5 Yoga Accessories for Beginners Under 30€

Getting started with yoga doesn't require a huge investment. With a few affordable—and well-chosen—accessories, you'll gain comfort, safety, and progress. Here's a practical, hands-on guide to the 5 best accessories for beginners , each under $30, with buying tips and simple exercises to help you use them from your first session.

Why invest little but well?

Many beginners think that yoga requires expensive equipment. In reality, three or four well-chosen props are enough to correct alignment, adapt postures, and avoid compensations. The right props also help you stay consistent: less pain, more comfort, more desire.

1. The compact non-slip mat (≈10–25€)

A non-slip mat is the number one accessory. For a beginner, the ideal is a mat that has enough grip for standing poses and transitions, but not necessarily ultra-thick (4–6 mm is a good compromise).

What to watch

• Grip: texture and material (TPE, natural rubber if possible).
• Thickness: 3–6 mm for a good balance between comfort and stability.
• Size: at least 60×170 cm or your height + 10 cm.

Exercises to get started

• Tadasana (mountain pose): feel the support of the 4 corners of the foot.
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog): Check that the hands do not slip.

2. The yoga brick (≈6–20€)

The brick (or block) is a modular tool for regaining range of motion without forcing. It supports the hand, foot, or glutes and allows you to achieve the correct posture even when flexibility is lacking.

Choosing your brick

• Material: foam for lightness, cork for durability and grip.
• Dimensions: standard 23×15×7.5 cm — easy to slip into a bag.

Simple exercises

• Virabhadrasana II (warrior II): front hand on brick if you are not yet on the floor.
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Butterfly Pose): Brick under the head or under each knee for support.

3. The yoga strap (≈5–15€)

The strap helps extend arms and legs when flexibility is limited. Essential for working hamstrings and opening shoulders without compensating.

How to choose it

• Length: 2–3 m is ideal.
• Closure: D-ring or simple clip; the buckle is often sufficient to begin with.

Exercises to progress

• Assisted Paschimottanasana: Grab the strap around the soles of your feet to keep your back long.
• Shoulder stretch: hold the strap behind the back to open the chest.

4. The light elastic band (≈5–15€)

The elastic band provides gentle support and assistance with opening postures—very useful if you lack mobility or to correct posture during a series of exercises.

Common use

• Assisting a Chaturanga: Band around the shoulder blades to keep alignment.
• Hamstring stretch: Fix around one foot to lift the leg guided by the band.

5. Light blanket or plaid (≈10–25€)

A folded blanket is versatile: support under the knees, under the head for relaxation, or as a cushion for long sitting postures.

Why it's useful

• Comfort: Reduces stress on knees and hips when sitting.
• Support: For gentle inversions or moderate twists.

A complete kit for less than €30 per accessory

With these five accessories, you have a very versatile starter kit: mat, brick, strap, band, and blanket. Most online retailers and sports stores offer starter sets, often at discounted prices. Focus on the grip of the mat and the quality of the strap/brick—the rest can be budget-friendly.

Buying and maintenance advice

• Check the materials: Avoid mats containing a lot of PVC if you prefer a healthier option (TPE or natural rubber).
• Washing: Hand wash strap and bands, wipe mat with a damp cloth + mild soap.
• Transport: choose a bag or carrying strap for the mat if you are going to a group class.

Simple Routine for Beginners

Here is a 20-minute mini-sequence using these props:

1. Seated breathing (3 min) on the blanket.
2. Standing warm-up: modified salutations (5 min) on the mat.
3. Virabhadrasana II with brick (3 min per side).
4. Hamstring stretch with strap (2 min per leg).
5. Restorative posture: Supta Baddha Konasana with blanket (5 min).

Quick FAQ

Should I buy all these accessories right away?

Start with the mat and brick. Add the strap and blanket as needed.

Do accessories change the practice?

They make it more accessible and safe, which helps you stay consistent—the key to progress.

Conclusion

For less than €30 per prop, you can put together a yoga kit that makes learning easier, protects your joints, and makes the poses more enjoyable. Invest in a good non-slip mat and a quality block, then add to it according to your goals: flexibility, relaxation, or dynamic flow.