Required
The core kit
These show up across the Take10 library. You'll get the most out of your classes if you have them — but most have good substitutes if you'd rather start with what you've got.
Half round foam roller
12–24 inches long, about 3 inches high
Where to buy
Pro tip: Both Yoga Accessories and ProSource Fit have mailing lists — sign up for 10% off your first order.
Substitute with
A rolled-up towel, a rolled-up yoga mat, half a small log, or a folded blanket. These work for lots of exercises, but some really need a half dome. If you can source a full foam roller, you can cut it in half lengthwise.
Notes
These are well worth the investment. The blue ones from Yoga Accessories are more durable and feel better than white ones, and softer than black ones (but they don't work for people with latex allergies). Avoid the very hard black half rollers if you can.
Yoga bolster
8"–10" high, round if possible
Where to buy
US/CA/EU
Manduka — high quality, ships widely
Substitute with
Folded blankets, an old sleeping bag, or sofa cushions. These usually aren't as firm as a bolster but they'll work. Folded blankets or a couch cushion are best because they're firmer and give you more options.
Notes
I prefer round bolsters to square ones, but both are fine. We use ours for exercising but also for living — they definitely pay for themselves.
A mirror
Large, fairly portable, rests on the floor
Why it matters
Your practice will improve greatly when you can observe yourself. Seeing what your body is doing helps you detect movements that are very hard to feel — which means better changes faster. I don't recommend learning movement without one.
Where to buy
Any mirror will do, but a fairly large, fairly portable one that rests on the floor gives you the best views. Something like this, leaning on the wall, works well.
Notes
Having said all that — I've been practising for 8+ years without one due to travel, so don't let this be a barrier if you truly can't make it happen.
Yoga strap
8'–10' with loops, ideally 8'
Where to buy
In-store
Winners (often inexpensive), or most yoga studios
Substitute with
A belt, a necktie, a scarf — anything that isn't stretchy. Length is the main consideration.
Notes
Get an 8'–10' strap with loops for best results. I prefer 8' looped straps.
Yoga block
2" or 3" — both work
Where to buy
US
Half Moon — denser than cheaper options. Their cork blocks are very stable but can be uncomfortable.
Substitute with
A large old book duct-taped into a solid block. A stair. A rock. A chunk of wood.
Notes
2" blocks are more stable than 3" blocks — I like 3" personally. The higher the quality, the firmer the block.
Yoga Tune Up balls
Original (smallest) size
Substitute with
Tennis balls, pinky balls from the dollar store, or foam rollers will give you cheaper ways to mobilise. For your feet, any ball — or even a rock resting on a towel — works. But being kinder to your tissues is a good thing, especially at first, and the Yoga Tune Up balls have a really good texture.
Notes
A great body tool to help mobilise tissue and build body awareness — excellent for the feet. I recommend the original (smallest) size. Please don't use a lacrosse ball — you need something with a bit of give. Rubber balls are better than tennis balls.
A flat-seated chair
Flat seat, lightly upholstered in cloth
Notes
It's ironic to recommend a chair as equipment! But they're super versatile, most of us already have one, and they're great for working on balance and sitting with a neutral pelvis. They're also cheap, especially the folding kind.
Yoga mat
Any mat will do — denser is better
Where to buy
I love my Manduka mats — yes, there's a theme here.favourite
Substitute with
The floor is fine — just likely more slippery and dustier. It's up to you whether to invest, but I'm never that into practising without one.
Tune Up Coregeous Ball
Soft, inflatable, around 10"
Where to buy
Tune Up Coregeous Ball — a great tool for decreasing belly tension and giving yourself a really nice self-massage. Worth the investment if you have pelvic floor issues, digestive issues, or just love massages.
Substitute with
Any 10–12 inch inflatable Pilates ball works as a substitute. Please do not use a hard ball like a soccer ball.
Optional
Used occasionally in classes
If you're working with specific issues, these tools can accelerate your progress. They're not required, but they can be helpful additions.
Wedges
Substitute with
Small socks or a washcloth.
Notes
Wedges are a great foot tool but they take some practice to use well. I recommend them only if you want to take the time to learn and practise with them.
Light-to-medium resistance bands
Substitute with
Any resistance band with light-to-medium tension.
Notes
Useful for working on feet and ankles — I use them in later classes in the programme. I like medium tension.
Pull-up assist bands
Notes
Helpful for hinge training. The two lowest-resistance bands work well.
Small circle loop bands
Notes
Useful for hip and glute work.
Mobility sticks
Substitute with
Hardware-store 6'×1" dowels with rubber furniture tips work well — that's what I use. Broom handles work too, but don't use a flimsy thing like a Swiffer.
Notes
If you want to focus on joint mobility, a pair of sticks or dowels are really useful — not essential, but great to have.
A 2×4 or balance beam
Substitute with
Tape on the floor or a 2×4 piece of plywood.
Notes
Working on balance is very rewarding and helpful for feet and hips. A 2×4 is a good starting point for most people, but there are more balance-beam options if you want.
MELT Method Hand and Foot Kit
Substitute with
Any small rubber balls (pet toys work) and a thick elastic band like a broccoli band.
Notes
Pure luxury — but it's nice to have a wide variety of balls for mobilising your feet. I've had mine for 8 years and still use it all the time. Good if feet are one of your focuses.
Gym rings
Notes
An excellent way to practise hanging.
Adjustable ankle weights
Notes
Small weights are great for adding load to joint mobility work (CARs) and many shoulder exercises. Look for adjustable weights you can change from 1–5 lbs — that's plenty for mobility-focused work.
Textured ball
Notes
These provide more intense sensory feedback for foot rolling.
Take your time gathering your kit. The work matters more than the gear — and most of these have substitutes that will get you started today.— Petra
