My cat Bailey loves to sit on my yoga mat and blankets. It's all about comfort!

If you’re building a home yoga practice — especially a gentle one — the right tools can make all the difference. You just need a few items to help you stay comfortable, supported, and confident while you practice.

Over the years, I’ve discovered what is most helpful in creating more ease in my yoga practice. These are the same props I use every day in my classes, and they’re easy to keep handy at home. Since my students often ask me what I suggest for a home practice or where they can purchase the items we use in class, I've created this list as a helpful resource.

Links included on this page may be affiliate links. If you purchase an item with the link provided, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support!

1. Extra-Thick Yoga Mat

A good yoga mat is the foundation of your practice. I have always used and recommend Gaiam yoga mats. They are good quality, non-slip, and come in many thicknesses, designs and colors.

For gentle yoga, I recommend an extra-thick mat (at least ½ inch) to protect your knees, hips, and back — especially if your floors are hardwood or tile.

👉 Extra Thick Yoga Mats

👉Thick Yoga Mats with Multiple Colors and Patterns

Tip: Even if you’re doing chair yoga, place your mat under your chair to prevent slipping and add extra cushioning for your feet.

2. Cushioned Pads for Wrists and Knees

As we get older, wrists and knees can feel tender on the floor. Are your wrists and knees sore when you get up and down from your mat? If so, cushioned yoga pads add targeted support wherever you need it — under the knees in tabletop pose or beneath the wrists in a modified plank or downward dog.

👉Yoga Knee/Wrist Pads

They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and one of the simplest ways to make yoga more comfortable.

3. Yoga Blanket

A yoga blanket is endlessly useful — you can fold it for hip support, roll it for behind your knees, or simply use it to stay cozy during relaxation.
A firm, woven yoga blanket (rather than a fuzzy throw) is recommended because it holds its shape and provides gentle lift.

👉 Cotton Yoga Blanket

4. Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks bring the floor up to meet you, making standing and seated poses more accessible and safe.
In chair yoga, you can rest your hands on blocks beside your chair or use them under your feet for grounding.
I recommend the foam blocks which are lighter and softer, but still supportive.

👉 Yoga Blocks

5. 2-Pound Weighted Ball or Dumbbells

Adding light strength work to yoga is wonderful for helping to maintain bone density and muscle tone.
I love using 2-pound soft weighted balls or small dumbbells in my gentle yoga classes.
They help build strength in the arms and shoulders without putting strain on the joints. If you're new to using weights, I recommend starting lighter and building up from there. Most of my students start with 2 or 3 pound dumbbells.

The soft weighted ball adds a fun challenge in standing balance practices, ie: passing or tossing the ball from hand to hand while in tree pose.

👉 set of 2 lb. dumbbells

👉 set of 3 lb. dumbbells

👉 2 lb. soft weighted ball

6. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are easy to store, travel-friendly, and perfect for building upper and lower-body strength. The "Theraband" bands are high quality resistance bands used by most physical therapists. They come in Latex or Latex-free.

They add just enough resistance to improve stability and posture. For first-time users, I recommend the beginner set to start with and then progress to the intermediate set.

👉 Beginner Set of Resistance Bands

👉Intermediate Set of Resistance Bands

Final Thoughts

You don’t need an elaborate setup — just a few key pieces that help your body feel supported.
Store your mat, blanket, and props in a basket or bin so they’re easy to reach when you’re ready to practice.

A little preparation makes it easier to stay consistent and enjoy your time on the mat.

Yoga at home can be simple, safe, and deeply rewarding — especially with the right props to support your practice.
These items can help you feel steady, relaxed, and confident as you move, stretch, and breathe.

If you’d like personalized guidance or to join one of my gentle or chair yoga classes (online or in person), I’d love to help you get started.

Schedule a free call with me to discuss your options!