Over the past few years of I have collected my fair share of yoga products, and while you really don’t need anything more than a mat, and a set of comfy clothes to practice. I have found a few things that enhance my practice. Some help to create a welcoming space, some add comfort or allow freedom of movement while others aid accessibility or inspiration.

Leggings- I’ve tried a very wide range of leggings as a yogi and as a runner and I come back to the same buttery soft lululemon align leggings every single time. Although they are on the pricey side, if good quality leggings are a priority for you I really do believe they are worth the money. They feel like silk and they do not budge.

Sports Bras- these will vary greatly from person to person depending on how much support you like and whether you like to wear them as they are, or with another layer. I generally like to wear them on their own and I have quite a few favourites at the moment. First up is the lululemon long-line energy bra, which I adore and have in several colours as it is longer than most crops and so a little more reserved and supportive, making it a great practice and teaching staple. Secondly, the alo yoga wild things is so soft and feminine but also supportive and perfect for any vinyasa flow or yin class. And lastly, I am loving the mindful seamless bamboo yoga bra from Sweaty Betty, which is again super soft and I especially love the adjustable straps!

Yoga Mats - If you follow me on Instagram then you will know I am a big fan of DIYogi mats*. Not only are they beautifully designed but they are also extra grippy and lightly cushioned. I don’t think my hands have slipped in down-dog once! My current favourite is the white mandala mat, however, the black is a close second. As a brand, I love that DIYogi mats are based in the UK, sustainable, and donate 3% of their profits to clear blue sea to help remove large quantities of plastic from our oceans. You can use Zara10, for 10% if you are looking for a new mat!

Blocks- Yoga blocks are so handy for assisting a wide range of asanas, mostly by helping to bring the floor closer to you helping to keep you in alignment. They are also great for aiding relaxation in yin yoga or propping up a bolster. I really love these cork blocks, from yoga matters as they are super durable and supportive yet lightweight and easy to carry.

Cushions & Bolsters - These are especially beneficial for yin yoga and meditation and my current favourites are yoga matters hemp buckwheat bolster, and the Basaho zaful meditation cushion.  If you would like one Basaho have kindly offered a 10% using the code “Zara” at the checkout.

Strap - this one from Decathlon is my current go-to, it’s super affordable at just £3.99, thick, supportive and grippy. You really can’t go wrong.

Scent - definitely a personal thing, and something that is often overlooked but can truly enhance your practice, by quickly creating a calm and enticing atmosphere as well as aiding relaxation. I am not the biggest incense fan as I find they can be a little smokey if the room is not well ventilated, so I personally chose to use an essential oil diffuser. I love this one from ZEN as it is such a beautiful design and blends in with my apartment perfectly. I love using a wide range of essential oils, but I do have a couple of favorites, I love blending orange and geranium essential oils, lavender, ylang ylang and patchouli.

Cozy Pullover - perhaps not part of my favourites in a hot yoga studio but for a home practice, it most definitely is. I love a chunky knit jumper to begin my morning meditation in or to pull over my head before savasana. I recently bought this one from free people and it is my current favourite.

Music- one of my favourite parts about being a yoga teacher is compiling new class playlists. Carefully selecting music to suit the style of class, the rhythm of flow, breath, and stillness is a delicate process but a fun one! I have a range of flow playlists on my Spotify account that you can listen to here.

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I’d love to know what your yoga essentials are, feel free to share them in the comments below.