Say “yes” to yoga
Researchers and trainers consider yoga to be a healthy exerciseโand a great one to add to your workouts. There are plenty of physical benefits, such as enhancing flexibility and promoting the circulation of blood and oxygen to our organs, explains Stephanie Mansour, Chicago-based weight-loss coach and corporate wellness trainer. But there are plenty of mental benefits as well. “Mentally, we become more mindful, quiet our thoughts, feel more peaceful, and become more relaxed,” Mansour says. So if someone on your gift list is big into yoga, gift them something that will enhance their practice and encourage them to continue. Here are some of the top-rated yoga gifts on Amazon to inspire your holiday shopping. Learn more about the surprising benefits of yoga.
AmazonBasics Yoga & Exercise Mat with Carrying Strap
$17
An affordable, easy-to-travel-with yoga mat is a no brainer for any yoga lover. It has all the basic qualities you’re looking for with a super-low price tag, so you can easily just stick it in your car or keep it in your gym locker. “It’s great for all types of yogaโhot, gentle, slow flow, etc.,” says Mansour “You can be rough with these and not feel guilty if you need to buy a new one or ruin it.”
Gurus Cork Yoga Mat with Natural Rubber Bottom
$99
Yoga lovers will not only appreciate the natural and eco-friendly design of this cork-made yoga mat, but they will also love its supportive layer of sustainably sourced rubber. “It’s a true non-slip mat because it’s topped with a thin layer of cork that naturally displaces moisture and gets gripper when wet,” explains Ashley Matejka, NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Alliance RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, and Yoga Nidra Facilitator. “The best part is that Gurus has teamed up with Trees For The Future and a tree is planted for every Gurus product sold.” Here are 15 of the best yoga mats on Amazon.
Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat
$38
Many yogis are always on the goโto and from class. That’s why a travel-friendly mat can come in handy. This one, by Manduka, is a favorite of Nealy Fischer, certified yoga teacher, founder of The Flexible Chef, and author of Food You Want. “It’s thin, lightweight, offers amazing grip, folds into any available spot in your tote bag or suitcase, is made of biodegradable plastic, and it won’t flake or fade,” she says.
Yoga Jellies
$55
Have bad knees? Instead of folding your mat one or two times, consider these handy gels for extra padding. “Most of us have been conditioned to persevere through pain, but Yoga Jellies allow you to challenge your body during your practice without the counterproductive pain,” says Matejka. “They’re a great way to protect your joints during practice, especially your knees and wrists.”
Manduka eQua Yoga Mat Towel
$32
A yoga towel is a handy accessory to bring with you to any class, from Bikram to vinyasa. “It’s great for absorbing sweat, keeping your mat dry, and helping your hands and feet stay in place,” says Fischer. “I also love how it’s soft, lightweight, and offers split microfiber technology for better moisture absorption and wet-grip.” These 50 fitness myths could seriously damage your health.
REEHUT Yoga Strap
$6
Mansour uses this yoga strap to work out the tightness in her shoulders and neck when she’s at homeโbut it’s great for use in a yoga class as well to work out any kinks before you begin. “Just sit on your mat and do some shoulder and chest opening exercises while holding onto the strap,” she says. Here are 7 healthy reasons your child should be doing yoga.
Get Loved Up Nutrition Organic Vanilla Protein
$30
Koya Webb, celebrity holistic health coach, yoga teacher, and author of Let Your Fears Make You Fierce, relies on this protein powder for a quick energy boost after a tough yoga class. “It allows my body to recover faster and relieves any soreness I might feel the next day,” she says.
Uhawi Yoga Mat Bag Large Yoga Mat Tote Sling Carrier
$28
Any yoga lover lugging around the equipment they need for their practice will have trouble doing so without a bag to fit everything in. This one can store up to two mats, yoga blocks and anything else you’ll need for class. It has two velcro and zipper pockets to keep your small items safe too.
YogaAccessories MAXSupport Deluxe Rectangular Cotton Yoga Bolster
$40
With nearly five stars and more than 160 ratings, it’s clear to see this bolster is a hit with the yogi crowd. Alison Heilig, running coach, personal trainer, yoga teacher, and author of The Durable Runner: A Guide to Injury-Free Running, is a huge fan. “The cover is removable and washable and it’s super thick and sturdy, which it’s excellent for restorative poses.”
Liforme Original Yoga Mat
$150
This yoga mat might be on the pricier side, but its 4.5-star rating from 331 reviewers attest that it’s worth the expense. It’s made from entirely biodegradable materials and has an impressive grip that won’t slip even in the sweatiest of classes. Looking for an easy stretching routine? Try this.
ANDI Women’s The ANDI Small Tote
$158
For a carry-all tote that a yoga lover can take to and from class, or just about anywhere, this is a great buy. Its camo print is super in-style and it can be worn in three different ways. “They’re so great for a busy yoga teacher who is between locations,” says Megan Kearney, Yoga Medicine instructor. “My bag holds a laptop, headphones, change of clothing, water bottle, personal effects, and a yoga mat.”
YogaDirect Deluxe Mexican Yoga Blanket
$26
Most of us look forward to the end of class where your teacher instructs you to get into Shavasana, or corpse pose. This is where you can use your blanket to warm your body as you let go of all your muscle tension and simply melt into your mat. Heilig loves this blanket, which she gets compliments on all the time. “It’s thicker than other yoga blankets, it’s way more durable, it’s machine washable, and it comes in 11 fun colors!”
Free People Jaden Ribbed Knit Fringe Shawl/Wrap
$48
A cold day won’t keep a yogi away from class, so a nice, warm scarf is essential. “This scarf does multiple tasks in my life and rolls up and tucks into my bag at the end of the day,” says Kearney. “I take it when I travel, rolling it around my neck for air travel, and as a blanket on red-eyes between coasts.” Read about these 11 people who got in the best shape of their lives after 50.
$48
- Ashley Matejka, NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Alliance RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, and Yoga Nidra Facilitator
- Nealy Fischer, certified yoga teacher, founder of The Flexible Chef, and author
- Stephanie Mansour, Chicago-based weight loss coach and corporate wellness trainer
- Koya Webb, celebrity holistic health coach, yoga teacher, and author
- Alison Heilig, running coach, personal trainer, yoga teacher, and author
- Megan Kearney, Yoga Medicine instructor