Favorite Movement Equipment
Here are some equipment pieces that balance quality, value and functionality. These aren't required to participate; however, if you're doing yoga or tai chi frequently, you may find these helpful.
Mat
Gaiam's mission is to use their standing as a leading lifestyle brand to make yoga, fitness and wellness accessible to all. Their mats are strong enough to last, but won't break the bank. Take their Mat Finder Quiz here to determine the mat that fits you and your needs!
Personally, I prefer a sticky mat to improve my foot grip as I practice barefoot. I also prefer a thinner mat, so I can ground into the Earth better and is less challenging on my balance than the thicker mats. Click below to check out the yoga mat the quiz recommended for me!
I am working on becoming a Gaiam affiliate. Stay tuned!
Cork Blocks
Blocks are essential for my practice to bring the floor up to where my arms can reach. Often my arms can't reach the floor because, I lack the flexibility and mobility in my shoulders and hips.
I prefer cork yoga blocks over the foam ones as the cork gives more support and doesn't give when I put my weight into them in poses like Triangle and Standing Forward Fold transition into Plank.
I am working on becoming a Gaiam affiliate. Stay tuned!
Strap with D-Ring
This is the first piece of support equipment I purchased for my own practice. A strap helps me to be able to safely and more effectively stretch my hips and shoulders in some poses like Happy Baby and Seated Forward Fold.
I also use it to keep my mat securely rolled between sessions!
The length you want will depend on your height. I still have a beginner's 4 foot, but I wish I had a 6 or 8 foot one. If you're over 6 foot, definitely go for the 8 or 10 foot length.
I am working on becoming a Gaiam affiliate. Stay tuned!
Bolster
I like to use the bolster in seated and lying yoga and tai chi to support my body when doing more relaxing, yin inspired poses and stretches. I also like to sit on it during meditation postures on the floor to make the postures more comfortable on my tight hips and knees.
Bolsters can get very expensive, but this one is good quality without the huge price tag.
I am working on becoming a Gaiam affiliate. Stay tuned!
Chair
This is a great chair for chair yoga or tai chi. Lightweight, but sturdy and can take the weight. It is also armless, so you have more room to move and folds up so you can store it out of the way when not in use.
Blanket
Honestly any blanket will do, but these colorful serape blankets are a mainstay at many studios because they are sturdy, warm and grippy too! Plus they're just cute and come in several amazing colors and patterns.
I use a blanket to cushion my knees, make myself comfortable by folding it into places that need extra support and to stay warm during Savasana.
Headstand Bench
My shoulders can't keep my weight off my neck during headstands, so I use a bench to support me and build my strength. This one comes in pieces, so you'll need to be able to use small tools to put it together. The tools come in the box with it. I had hubby check my work before I put my weight on it though. haha
Although it's name says it's for headstands, it's also useful in a similar fashion as the blocks to bring the floor up to you.
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