Yoga Equipment Buyers' Guide

Yoga is more than just poses and stretches. It also uses breathing exercises, meditation and in some instances philosophy. For many people yoga is a form of exercise only, whilst for others it can be a whole way of being to bring harmony between mind and body. In terms of just the exercise and stretches, there are numerous scientific studies showing that yoga can improve balance, reduce pain, enhance strength and even a person's quality of life - particularly as we age.

The right equipment can transform your yoga practice, making it more varied, more enjoyable, and/or safer. Yoga equipment can also help practitioners to progress their stretches incrementally; in a safe, systematic manner.

Modern equipment also increases the range of exercises a person can do for yoga, or yoga related strength, balance and posture. For example, yoga balls and wheels increase the total number of exercises available, whilst wobble and balance boards increase the difficulty. Bands and straps help people perform challenging poses safely.

This guide walks you through the essentials beyond just a yoga mat. The guide will cover the pros and cons of different materials, what sizes are best for you, and how to spot quality without spending more than you should.

For example, lying on a roller with your upper back, will increase the distance from your body to floor, meaning you can stretch your arms out further and stretch out your chest more effectively.

Quick Note on Yoga Mats

Your mat is more than just a surface. It grounds you, and is fundamental to your comfort, hygiene and enjoyment of yoga. We have written a complete yoga mat guide covering materials, thickness, grip, size and all the details that matter. Check out our yoga mat buyers guide for everything you need to know about choosing the right mat.

In this guide, we will mostly focus on the props and equipment that work alongside your mat. This equipment genuinely improves your practice once you have established your foundation.

Soft, lightweight and forgiving, foam blocks offer the most support for more vulnerable areas and joints like knees, hips and the spine. As they are so light, foam blocks are also the easiest to carry and travel with. The soft curved edges and delicate touch and feel, makes foam blocks more forgiving and sometimes more comfortable to lean on.

Cork yoga blocks are sustainable and stay firm for decades. They have a natural texture that is pleasing and allows you to grip the blocks effectively and comfortably. They offer stability, hygiene and a grounded feel. Denser and heavier than foam, cork blocks tend to hold steady and can be more effective at helping with balance. The natural texture of cork, and its suberin content means grip should actually improve when you begin to sweat.  Cork's natural antimicrobial properties keep it hygienic and odour-free.

An eco-friendly choice, cork is harvested from trees without having to cut them down. The cork is stripped from the exterior of the tree. Cork oak trees regenerate, and the harvested tree absorbs significantly more carbon dioxide than non-harvested trees. Studies confirm that cork oak forests act as long‑term carbon sinks, storing carbon both in the living trees and in the cork that is periodically harvested and used in products, while the trees continue to grow and regenerate new bark.

Wood blocks are the firmest option but they tend to be less popular than foam and cork designs. Wooden blocks are less forgiving and can hurt if you accidentally kneel on one for example. They are not ideal for flow sequences where you might put them down quickly and move over them. Most instructors don't use them as they are also a bit too noisy for some classrooms and studios.

Size and How to Use Them

Most blocks will measure approximately 23cm by 15cm by 7cm. Blocks can be placed on the floor in different ways depending on your needs and the pose you are performing. Placing the block flat gives you the lowest support but the greatest level of stability. If the block is on its side you get medium range and balance, and standing tall gives maximum height to reach poses, but this offers limited stability.

Three block heights - Think of the block as having three usable heights:

• Low: Block lying flat (largest surface on the floor) - lowest height, most stability.
• Medium: Block on its long, narrow side - medium height with moderate stability.
• High: Block standing on its short end - maximum height, least stability, best used when you need extra reach but can still balance well.

You choose the height based on how much extra reach or support you need: lower for more stability, higher for more height.

Blocks for Standing Poses

Blocks are excellent when it comes to standing poses, especially for those struggling with the flexibility or the range of motion required to reach the floor. Instead of rounding your back, you can rest your hand on a block. This dramatically reduces the risk of injury and poor form.

Blocks for Sitting & Mat Poses

Many people, especially those who sit down a lot, have some kind of pelvic tilt and/or tight hip flexors. Sitting on blocks can help you to tilt your pelvis forwards, and make it easier to fold/stretch from the hips rather than rounding your lower back. In restorative poses, blocks can help you relax by providing support and stability. You can also use blocks to cushion vulnerable areas of the body. The sacrum or knees for example. This allows you to rest in a position for minutes, rather than seconds and reduces discomfort substantially. For any yoga inversions, using a block under your shoulders in Shoulderstand pose for example, can protect your neck from too much pressure. Under your hands in Crow pose they bring the floor closer while you are building strength.

