When you’re beginning your yoga journey it's hard to know what you really need. With all the guides and “advice” online it’s easy to think you need to spend hundreds before you reach your first savasana! The reality is much simpler. To begin your yoga practice, you need very little, and you may already have most yoga essentials at home.
Yoga is a practice you grow into. This guide is here to help you take your first steps with confidence, focusing on what truly supports you at the beginning of your journey.
What Do You Really Need to Begin?
Every yoga journey is personal. There is no single right way to start. For some, it begins at home with an online class. For others, in a studio or community space. Wherever you begin, the most important thing you bring with you is an open mind.
No one’s first class feels perfect. And it is not meant to. Styles vary, teachers differ, and every day your body will feel a little different. Allow yourself to explore. Over time, you will discover what resonates and how your own practice wants to unfold.
What to Wear for Yoga
When it comes to yoga clothing, there is only one rule: comfort comes first.
Choose clothing that allows you to move freely and feel supported. If you can bend, stretch, squat, and lift your arms comfortably, you are set. Layering is always helpful, especially for slower practices like yin yoga, restorative yoga or the final rest. Wear what makes YOU feel at ease and ready to step onto the mat.
If you are looking for inspiration, explore Manduka’s Dhara Collection, designed for softness, movement, and everyday comfort.
Find more guidance on what to wear to a yoga class here.
Choosing Your First Yoga Mat
Your yoga mat is the foundation of your practice. It should help you feel stable, supported, and confident from the ground up.
As a beginner, there is no need to get lost in technical details. What matters most is finding a mat with enough grip and cushioning to support your early exploration. A mat that helps your hands and feet stay grounded allows you to focus on learning postures and breathing, rather than worrying about slipping.
Look for a mat that offers stability, comfort, and reliable grip. One that supports you where you are now and gives you space to grow.
Recommended beginner friendly mats include:
GRP® Adapt Yoga Mat - Our grippiest yoga mat. Its highly absorbant surface provides exceptional traction, making it ideal if you tend to sweat during practice or plan to explore a range of yoga styles — from slow flows to more dynamic movement. The balance of grip and cushioning gives beginners a secure foundation while you learn alignment and transitions. (available in 5mm, 4mm and 1.5mm thicknesses)
Begin Yoga Mat - A great starting point for children and seniors alike. The Begin mat blends comfort with practical support. It provides a soft, cushioned feel without sacrificing stability. (available in 5mm thick)
eKO® Yoga Mat - A natural rubber yoga mat with strong natural grip and a grounding feel. Best paired with a yoga towel for additional grip during practice. (available in 5mm, 4mm and 1.5mm thicknesses)
Can I Start With a PRO mat?
The Manduka PRO series is designed for experienced practitioners who have already developed strength, stability, and natural grip through their hands and feet.
For most beginners, the PRO mat may feel challenging rather than supportive. It is built for longevity, density, and smooth transitions, not for providing extra grip during early learning stages. Over time, as your practice evolves, it may become the right choice.
You can always change to a new mat in the coming years, but your first mat should support you, not push you. Just as we would not put a toddler on a race bike for their first cycling experience, there is no need to rush into a PRO mat before you are ready.
Do I Need Yoga Props?
Not at the beginning. Props are helpful, but there is no need to invest in everything right away. Many everyday household items work just as well while you learn how your body responds to different poses.
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A solid hard book makes a great stable block
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Your belt or a skipping rope is a perfect alternative for a yoga strap
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Take a pillow from the sofa instead of a bolster
Once you understand how props support your practice, you will know which ones are worth adding.
Curious about yoga props? Visit our guides here.
What Does a Yoga Towel Do?
While yoga is a low impact practice, it can still build a lot of heat. As you begin to sweat, slipping is a common experience for beginners and experienced yogis alike. A yoga towel can help.
Most yoga mats have a closed cell surface, meaning moisture stays on top rather than being absorbed. When hands or feet begin to sweat, a towel absorbs moisture and restores grip.
A small yoga hand towel placed under your hands or feet is easy to move around the mat and adapts to your needs from class to class. It is one of the simplest tools to support comfort and confidence on the mat and a favorite for many yogis, as slipping can change from day to day.
Curious about yoga towels? Visit our guides here.
Enjoy the journey.
Yoga is a journey. What matters most is choosing quality pieces that genuinely support you, not rushing to buy everything at once.
Ask questions. Learn from other practitioners. Stay curious. Your needs will evolve, and so will your practice.
Yoga is not about how flexible you are or what equipment you use. It is about showing up, again and again, with presence and patience. Where you begin will not be where you end, and that is part of the beauty of the practice.
Explore beginner focused yoga classes on MandukaMag.
