Best yoga equipment you need to enhance your practise, get fit and calm your mind
The real truth is, you don’t actually need any yoga equipment to start practicing yoga. Most yoga studios and gyms offer their own yoga mats, and you can wear the same pair of leggings you use for HIIT. But as you start to progress, you may find you'd prefer to use your own yoga equipment – not just for hygiene, but so you can work on our practice at home too. Like a yoga block, for example.
Whether you’re unrolling your mat for the first time or saluting the sun every morning, the reason why we carve time out on the mat is usually always the same – to chase those endorphins and to feel better both mentally and physically. And there are lots of different pieces of yoga equipment and accessories that can help you do exactly that.
In the name of unleashing our inner zen, we’ve rounded up the best yoga equipment that money can buy. There’s nothing like some new workout gear and at-home fitness equipment to give you the injection of motivation you need to get started. What’s better, all of this can be used both at home and in group yoga class. Yay for human contact!
What should I wear for yoga?
Whether you’re tapping into your Yin or Yang, you should step onto your mat feeling confident that your workout kit will support you from your first downward dog to the last. Form-fitting clothes are a total must – any loose or baggy clothing will immediately get in the way.
We've got tonnes of workout clothes edits – from sports bras to yoga pants and biker shorts – to get you feeling your best.
Do I need a yoga mat?
If you’re practising yoga at home, then yes – no one wants carpet burn. And while your local studio will usually provide a yoga mat free of charge, mats do differ in material, density and stickiness. So if you're a particularly sweaty yogi, you may find you want a mat with extra grip, for example.
Plus, yoga mats don't just come in handy for yoga, but for any floor-based workouts you do at home, whether it’s barre or Pilates. Jade Harmony’s is one of the grippiest around, comes in various degrees of thickness and is made from eco-friendly rubber. We also love brands such as Fable, Yogi Bare and Lululemon.
What yoga accessories do I need?
Apart from a mat, we think yoga blocks are some of the most useful props for doing at-home yoga. They're great for shortening the distance between your body and the floor, and supporting you in the movements which you find a little trickier. And can even be used for restorative poses that help decrease stress.
We’ve also included at-home fitness gadget of the moment, the Theragun. Move over foam roller, because this percussive-therapy device is loved by celebs and athletes for its ability to banish the aches and pains induced by slouching over your computer screen all day. If there was ever a perfect end to your mindful yoga practise, this is most certainly it.
So without further ado, here’s everything you need in your yoga kit of champions. Namaste.
Best yoga leggings
InStill High-Rise Tight 25", £108, Lululemon
While we adore Lululemon's buttery-soft, second-skin Align leggings – sometimes you need a little more support. Enter the brand new InStill tights. They're so high-waisted (and incredibly flattering), providing a hugged feel, and they don't budge no matter what yoga position you find yourself in.
Shop our full edit of the best yoga pants here.
2. Best yoga mat
Jade Yoga Harmony 68" Yoga Mat, £69.70, Amazon
On the hunt for a yoga mat that won’t slip when you’re trying to hold your downward dog? Jade Yoga mats are up there with the best. They’re among the grippiest yoga mats around, come in varying degrees of thickness and lots of colours. They’re made from eco-friendly rubber, which is a total bonus, and can be snapped up from Amazon for less than £70! Race you to the checkout.
Shop our edit of the best yoga mats for at-home workouts.
Best post-yoga massage device
Theragun Elite, £375, Theragun
It might look a little scary, but the Theragun is the at-home workout gadget of the moment (you heard it here first). And not just a gimmick. Not only great to use post-yoga but post-any home workout, it releases tension, stimulates circulation and loosens the area you're targeting. Seriously - that foam roller of yours won't have a place when you invest in the Theragun. It uses percussive therapy and the soft end repetitively pulses deep into the muscle (60 per cent deeper than vibration massagers), acting as the perfect end-of-flow wind down. There's a reason so many athletes and celebrities (Ashley Graham and Justin Timberlake, we're looking at you) are raving about it.
Shop our full edit of the best massage guns, or read our Theragun review here.
8. Best yoga mat strap
Gaiam On-The-Go Yoga Mat Carrier, £20.08, Amazon
In anticipation of our return to the yoga studio, we’re picking up this yoga mat carrier from John Lewis & Partners. It’s accessibly priced, suits all yoga mats and has an exterior expandable zipper pocket for carrying your other essentials.
4. Best yoga towel
If you’re a fan of hot yoga, this yoga towel is about to become your best friend. Made of absorbent microfibre, it’ll keep you dry when you break a sweat and can also be used when you’re doing HIIT workouts or spin classes.
