The Jade Harmony is the best all-around yoga mat I can recommend. It’s got good grip, has just enough thickness to support a steady practice, and will last a couple years for the beginner who keeps it clean, washes occasionally, and respects it like their best putter or go-to game stick.

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I love this mat. Sure, it’s got zero thickness but it packs up to the size of a paperback copy of The Power Broker and you can take this portable man cave anywhere. On the road or staying at the in-laws or a hotel. Roll it out on carpet or rug, or lay it over an old studio or gym mat that you need to borrow for the extra 5/16 beneath your banged up turf knees from your hero days years ago.

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I’ll be honest: a foam yoga block is a foam yoga block is a foam yoga block. Where you buy it from or what brand doesn't really matter. Arguably, they aren't great for the environment. But they are money for your knees, hips, and butt in that there’s some cushion and relief while doing a split squat, or under your pelvis in some modified bridge pose, or just sitting zazen to help you be comfortable on the floor while working on your posture.

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A cork yoga block will hurt your ass if sitting on it too long but is a far better option if you are looking for something to handle more weight and load. While doing side angle or triangle pose a cork yoga block under your front hand/arm is like the best cross-crease assist you ever got. Find the best place to put it to support where you are in your pose and breathe easy.

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Just stating the obvious: you don't wear a yoga belt like you’re heading to your favorite BJJ class. It’s another commonly used prop in many Iyengar yoga classes. At its most basic level you can loop it around the foot of your extended leg while lying on the floor and check in on how your hamstrings are doing. From there, you can explore the various ways to move your leg more lateral or medial depending on what you feel, and what you need. Go with the longer 8-foot than the 6-foot if you are over 5’10.

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Many yoga studios have heated rooms above 90-degrees and some of the hard-core Bikram classes are performed in rooms up to a totally unnecessary 105-degrees. Most guys over the age of forty probably aren’t as bad as Norm Peterson in mid-July but sliding, sweaty feet can wreak havoc on holding a proper (and safe) standing wide-angle pose in the heat. To save you a groin pull of epic proportions I recommend this eQua towel by Manduka for your mat. It has a soft suede-like microfiber fabric, which is ultra-absorbent, exceptionally durable and incredibly quick drying for a slip-free yoga experience.

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