Yoga Book or Video

File this one under "It Depends."  If you're planning to do yoga entirely at home, then a high-quality video is a must.  Note the use of "high quality" as a descriptive; if the video is way beyond your body's abilities and/or is short on clear, well-articulated instructions, it can do you more harm than good.  Books can be extremely helpful, but are best used as enhancement tools.  In other words, don't rely on a book alone to learn yoga; either seek a live class or video in conjunction with a good book.  Don't know what to buy?  Click here for a recommended reading list; plus, check your local library before running out to the bookstore.

Yes, in a pinch, an exercise mat is sometimes used in substitute for the yoga mat; that said, I would rank this item higher than any other yoga tool on the list of items you should try to acquire.  The reason?  It offers traction that virtually no other surface or mat can duplicate.  This traction helps to ensure that you're able to perform certain poses safely, with minimum risk of slipping.  Plus, it rolls up for easy transport and storage.  If you've been using a regular exercise mat for your yoga, I encourage you to give the sticky mat a try; it really can make a difference comfort-wise.  The one downside to the sticky mat is its lack of cushioning; if you're on a hard surface such as wood, your knees may need an extra layer between you and the floor.  A folded towel (see "Cushion" category below) will usually solve this problem. 

Commonly made either of wood or lightweight foam, these brick-shape tools are typically used in one of two capacities:  For those who cannot safely perform a standing forward bend (you rest your hands on the stacked blocks instead of the floor), and for those whose wrists are uncomfortable in certain floor poses (push-up type positions, for example).  If you're undecided, try using one or two yellow page phone books as a quick and easy substitute.

A great idea, but fortunately, you can substitute just about anything for the yoga strap:  a belt, a sash, a long towel, even exercise tubing.  Straps are commonly used to assist with both upper and lower body stretches by allowing the strap to connect the hand or hands more easily with another part of the body; for example, a hamstring stretch while lying on the back can be modified by looping the strap or towel around one foot while you hold the strap in your hands.  I suggest all beginners have a strap or towel as part of their tool kit.

Yes, it's extremely useful; no, you do not need to go out and buy a fancy cushion.  Instead, use a large folded towel or small folded blanket.  This especially comes in handy for seated positions; for most of us, our hips and low back will benefit from raising our seat so that our buttocks sit at least a few inches higher than our feet.  Try this the next time you're sitting on the floor--you'll see how much more comfortable your knees, hips, and low back are when you place a folded towel under your hips.

While often cute and fashionable, there is no need for special "yoga" or "Zen" clothing; in fact, I personally find many of baggier styles outright cumbersome and inhibiting.  On the flip side, I'm also not too keen on the "unitards," which ironically have become somewhat of a yoga standard.  Not for me!  My recommendation is to wear what you might choose if taking a walk:  clothing that is loose and comfortable, yet supportive.  T-shirts, tank tops, bike shorts, athletic shorts, and sweats are all great examples.

Yes, helpful, but happily, you don't need an Official Yoga Blanket.  A simple, inexpensive cotton throw can do just fine (I find the cotton to be much more comfortable than anything else).  Its primary use?  Aside from something to sit on (see "Cushion" entry above), the end-of-session meditation/relaxation is often accompanied by a drop in body temperature.  A blanket or large towel to toss over your body can do wonders in keeping you warm and comfortable.