Gear You Should Bring to Your First Yoga Class

So, it's time for your first yoga class. You are ready to go and ready to get started on the stretches and stress relief you have been told so much about. The trick is, you may not know what to bring to that first class. You may not know what is expected and what may not be allowed. If this sounds like your situation, and you don't want to buy items that you aren't going to use, consider this gear that you should bring to your first yoga class.

Yoga Mat

The first thing you will want to bring to your first yoga class is a yoga mat. This can be any style of yoga mat and any thickness. The idea is that it should be long enough for your full body so when you do a pose like corpse pose you are covered on the mat and not on the floor. Keep in mind, some studios may have rentals but the rentals are not as good as one that you are comfortable with and used to. You can buy a beginners mat for around $20 from most health stores and fitness areas. 

Water Bottle

You may think of a water bottle as an obvious option for your first yoga class, but you need to think about the type of bottle you bring. In most cases, you will want a spill proof bottle with a flip top lid that allows you to keep the water inside the bottle unless you are drinking it. You also want a sweat proof water bottle to keep the floor from getting damp or wet which could cause someone to slip and cause injury to themselves. You may also want to consider a water bottle that has an outside clip that holds your identification and debit card or keys to keep them out of the way during your yoga practice. 

Yoga Strap and Block

If you use a yoga block to help you with your bends and stretches, or a yoga strap, you may want to bring these with you to the class. You will want to keep them out of the way during the class and use them when necessary.  If this is the first time you have ever done yoga, then you may want to consider asking your instructor if some are available for the class before you buy them and bring them. 

Yoga Mat Bag and Towel Set

To make things easier, you may want to bring a yoga bag and towel set. This is primarily to keep your yoga mat safe after the class and the towel is to help with the obvious sweat you will have from the class. If you are practicing hot yoga, then you will need the special towels for the hot yoga to help you through the workout. 

Keep in mind, you can add more to your yoga gear or take something out of your yoga gear bag. The key is to have what you need for your practice and what your class allows. You will also find, as you move through different yoga styles, that there may be gear for one type of yoga and not for another. Be flexible on your yoga gear and know that it is about you and your personal practice. 


