Pools are opening, barbecues are happening, and everyone is planning their summer vacation. But wait, what are you missing? Yoga! Summer is the perfect time to upgrade your yoga gear so you can get in shape, and yoga accessories make great gifts for friends and family.
Here are five yoga accessories that can carry you through the summer.
1. Travel Yoga Mat
Taking your regular yoga mat with you can be a pain, especially if you need to head to work and just want to take your bag or purse. A travel yoga mat is thin and lightweight, making it easy to take with you while you run errands or go out to a yoga class at lunch.
Because they’re thinner, they do well with some padding underneath, making them a good choice for practicing yoga if you’re on vacation at the beach or on the grass at a local park. You can also bring a travel mat to discreetly use in your hotel room during a business trip. Or, if you’re adventurous, you can even take it on a backpacking trip to Europe!
In short, travel yoga mats are great for providing a convenient way for you to practice yoga anytime, anywhere without needing to consider the size of your yoga mat, all while having the same grip as a regular yoga mat.
2. Yoga Block
Are you still trying to build up your strength and flexibility? Then you need to try out a yoga block!
They can assist with holding poses for longer until you can do it on your own, which keeps you safe from falls or sprains.
And yoga blocks aren’t just for beginners. They can also create the opportunity for experienced yogis to push themselves into more extensive postures.
3. Meditation Pillow
While some people view yoga as an intense workout, others just want to relax and reap the mental health benefits that come with quietly sitting with their thoughts and focusing on their breath. A meditation pillow can help ease you into relaxation as you lay your head on the floor.
You can also relieve muscular tension in your lower back by placing a meditation pillow underneath, which can come in handy when you’re lifting your legs toward the sky and you need just a little extra support.
4. Grippy Socks
The last thing you want to worry about when you’re in hot yoga doing dolphin pose is if your socks can stand up to the sweat, or if you’re about to head to urgent care after you faceplant on the floor. This is where the grippy socks shine! They can give you that extra coverage to prevent slipping, and even if you’re not in a hot yoga class, they can help you feel more secure as a beginner.
And if you find yourself without a yoga mat, combine grippy socks with grippy yoga gloves and you can still practice yoga safely in a pinch.
5. Yoga Towel
If you’re checking out that outdoor rooftop yoga class, which just so happens to be in the grueling heat, hold it right there! You might want to look into bringing a yoga towel with you to keep your mat from getting too slippery.
Yoga towels are unique in that they’re designed to be just about the same size as your yoga mat. Remember to pour a bit of water on them before use – this is what allows them to stick to the mat and keep you steady.
They’re also easy to clean, you just need to throw them in the washer after your workout and they’ll be ready to go for your next session.
Bring On the Summer
There you have it! Whether you’re sweating all over your mat to get fit or you’re approaching yoga looking for a serene escape, these ideas should give you a head start on exploring the world of summer-friendly yoga accessories.