6 yoga sets to complete your practice

Whether you practice yoga at home through online classes or just want the peace of mind to use your personal yoga props while traveling, having the right set can greatly improve your practice. From dynamic vinyasa flow to restorative and pregnancy yoga, we all need something different. Depending on what stage of life you are in or whether you are currently practicing as a couple, you will need a kit that is specifically tailored to you. Using yoga props is a great way to deepen your practice, honor your body according to its daily needs, and go deeper—physically and mentally—into a pose or meditation. Read on for 6 different yoga kits to suit your needs!

1. Active & Dynamic

A dynamic yoga practice like Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga or Power Yoga needs a yoga kit that can also be dynamic. TheYoga matsCork brickscan serve as a way to support the balance of asanas likeArdha Chandrasana(crescent), orTrikonasana(triangle), but is also a great support for core strength exercises. To use the prop to build core strength, lie on your front in Spinx pose with your elbows bent and forearms extended in front of you. Place the block between your thighs, squeeze firmly, tuck your toes, and lift into a forearm plank. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat twice more. TheYoga matsReclaimSticky yoga mathas an extra grippy surface that allows confidence and support as you flow through your practice. It's also super sustainable and made from reclaimed and recycled materials!

If you're the sweaty type or love hot yoga classes, this is itCork yoga matincreases grip the more you sweat, and theNon-slip mandala yoga mat towelis a great way to make your sweat-soaked yoga practice less slippery and more hygienic too.

As for clothing, yesGossypium Move cropped yoga topandGossypium Rhythm yoga shortsare beautiful essentials to wear while practicing and are the type of yoga clothing that can wear out whether you're going to brunch or going to a yoga class.

2. Restorative and restorative yoga

Restorative yoga is perhaps one of the best remedies for modern life. If you're always on the go, your muscles and mind are under a lot of strain, or you find it difficult to "switch off," it's time to add a recovery class or two to your weekly routine. Those already familiar with the practice know that when it comes to restorative yoga and props, the more the merrier! The idea of ​​restorative yoga is that your body is fully supported, your nervous system is relaxed and you can completely let go physically and mentally. Use oneCotton yoga blanketon the mat for added comfort and theOrganic cotton buckwheat pillowto support gentle restorative backbends. ASandbagcan totally change postures likeBalasana(child pose) andViparita Karani(legs up the wall), giving them a more grounded, earthy feel; Place the sandbag on your lower back in Child's Pose and on your feet if you have your legs on the wall. Of course a restorative practice would be complete without oneEye pillow, which adds an extra layer of relaxation to Savasana.

3. Yoga before birth

If you practice as a couple, we are there for you! And so are books likeYoga Mama: The Practitioner's Guide to Prenatal YogafromLinda Sparrowe, and thatPrenatal Yoga Academy Daily DozenWall mapto guide you through a daily round of soothing asanas. Give yourself space and support by saying yesogamatters buckwheat bolster, which you can pair with aLarge cork brickfor assisted forward folds and assisted chest openers. For this important relaxation time, use aNatural cotton blanketandEye pillow. Yoga pants and leggings can be hard to find if you need a little extra room, but theUrban Goddess Pranafied Pantsare not only beautiful and comfortable, but are also suitable as maternity trousers!

4. The travel set

If you need to save space in your suitcase and want to travel light, it may be hard to justify your yoga gear until now! Yoga Matters has created the perfect props to take with you on adventures and vacations so you can maintain your practice or simply stretch out after a long flight or road trip. TheEco travel yoga matis ultra-light and ultra-thin, plus it's foldable so it fits perfectly under your clothes when traveling without adding much extra weight!The classic yoga beltis a must for tight post-flight or post-drive routes, and if your travels are adventurous and active, theCork massage ball setHelps soothe and massage sore feet after a long day. If you want to travel minimally, that isGeorganics mouthwash tabletsA toiletry bag is indispensable, as are theseMalin+Goetz Mini Eucalyptus Deodorant.

5. Yoga for athletes

Many athletes, runners, and dedicated gym-goers use yoga to relax, relieve stress, and relieve tension and tension from sore muscles. Yoga postures are a great complement to activities like running, cycling, and strength training, helping you maintain healthy mobility and recover faster after a hard session at the gym or on the track. For rest and recovery days, there are some special new Yoga Matters props that will work wonders for your muscles; try thisCork massage ballSet for rolling out the soles of the feet, which can help prevent and treat plantar fasciitis and tight Achilles tendons. TheCork massage fascia rolleris a sustainable way to make your own training program more sustainable - massage the leg and back muscles, which promotes blood circulation, reduces tension and thus prevents injuries. TheCork peanut rollercan pinpoint specific nodes that are often difficult to reach with other therapies and works wonders specifically for the calves, the muscles at the front of the shins, and the muscles on either side of the spine. The best thing about these three props is that they are all made from the bark of the cork tree, which is sustainable, renewable and recyclable and is naturally antibacterial!

6. Yoga for seniors

As we get older, we need a slightly different approach to yoga - not necessarily reducing or stopping what we love to do, but adding a few additional self-care practices to ensure we feel great at any age. After menopause, hormones such as estrogen begin to decline, as does the production of collagen and elastin, all of which can contribute to mild loss of bone density, joint pain, and stiffness. Maintaining bone and joint health are just a few of the reasons to make yoga a lifelong practice, as well as its ability to improve healthy breathing habits and reduce stress, both of which have a connection to longevity. Bodyweight exercises and postures such as planks, downward dog, and standing postures such as Warrior 1 and 2 can all help maintain strength in the wrists, shoulder, hip, and ankle joints while maintaining important muscle strength. TheRevive yoga matis 5mm thick, provides supportive cushioning for the joints and is one of the lightest mats on the marketNatural cotton blanketon the hand means you can use it under the knees or hips for extra cushioning. For days when you need a gentler practice, chair yoga is also the perfect way to continue practicing without putting strain on your joints;(link removed)is a complete Iyengar guide to practicing yoga with a chair, and theYogamatters chairis a strong and robust support for practicing. Regardless of age, using a chair can be a great way to experiment with different ways to practice postures, and it also adds minimalist style to the home!

Discover more yoga essentials, shop more Yogamatters best-selling mats, bolsters and propsHere.