Yoga Block Benefits

• Improves alignment by effectively “bringing the floor closer” to your hands or feet so poses feel more stable and relaxing.
• Supports flexibility by allowing beginners to work safely into stretches that strain and target tight hips and hamstrings while still maintaining good form.
• Reduces strain on wrists, knees and lower back by providing extra height and support in weight-bearing poses.
• Helps build strength when squeezed between the thighs, held between the hands or used to increase the load in standing & core poses.
• Enhances balance in standing & one-legged poses by offering a stable contact point.
• Allows advanced practitioners to deepen poses and refine technique, using the block to explore greater range of motion with control.
• Enables more comfortable, restorative practice by supporting the body so you can relax into longer holds without overloading joints.
• Encourages better body awareness, helping yogis at every level to feel optimal alignment & engage the right muscles in each pose.
• Used for corrective posture adjustments. For example, people with tight hamstrings - sitting on a block in seated forward folds tilts your pelvis forward and makes proper form possible.

For example, if you are tall or have particularly tight hamstrings, the extra length means you are not straining to reach the strap - often an issue if you are trying to hold a Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana). Longer straps also let you get somewhat creative with your holds and poses. You can make loops of different sizes, wrap them multiple times for adjustable resistance, or use them in partner stretches. You can always shorten a long strap by adjusting where you hold it.

Where Straps Transform Your Practice

Hamstring stretches become accessible to almost everyone when you use a strap. Lying on your back with the strap around your foot, you can straighten your leg properly instead of keeping it bent because you cannot reach and grab or touch your toes. Practitioners can perform the stretch correctly, instead of a bent leg version that does not target the hamstrings as effectively.

Shoulder stretches benefit hugely from using straps too. For beginners, trying to clasp your hands behind your back is a position most people are not able to reach. A strap bridges the gap. You still get the shoulder opening and stretching without forcing a grip your body is not ready for. This makes the practice more rewarding and safer.

Seated forward folds (touching your toes whilst sat on the mat) with the strap around your feet, let you "hinge from your hips". Keeping your back in a natural position, even if you have really tight hamstrings you can pull yourself forward without straining and pulling yourself downwards and rounding your back. The difference in how it feels is enormous. It is also much safer and more effective for relaxation and improving flexibility.

Some people use straps for supported balance poses too. Loop it around your foot in Extended Hand to Big Toe (standing on one foot with the free leg held out straight to the side) and you can work on the balance and hip opening without the flexibility challenge at the same time.

Long loop style resistance bands like the FORZA Power Bands, are especially versatile for yoga and mobility work. They can be used to assist balance poses when securely anchored, support dynamic warm ups with progressive resistance, or add gentle resistance to flowing movements. For example, a light band held slightly wider than shoulder width can support arm circles and shoulder mobility work, while looping a band around the foot when lying supine (on your back) can assist with hamstring stretches.

Looped latex resistance bands, available in multiple resistance levels, are designed to maintain consistent stretch while remaining durable over repeated use. As with most resistance based training protocols and tools, bands should be used with slow, controlled tension. Selecting an appropriate resistance level and maintaining focus through each movement helps ensure safe, effective progression.

Yoga Wheels for Deep Backbends

Yoga wheels can be described as circular props for backbends and other deep stretches. If you have tight shoulders, hips and/or lower back, you may wish to consider buying one. If you specifically want to work on back stretches, then start slowly and carefully. Ideally with a professional instructor supervising. The deep backbends that they allow, can be especially helpful for people who sit for long periods. Just start slowly and consult a professional if you are unsure of anything. The back and spine are delicate so slow and steady is the way.

What Yoga Wheels Do

A yoga wheel supports your spine in backbends. Yoga wheels let you arch further than you could unsupported. You lie back over it and the curve deepens your extension. As you get more flexible, you can move it to different points along your spine for varied stretches. Being able to arch and hold the position for longer periods, could also help with "spinal decompression". Whilst the research on the benefits of spinal decompression is limited, it does seem to offer at least some temporary relief for people suffering with certain lower back and neck conditions.

Beyond backbends, yoga wheels also work for core strengthening. Balancing on the wheel while rolling forward and back engages your abs, hip flexors and inner core muscles. Some people use them for assisted balance poses or as a rolling massage tool for tight muscles. Known as "myofascial release", yoga wheels can be used to target knots and tight muscles, to provide pain relief and as a warm up before stretching. There is a growing body of research showing that myofascial release combined with stretching, can be effective for tight muscles and lower back pain.