12. Best yoga bra
Mindful Seamless Bamboo Yoga Bra, £45, Sweaty Betty
Made from a super soft bamboo fabric and available in five different colours, this light-support yoga bra is incredibly comfortable - plus, it has antibacterial properties. Constructed in a seamless and chafe-free design, it can also be used for Pilates and other low-impact workouts. If you were a fan of the Sweaty Betty Namaste bra, this is the new and improved version.
The best sports bras for every type of workout.
Best yoga wheel
Tropical Palm Yoga Wheel, £44.95, Yogi Bare
A great alternative to the classic yoga block, the yoga wheel is a support prop to aid in spine mobility, flexibility and core training. Using one will help you protect your body in certain yoga poses that you find a little trickier to reach. This yoga wheel has a soft outer for comfort and grip when you're using it.
6. Best yoga brick
Lift and Lengthen Yoga Block, £18, Lululemon
If you’re a yoga beginner, using a yoga brick is a great idea. They’re a great way to deepen your flexibility and enhance your practise by offering a little support. They also shorten the distance between you and the ground, acting as a modifier if you’re not ready for the full pose. If you can’t get your hands on the floor, fear not. The brick can make things easier. Need something to help you balance as you master Warrior 3? The yoga brick is here to help. This one by Lululemon is the best you can buy - and it’s available in three different colours.
The best yoga blocks to level-up your practise.
16. Best yoga water bottle
S'well Geode Rose Vacuum Insulated Drinks Bottle, £24.50, John Lewis
Hydration is key, people, so make sure you invest in a good water bottle for when you’re practising. Yoga is sweatier than it looks. We love this one because it keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and has a condensation-free exterior that won't sweat on your hands or in your bag. Oh, and the rim is wide enough to fit ice cubes - perfect in the height of summer.
Best yoga bolster
Organic Cotton Buckwheat Bolster, £42, Yogamatters
For yin and restorative yoga lovers, a bolster is great for adding comforting support to your practice – whether that's holding uncomfortable poses for long periods of time or to prevent over stretching. Made from 100% organic cotton and filled with organic buckwheat, this Yogamatters bolster is also a sustainable choice.
7. Best yoga leg warmers
Evolution Leg Warmer, £48, Lululemon
Designed with chilly studios (RIP) or cooler garden yoga practises in mind, these snug-fitting leg warmers are a perfect layer to wear at the beginning of your yoga practise. If you're snapping up those Girlfriend Collective yoga shorts, these are the perfect companion.
11. Best yoga gift
Calm Club Yoga Pose Poster, £18, Oliver Bonas
The perfect gift for any yogi, this Calm Club poster features six yoga flows, each with seven different poses and fun tips to help you develop them.
Save when you shop for yoga equipment with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.
13. Best yoga one-piece
Nike Yoga Statement Jumpsuit in Maroon, £79.95, ASOS
This sleeveless yoga jumpsuit by Nike has a crew neck, comfortably loose upper and bodycon, high-waisted fit leg.
Save when you shop for yoga equipment with these ASOS discount codes.
Best yoga towel mat
Grounded No-Slip Mat Towel, £50, Alo Yoga
Designed to support your hot yoga practice – if you're a fan of Bikram or sweaty yoga classes – then a yoga towel is a must-have for placing on top of your mat. Offering an absorbent layer with exceptional grip and support, we love this smokey quartz slip-free design from Alo.
15. Best yoga resistance band
M Life Eco Body Resistance Band, £12, Oliver Bonas
This resistance band has been designed to maximise your results and stretches during your yoga flow practise. Free from latex, 6P and the most harmful phthalates, this resistance band can also be used for other workouts and toning exercises.
Our pick of the best resistance bands for toning your bum, arms and thighs.
Save when you shop for yoga equipment with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.
Best yoga mat wash for sensitive skin
Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh, £16, Sports Edit
Keep your yoga mat smelling fresh and dirt-free with this gorgeous smelling lavender spray from Manduka. Plus, it's safe for all mat materials.
Best non-slip yoga mat
Fable Yoga Pro Grip Studio yoga mat 4mm, £69, Selfridges
Master that Warrior stance and move seamlessly from pose to pose on Fable Yoga's plush Pro Grip Studio mat in 'blush. Crafted from an eco-friendly rubber that comes with a no-slip technology, you're sure to enjoy your daily flow on this longer and wider mat.
Save when you shop for yoga equipment with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best biker shorts for yoga
Girlfriend Collective High Waisted Bike Short, £30, Sports Edit
If leggings aren’t your jam, this pair of high-rise shorts from Girlfriend Collective's stunning new activewear collection are your best bet for working out. They’re high-waisted, on-trend and boast an elasticated waistband to keep you supported.
Best yoga mat bag
Spring Ikat Surya Yoga Mat Bag, £30, Yogamatters
This mood-boosting yoga mat bag has a zippered closure for mat storage, and it can be carried across your body, over one shoulder or as a backpack.
