The 10 best: yoga gear

From non-slip mats to straps for trickier poses, these useful accessories will give you a hand with your asanas

1. Bobble Water Bottle

£12.99, waterbobble.com

If you've ever puffed your way through a bikram yoga session you'll know you need lots of water. Quench your thirst with this BPA-free bottle with built-in water filter.

2. Super Grippy Gloves

£7.99, johnlewis.com

If you're travelling light and don't have room for a mat in your bag, check out these gloves. They have non-slip strips so you can exercise safely wherever you are.

3. Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar

£14.99, waterstones.com

Iyengar's 45-year-old classic is still the go-to book for today's yoga enthusiasts, with pose illustrations, breathing advice and the philosophy of the exercises.

4. Gaiam Block

£7.99, johnlewis.com

A yoga block is essential for getting into deeper poses without causing strains. This block is wide, lightweight, made from a sturdy foam and has a non-slip base.

5. Simply Karma

£4.99, play.com

Get yourself in the mood with the Simply Karma boxset, which has four CDs of laid-back beats for meditation and slightly more upbeat tunes for bikram or pilates.

6. Plum Relaxation Blanket

£19.95, ruthwhiteyoga.com

This 2m fleece blanket can be used as a prop to give extra lift when seated, or to keep you warm when meditating. It's machine washable for those dusty village hall floors.

7. Natural Fitness Bag

£18.95, amazon.co.uk

This attractive yoga bag is extra large – so fits most mat sizes – has a double-zip opening, an adjustable shoulder strap and is made from planet-friendly hemp.

8. Holistic Silk Scented Mat

£148, harveynichols.com

If you fancy some luxury while you practise, this mat has a cosy fleece top and faux leather non-slip bottom. Plus, it's infused with a calming lavender aroma.

9. Manduka Cotton Straps

£10, urbanyoga.co.uk

Straps are particularly useful for bound poses if you're not that flexible. This one is 2.5m long, 100 per cent natural cotton and has a super-sturdy buckle.

10. The White Company Driftwood

£18, thewhitecompany.com

Scented candles get you into relaxation mode. So light this one up and let the bay, samphire and sea salt aromas nudge you towards Nirvana.