The Best Budget Yoga Gear for Beginners (And What You Don’t Actually Need)

My brother and sister-in-law lost everything in the Washington State fires yesterday. Everything. And yet, as cliché as it sounds, they have everything that matters. They’re alive. Though that message is heavy for a blog post, it feels deeply relevant to what I want to talk about today and to yoga practice in general.

Watching someone lose nearly all of their possessions has a way of reminding you what actually matters. Oddly enough, it’s one of the biggest lessons yoga has taught me this year, too.

After completing my 200+ hour Yoga Teacher Training this year and reading countless books to deepen my knowledge, I’ve learned something wildly important:

All you need is yourself.

Straight up. You don’t even need a mat. Yoga can be done anywhere and everywhere. Even sitting still in a chair.

So yes, I’m going to share a list of suggested gear for beginners, but please know you don’t have to buy any of it. A hardwood floor or a non-slip rug at home works just fine. Almost every yoga studio has mats available to borrow or rent too, because many people travel without one.

If you’re building your yoga practice one piece at a time, these are the affordable items I’d personally recommend.

Table of Contents

Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat, 6mm Thick Print Mat

I bought my first Gaiam mat back in 2016 and only upgraded this year. I used that mat for nearly a decade on less than $25 and I was more than fine. In fact I was better than ever because of it. I used it to absolute bits and it now lives in the garage as my backup mat.

The 6mm thickness is perfect for beginners who need a little extra knee support and it’s also great for travel. If you’re concerned about environmental impact, this mat is non-toxic and free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP.

You can also get a Yoga Mat Carrier Strap which works as a strap for class and also to carry your mat.

Foam Yoga Blocks with Yoga Strap Included

This is a great deal and I love that it comes with a strap included. Blocks can be genuinely helpful for getting into poses when your body isn’t quite ready or you’re working toward something new. That said, blocks are absolutely not essential. Pillows, cushions, and books work just as well at home.

The strap is a nice beginner tool too but again, not a necessity. Resistance bands or a belt work just as well. I’ve been practicing for over 20 years and the only reason I own these is because my fiancé already had them.

Yoga Bolster Pillow

Bolsters are never cheap but they are wonderful. Arguably my favorite yoga prop for meditation or winding down before or after class. These absolutely are not needed though. A pillow or cushion works beautifully at home. But if you want one eventually, I love that these have removable covers for washing and a soft suede-like material.

Yoga Pants and Tops

Leggings. That’s it. You can find them anywhere and they are perfect for yoga. You do not need a name brand, you do not even need to buy new. I bought 14 pairs on ThredUp this year and it was absolutely worth it. If you want to buy new, here are a few budget friendly options:

That’s it, friends. I’ll be honest, I keep rereading this wondering if I sound snarky, but I’m in a season of deinfluencing right now because any and all of this can go up in minutes. Please know: you are more than what you own.

I may do a mid tier and high tier gear list in the future but I hope this budget version is helpful. With so many people on a path to save right now, a little really can go a long way.

And if you or someone you love was affected by the fires, please stay safe. Things will get better. ❤️‍🩹

xoxo