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Holla, holla to all my fellow Yogis!  I’ve been doing yoga off and on for a long time, but I’ve gotten more serious about it over the last three years.  I’ve been so fortunate to be a member of our local YMCA that has classes every day of the week taught by some very awesome instructors.

Last week I talked about Why morning yoga is the answer to your low-energy, stressed out prayers. and even shared my Morning Yoga Lower Body Series : Perfect for waking up your Lower Back!  I could not live without my morning yoga and I couldn’t live without my favorite yoga mat and supplies.

I had a very cheap, old mat when I started going to the Y and it was so worn out, my hands would slip. I was so freaked out and afraid that I would bust my face when I was hiney-in-the-air down doggin’ it.

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My teacher let me test out her mat in class, and what do you know? I was floored at what a difference there was between her mat and my worn-out, cheap thing masquerading as a yoga mat.  But then a new mat, led to a new strap and these things called Yoga Jellies and of course, a bag for them all.  How can you not have a cute bag to carry your awesome equipment in?  It’s a given, isn’t it?

So here are my recommendations for the best yoga equipment:

• Manduka Mat
• Manduka Strap
• Gaiam Yoga Blocks
• Yoga Jellies
• Manduka Bag

First, let’s talk about the Manduka Mat.

I’m totally in LOVE with my Manduka.  You can see it in my Lower body series video.  It’s amazing!  It’s thick and so durable.  The Mandukas have a life time guarantee, so you can’t go wrong there.  Here is a list of the features of Manduka. It’s THE best mat and will last forever.

• Superior wear and longevity backed by a Lifetime guarantee
• Closed-cell surface to keep moisture and sweat from seeping into the mat and breeding bacteria (ideal for hot yoga)
• High-density cushion for unparalleled experience, joint protection, and versatility on any surface (carpet, cement, hardwood floors)
• Fabric-like surface finish for optimal movement between poses
• Sustainable engineering ensures high quality material will not peel, flake or fade. Product improves with Use over time
• Designed for superior wear and longevity; Comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors
• Slip resistant, yet non-sticky, even when wet from perspiration
• Weights 9 pounds; 85 by 26 by 1/4 inches (L x W x Thickness)
• Oeko-Tex certified, emissions-free manufacturing
• Backed by a Lifetime Guarantee

The only think I wish I had done differently when ordering my Manduka was to get a darker color.  My light blue mat does show stains from my dirty feet. It cleans up pretty well with my Manduka Mat Cleaner, but it’s not perfect.  Then, again, neither am I, so I love her anyway.

How about this Manduka Strap?

Holy Down Dogs… this strap is like wrapping your feet in a blanket of soft, hand-woven cotton balls.  It’s so gentle on your appendages, and I love how long it is.

I’ve used many other straps in my classes, but when I bought my own from Manduka, I could really feel the difference.  I love having my own strap that only goes on my own two stinky feet.  That makes me feel better for me, if not for all the other people who would have to use my strap after me! Haha!

Yoga Blocks are a must too!

I used to be a huge block snob.  I thought I was too good for them, and they were just a prop that less flexible people need.  But my yoga instructors cured me of that!  I use these guys all the time now to help me get deeper into a pose.  They are a must have for me now.

Oh, and my bff Yoga Jellies!

I started having issues with my wrist and my right shoulder.  I guess I was over-zealous with my need to be as down a dog as possible.  So my teacher suggested I try out these Yoga Jellies. Once I started using these babies regularly, my wrist and shoulder issues vanished.  And these helped stabilize my poses even better.  I could NOT live without them. I would do yoga on the dirty, furry floor before I gave up my yoga jellies!

And finally, this Manduka bag.

I’m drooling over this Manduka bag.  My Manduka bag is very similar, but they must have discontinued it.  But this bag looks awesome and is the one that would have me whipping out my credit card in a second.  It looks like everything would fit in it, and it’s stylin’ and profilin’.

So, that’s all the yoga equipment that I use.  I love it and believe that it is the best yoga equipment you can buy. If you are committed to your yoga practice, I think you should seriously think about investing, first, in a good Manduka Mat.  If you can get it all right now, awesome.  But, if not, just add a piece here and there.  You will be so glad you did.  It’s like you don’t know what you are missing until you have it.

If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments. and I will do my best to answer!

xoxo

Gwen