Yoga Recovery Equipment

Some forms of yoga, by their nature are relaxing and additional recovery exercises might not be required. However, some more strenuous forms of yoga, for example Ashtanga yoga, can cause lots of muscle soreness (and growth) especially when you are a beginner. After your first session, your body may actually feel very stiff. If you are not used to stretching through certain ranges, your body will often try and protect itself by engaging in "protective muscle tone" - also known as "muscle guarding". This is normal and is the body's way of protecting your body until it gets accustomed to your new yoga regime.

Yoga recovery tools, including massage balls and foam rollers, are great for anyone who sits down for long periods, and/or has stiff muscles. This type of equipment helps to improve circulation, reduces muscle stiffness and can help alleviate tension in problem areas. For example, if you have a knot in your glute, or particularly tight hamstrings, then using a foam roller and massage ball before you stretch and do yoga can be beneficial.

If you are able to obtain both at an affordable price, cork massage balls can be used for more tender and sensitive areas near the neck for example, whilst a lacrosse ball can be used for 'deeper' work in the glutes or thighs.

Key Benefits of FORZA Yoga Rollers & Balls

• Support deep muscle release and everyday mobility
• Improve circulation and reduces stiffness between sessions
• Targets both large muscle groups and precise trigger points
• Hygienic, sustainable and long lasting natural cork
• Suitable for yoga, Pilates, running, rehab and gym training

When to Use Recovery Equipment

As mentioned above, despite the name "recovery", you can use rollers and massage balls shortly before a yoga session, to relax areas of tension. There is also some evidence to suggest that using a foam roller and/or a massage ball after a practice or gym session to relax muscles and support recovery can be very beneficial. It is also common for people to use recovery tools once or twice daily to maintain flexibility and prevent additional muscle tension and postural inefficiencies from arising. For example, if you are hunched over a laptop all day, using a foam roller to massage the back and lower neck, and to hold upper body stretches on, can provide relief and help you to maintain correct posture and head/neck alignment.

If flexibility, comfort in poses or general muscle tightness is a challenge for you, adding recovery tools to your kit can make a noticeable difference to how your body feels and how freely you move. Balls and rollers are used by many athletes and by the general population - specifically for "trigger point therapy". A trigger point is a tightly contracted area of muscle fibres - sometimes described as a "micro-cramp". This contraction can restrict blood flow, cause pain and create compensatory movement patterns that cause issues elsewhere in the body. Using a ball or roller on the area helps to increase "ischemic compression" - applying direct pressure to an area to reduce blood flow, then releasing it for "reperfusion" (restoration of blood flow). Nobody is actually 100% sure why, but this helps to alleviate pain and in some instances, completely remove muscle knots when done on a daily basis as part of a training programme or rehab programme.

Finally, one major benefit of using a foam roller, is that unlike static stretching, it increases flexibility and range of motion immediately after use, without a temporary weakening of the muscles. It is therefore ideal for warming up before doing sport, or a gym session. The fact that recovery tools can quickly relax muscles and make them more flexible, makes their use before yoga very beneficial too.

Yoga Balance Equipment

Balance is a core component of yoga. Whilst the ancient yogis of India probably didn't use balance boards, they are still very useful for modern yogis. Any tool that can help you progress in terms of your ability to control your body through extended movements, and hold a pose on one leg, or on one arm - will transfer and directly help your yoga poses and balances. Balance and core strength is also an essential skill and ability for everyone from pro-athletes to elderly citizens to develop and maintain for better performance, injury prevention and mobility in general life.

Great value, balance cushions are accessible and highly effective. The cushions create subtle, unpredictable movement underfoot or under the hands which force stabilisation muscles, and often core muscles to engage. Performing press ups with your hands or feet on one or more balance cushions for example, can create a highly effective balance and core strength exercise. Yoga and stability balls can be used in a similar manner. From planks, to press ups, they are excellent for turning standard exercises into balance and stability training. Be careful when you first use them, it is easy to fall. If you try and perform a lunge on a balance cushion for example, the first time will likely be a 'very wobbly' experience, so be careful you don't fall over or hurt your knee or ankle.

