Pillow

    Julia Izquierdo

    This yoga bolster is especially great if you enjoy a yin or restorative style class. It can also be used in seated postures to slightly lift the hips in meditation. It can make your practice more relaxing and provide extra comfort and support in passive postures. 

    It's also an excellent way to ease any tension in the joints! The material of this bolster is a high-quality, eco-friendly suede, and it comes in various cool colors. It is a great, long-lasting addition to your home practice.
    $69.99
  • Aspen & Eve 108 Bead Malas Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Aspen & Eve
    108 Bead Malas

    Julia Izquierdo

    These gorgeous mala beads are an amazing tool for your meditation practice. Traditional malas have 108 beads, and they are used to recite mantras during meditation. You will start at the tassel, and each time reciting the mantra you will move to the next bead until you have counted each bead and return back to the tassel. 

    This beautiful mala necklace is made from semi-precious gemstone beads and can also be worn as a stylish necklace. Meditation and reciting mantras are a great way to further deepen your practice and familiarize yourself with less well-known yoga traditions.
    $24.95
  • Sri Swami Satchidananda The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Sri Swami Satchidananda
    The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

    Julia Izquierdo

    The yoga sutras provide a manual for the study and practice of yoga. This translation of the yoga sutras will help you to gain a deeper understanding of yoga philosophy. Many translations exist, but I enjoy this version with commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda. 

    This adaptation does a great job of explaining each of the sutras in a modern way that resonates with the practitioners of today. By reading this book, you will come to understand that the practice of yoga is much more than just the physical asana practice. You will dive into the spiritual practice of yoga.
    $7.53