I’ve never loved using props a whole lot. They feel a little clunky to me, and looking around for what I need takes me out of my zone, even when they are close to my mat. I know plenty of students feel differently and love their props. But when you are first starting out in yoga it’s hard to know what exactly you need and why. An all-in-one kit can be a great solution. It bundles a mat, blocks, and other props into one purchase. Whether a kit makes sense depends on your budget, level of flexibility, and what style of yoga you plan to practice.
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What a Beginner Needs
Most beginners should start with a yoga mat and a pair of blocks. Most kits include these. Next, consider a blanket, bolster or strap. I use a blanket a lot, especially when I’m teaching. I’ll sit on a folded blanket to lift my hips in seated poses, slide one under my knees for extra padding, and keep one nearby for Shavasana (final relaxation pose) to stay warm and cozy. (A folded bath towel works fine in a pinch.) As for straps, I hardly ever use one, but they are helpful if your hamstrings are really tight.
Why a Kit Is Great for Beginners
A kit is a brilliant choice for beginners because it gives you everything you need. When you’re new to yoga, it’s hard to know which props you’ll use. My advice is to get everything, try it all out, and see what works best for you. A kit also saves you hours of comparing reviews and checking sizes. Everything arrives together, and you get a nice matching set of equipment. Plus, you’ll usually save a bit of money over buying each piece separately.
Types of All-in-One Yoga Kits
Kits vary by brand, but most fall into four types:
- A basic starter kit pairs a mat with two blocks and often a strap. It covers the essentials for most beginners.
- A restorative kit adds a bolster and a blanket. It’s a good fit if you are planning on practicing a slower and gentler type of yoga or love restorative and supported poses. Make sure you have the space to store these bigger items.
- A travel kit uses a thin, sometimes foldable, yoga mat and lightweight props that pack super easily. You get less cushion under your knees and wrists, so this kit is best as a dedicated set for trips.
- A strength and recovery kit adds weights or resistance bands and a foam roller. For example, this kit includes a mat, soft yoga blocks, adjustable weight bands, and a foam roller.
What to Look for in a Kit
The Mat
I use a dense mat of standard thickness, and that’s what I’d look for in a kit. Super thick mats feel a bit too squishy to me, but I understand the appeal for extra cushioning. The big downside of thick mats is that they can make balancing poses like Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) a bit tricky. Grip and texture are important factors to consider. I’ve used a lot of mats, and some feel too slippery because of a smooth surface or the type of material. This is especially important if you plan to practice a warm or hot type of yoga.
Most mats are made from PVC, TPE, natural rubber, or cork. PVC is durable and easy to wipe clean, but it isn’t very eco-friendly. TPE (a lightweight, foam-like synthetic) is lighter and often sold as more eco-friendly, but it can feel a bit squishy. Natural rubber is dense and grippy but heavy, and its natural rubber smell is a bit off-putting. And it’s a no-go if you have a latex sensitivity. Cork is a great eco-friendly choice that grips better as your hands get sweaty.
The Blocks
Blocks get used a lot in my classes. I don’t require them, but I always cue how to use them, since 25 to 50 percent of my students use them in their practice. A block brings the floor closer to you, which helps if you can’t hold a pose with proper alignment or without extreme discomfort.
At home, I keep my blocks and props on a shelf in my practice space. I use them mostly for supported and restorative poses, like Bridge Pose with a block under the low back. I prefer foam blocks because they have a little give to them. That bit of cushion feels better than a hard wood or cork block in restorative poses. Cork and wood blocks are firmer, and some students prefer their eco-friendliness, stability, and groundedness under their hands.
Weight Bands
Adjustable weight bands are a great option if you are looking to build muscle strength. Most are worn around the wrists or ankles, so your hands stay free to press into the mat in poses like Downward-Facing Dog. They come in a few common styles:
- Silicone bangles wrap a steel weight in soft silicone. They’re sleek and easy to clean. The strap adjusts for fit, but each bangle has a fixed weight, so you’ll need a heavier set as you get stronger.
- Neoprene pocket cuffs hold small removable packets of sand or iron, so you can add or take out weight as you go. They offer a wider range of weights, but they’re a bit bulkier than silicone bangles.
- Thumb-lock wrist weights have a loop that slips over your thumb. The loop keeps the weight from sliding up your forearm when you raise your arms overhead.
A light weight adds a bit of challenge to the poses. For example, in Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II), wrist weights make your shoulders work harder to keep your arms lifted. In balancing poses like Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) or Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana), an ankle weight on the lifted leg makes the muscles around your standing hip work harder to keep you steady. Some people find that a bit of weight improves their proprioception (your sense of where your body is in space) and gives them a deeper sense of groundedness in their practice. It is best to take them off for inversions and fast-paced flows.
Foam Rollers
I use foam rollers all the time and have several different types and sizes. I use them to massage out tight muscles and release knots of tension, especially in larger muscles like the thighs, calves, and upper back. If you’re new to rolling, a smooth, soft roller is a great place to start. Firmer or textured rollers dig in deeper and can feel a bit intense.
Is a Kit Worth It?
A good kit costs less than buying the same pieces one at a time. Making this investment and having all that you need will encourage you to practice more often. The main downside of purchasing a kit is if you think you may not use everything that is included.