Yoga & Pilates Equipment

Yoga and Pilates share some common themes. They both emphasise controlled movement, posture, core engagement and breath awareness. Pilates places more emphasis on controlled strength especially through deep core muscles that stabilise the spine and pelvis. Pilates equipment such as Pilates bars can complement your yoga routine. The portable bar allows you to perform a wide range of exercises that can help you to develop the hip and shoulder strength required for poses like Warrior III and Chaturanga.

Pilates rings (sometimes called "magic circles") are excellent tools for targeting smaller, often neglected muscle groups used to squeeze objects between your hands, thighs and ankles. They are particularly good at targeting and building hip adductor and abductor strength, which improves poses like wide-legged forward folds.

Matching Yoga Equipment to Your Practice Style

Different yoga styles need different kit. What works for hot yoga might not be so good for your yin yoga class, and vice versa. The table below provides a quick overview of the demands of each practice and how that impact equipment design and choice.

Hot and Power Yoga - Props are minimal with these yoga styles. You will sweat lots. Have a towel handy and maybe a block for occasional use. A water bottle is essential. Beyond that, this style is mostly about your mat and your effort.

Gentle and Restorative Yoga - This is where props earn their keep. You will normally use two blocks minimum. A strap helps you ease into stretches without jerking. A blanket or two for extra support and warmth.

Yin Yoga - Similar to restorative but the holds target deep connective tissue. You need blocks to support joints and for longer holds, and blankets for comfort. A strap helps you find the right depth in stretches without muscular effort.

Vinyasa and Flow - One or two blocks cover most needs. A strap occasionally. You are moving through poses fairly quickly so you do not need the extensive propping of slower styles. 

Outdoor Practice - Bring what you need but keep it light. Blocks and a strap pack easily. A bolster is bulky for outdoor sessions unless you are driving and setting up camp somewhere. A blanket to sit on protects you from damp grass and doubles as a prop.

Forgetting About Storage - Props take up space. Think about where you will keep them before you buy any. Blocks stack neatly and straps roll up small. A storage basket or shelf keeps everything tidy and means you are more likely to practice because your gear is organized and ready. In fact, in the bestselling book Atomic Habits by James Clear, the author explains that habits are not just about motivation, they are also influenced by how easy or hard an action is to begin. The more steps, effort, or inconvenience involved, the more friction exists. If you are looking to adopt a new home yoga training schedule, make all of your equipment as easy to access as possible. If you have space, you could even leave your mat and blocks out all the time.

Not Considering Transport - If you go to classes, weight matters. Carrying lots of equipment across town can feel like a big effort sometimes. Think about the weight of the equipment and props, and how you will transport them. You might need a yoga carry strap and/or a new sports bag for example. 

Yoga Equipment FAQs

When to Replace - Blocks and straps should last 2-3 years or more. The metal D rings outlast the webbing on straps normally. Mats should also last several years. The main variable in terms of longevity will be how well you clean and store your yoga equipment after use. If you use a block daily and leave it in the car boot all the time, its longevity will decrease substantially.

Making Your Decision

Yoga is beautiful, in that it is simple. It can be performed anywhere you have a bit of space and a flat, clean floor. However, thanks to the ever increasing range of fitness and yoga equipment available online and on the high street, finding the right yoga equipment can feel overwhelming. Hopefully this guide has already narrowed things down a bit to make your informed purchases easier.

With many options and styles, each product will tend to have some specific pros and cons. Some yoga equipment brands will also look to focus on comfort, others on durability, sustainability or portability. Knowing what matters most helps you invest wisely. Whether you practice at home, in a studio, or outdoors, your equipment affects your safety, performance, and enjoyment.

In addition, knowing what your goals are, and what style of yoga you are doing will also help you to narrow down your choice of equipment.

Net World Sports Yoga Equipment Range

At Net World Sports we offer an extensive range of yoga gear to suit all requirements and budgets. If you're looking for a complete bundle to get started, our yoga set includes everything you need. With a yoga mat, yoga belt, carrying strap and 2 yoga blocks, you have everything you required to take your yoga asanas to the next level.

As well as yoga sets, we also stock a wide range of yoga equipment and accessories including yoga wheels, yoga blocks and yoga balls. All of our yoga equipment is made from the highest quality materials and is designed by our inhouse UK team.

Yoga is a great form of exercise that can be done pretty much anywhere. It is fantastic for relieving stress, improving flexibility, bone density, balance and strength. Investing in a yoga mat is a smart move that will certainly help you to improve your health and wellbeing (as long as you use it!). To view our full range of yoga mats and accessories, including yoga bands and straps, visit our yoga equipment page.