Essential means you absolutely have to have it. If you are biking, you need a bike, and rowing, you need a boat. Yoga requires only one piece of gear, and that is a yoga mat. Note: I’ve chosen to use the word equipment because it’s necessary. You can also call it yoga gear or kit. The term “accessories” is not quite the same, though, because it’s suggestive of something that’s an add-on. The amount of gear you need will depend on the type of yoga you practice. Vinyasa yoga typically uses only a block, while Iyengar has so much gear that it’s common to see ropes and wheels. However, all physical yoga practices, aka asana, need a yoga mat. Yoga Mats A yoga mat is a specific item that is roughly 2 feet by 6 feet (61cm by 180cm) that is designed to give you grip and stability while practicing. I take the time to point this out because not just anything will do. I’ve seen people bring straw mats that are better suited to the beach, huge foam exercise mats, and too many other creative items to list. But they are all poor substitutes because a yoga mat has a particular purpose. So you don’t die. Purpose Of A Yoga Mat Safety That might be a bit of hyperbole, but not much. The primary purpose of a yoga mat is to keep you safe and prevent injuries. Most injuries that happen in a yoga room are from slips and falls. The risk increases as the amount of sweat produced goes up. Yoga mats counter slippage by providing a stable surface that is often textured and designed for grip. A mat gives you something you can stand on that won’t move, but not all yoga mats are the same. Note: Slippage was how the yoga mat was born when a yoga teacher removed a rug to use the non-slip pad underneath. Comfort and Cushion The other purpose of a yoga mat is to provide cushion for your joints. It does this by being dense so that you don’t feel the hard floor underneath you. And you do want to practice yoga on a hard surface if possible. Balancing is challenging enough without trying to do it on carpet. But hard surfaces can beat up your knees and be unforgiving on your joints which is why you want a good mat. Buy Quality Tools Why buy quality tools? Better Quality Confidence Long-Lasting Cheaper Overall Better tools are better. They are made of better materials, serve their purpose well, and will last longer. The same holds true for yoga mats. A premium yoga mat will cost you $90-$140. To put that in comparison, a good pair of running shoes costs $115-$120 and has to be replaced yearly. Cycling and spinning shoes cost $100 for a cheap, decent pair, not to mention the cost of the bike. Price is always a consideration, but yoga practitioners get by with relatively inexpensive equipment compared to other athletic endeavors. A cheap yoga mat costs about $20, which seems like a bargain. But cheap mats tend to be much slicker, will not provide adequate cushioning, and wear out every year if you practice regularly. That’s why it’s better to invest in a good mat if you think you will keep practicing yoga. What if you aren’t sure if yoga is right for you? You can borrow a mat from a friend or rent them from a yoga studio. Most yoga studios offer rentals, where you pay a couple of dollars and get to use a mat for a session. But once you decide yoga is going to be something you do, buy a high-quality mat. I’m always a little leary of yoga studio mat rentals because some studios simply recycle their lost and found mats as rentals. Then there’s the issue of cleanliness. Yes, we offer loaner mats for students at our studio who are new or just forgot their mat. They are premium mats, offered at no charge, and are sanitized for each student. That means they are clean, and the bacteria have been destroyed. Needless to say, offering free, clean, quality mats is not the best strategy if you want to sell a bunch of mats. But it’s a core part of who we are. A yoga mat is the one piece of essential equipment yoga you need for yoga. When you invest in a quality mat, like the one recommended below, it will serve you for however long you practice. And it’s cheaper overall, not only because you only ever have to buy one, but because a bad fall can cost you money in medical bills, lost time at work, and pain and discomfort.