I’m a tall plus size yoga instructor. As I’ve navigated the wellness space over the years I’ve tried so many products designed to support a yoga practice only to be let down by them.
For so long yoga clothes and props have been geared towards the “average” sized person. I’ve faced bras that never fit, ⅞ leggings that stopped just below my knees, and yoga mats where I’ve had to decide if between my head or feet fitting. It hasn’t been easy.
Thankfully, through years of digging, trial, and tests, I can now share a list of the must-have pieces for tall yoga practitioners. I have and still do recommend the tall yoga equipment on this list to my fellow tall folks. And, I personally own all of these recommended pieces.
Long yoga strap
The Hugger Mugger Quick-Release 10 ft. Yoga Strap is what I use for my practice. Being 6’2” it’s a huge hit or miss with yoga straps. Some poses, like a variation on legs up the wall pose, use a strap that wraps around the torso and feet. So you can already imagine that a short strap just won’t cut it. Hugger Mugger’s strap is made of a durable cotton that has already lasted me three years with no visible wear and tear. Personally, my favorite feature is the lightweight buckle. It makes adjusting and removing the strap quick and easy.
Big yoga mat
I have recommended Lululemon’s, The (Big) Mat, to every single one of my tall clients who ask “what yoga mat should I get?” It’s the ultimate in tall yoga equipment. First of all this mat is true to its name. It’s seven pounds, 84 inches tall, and 28 inches wide. I adore this mat because it isn’t flimsy, has a decent amount of cushion, and is reversible. There’s a natural rubber side that has a bit of a bumpy texture to it but the smooth side is my favorite. The smooth side allows for my leather-like hands to grip with no sliding or struggle. And, it quickly absorbs sweat. No matter if I’m practicing vinyasa, hot yoga, or restorative, this is my favorite mat to use. That’s saying a lot as I’ve used well over a dozen mats.
Bra crop top
Most yoga bra tops make me feel like I’m wearing pasties with straps attached. But, Athleta’s Conscious Crop Bra actually functions as both a bra and a top. I own five of these. Why? It features a shelf bra with removable cups and an overlay of a substantial sweat wicking nylon lycra crop tank that hits at the waist. Most importantly, the racerback bra top supports my 42G-sized chest through yoga practices and dance classes alike. This crop top is available in sizes XXS to 3X. If you have a smaller chest than me, grab this bra in the A – C version instead.
Tall Yoga Pants
Old Navy’s Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Yoga Pants are such a staple in my wardrobe, that I now own four pairs of these pants. The extra high waist lands well above my belly button while the 35.5-inch leg hovers about half an inch from the ground when I’m barefoot. These yoga pants even have a hidden pocket in the waistband. When I’m on the mat it’s important that I don’t feel trapped or confined so that I can move freely, so these pants are definitely a hit. Available in Small Tall to XXLarge Tall, these pants also come in regular and petite lengths, too.
Sturdy yoga block
I love using blocks. Blocks can be used in so many different ways. For the purpose of this post, I’m going to focus on one major benefit of using this particular piece of tall yoga equipment. Blocks bring the ground to you. Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Blocks are nine inches long at its longest point, plus they’re pretty firm. As a tall person, it’s so disappointing to reach for a block, put my hand on it, and watch it flatten like a pancake. These Manduka blocks (that I own four of) are the most sturdy I’ve tried aside from a cork block. The dense foam still provides softness under the hand, or any other body part, without collapsing. The Recycled Foam Yoga Block comes in five colors so you can even coordinate your block to your fit, yoga mat, or personal preference.