I Asked a Certified Yoga Teacher to Help Improve My Routine, and She Suggested These 9 Products

Whether you’re just starting a new yoga routine, only thinking of taking up the practice, or you’ve been spending time on the mat for years, shopping for yoga gear can be pretty overwhelming.

I’ve lost count of the sheer number of yoga mats on sale, and there are far more options for blocks than anyone will ever have time to use. Don’t even get me started on trying to choose the best leggings. Thankfully, however, I have a secret weapon: My best friend is a yoga teacher.

A 200-hour certified teacher currently specializing in pre- and post-natal yoga, Jennifer Yancer has been teaching new and experienced yogis for nearly a decade. From hot and sweaty vinyasa flows to restorative practice to help with relaxation, she’s spent hours finding and testing the best yoga products to recommend to her students—myself included.

I asked her for her newest, expert recommendations to help our Real Simple readers and rounded up nine of her recommendations that are suitable for newbies to experienced yogis who need some new accessories. All her picks are all under $40 and on Amazon, so you can have them delivered right to your front door without breaking the bank.

Best Expert-Recommended Yoga Gear on Amazon

Gaiam Yoga Mat

Kicking it off with something yoga would be very difficult without: a quality mat. While it’s certainly true that some yoga mats can run you hundreds of dollars, this Gaiam mat is under $40 and enough for most yogis. Made of non-toxic polyvinyl chloride, the mat has a nonslip texture and comes in several different colorways. “A basic sticky mat like this one will help your hands and feet from sliding around and provide a little cushion for your whole body,” Yancer said.

Moxe Yoga Mat Cleaner

Even if you don’t sweat during your yoga practice and think rolling your mat up without a wipe-down is fine, keeping it clean is a must. Yancer recommends this $14 Moxe cleaner to wipe away sweat residue, bacteria, and odors. Made with essential oils, it comes with a cleaning cloth, so a quick spray and wipe after practice is all that’s needed.

Benevolence LA Authentic Handwoven Mexican Blanket

Yoga blankets aren’t just for Savasna (aka. everyone’s favorite part of class). A quality blanket can be used throughout your practice to protect your joints, sensitive areas like knees and wrists, and, of course, to relax. “While any blanket will do, it’s nice to have a thicker blanket for certain yoga practices,” Yancer said. “You can use this blanket for padding your knees in low lunges, under your neck during savasana, and for a cozy restorative practice.”

Hugger Mugger Yoga Block Wedge

If you could benefit from a bit of help getting into certain poses, a yoga wedge is a great tool to have on hand. The wedge supports your joints and can ease pressure from a tight lower back and hamstrings. “Wrist issues are common for new practitioners and those with injuries,” Yancer said. “This wedge is a clever way to reduce the pressure on your wrist and hand joints during poses like down dog.”

Retrospec Sequoia Rectangular Yoga Bolster Pillow

Yancer recommended this bolster to me years ago, and it not only became a part of my routine practice, but I even use it to relax while watching TV or reading a book. The pillow is great for relieving tension on the spine, and it has a machine-washable cover for easy cleaning. “Don’t underestimate the utility of a bolster. This prop is nearly essential for a restorative practice, and you can use it under your bottom for seated poses or meditation,” Yancer said. “It’s also great for creating a cozy savasana by placing it under your knees for some low back support.”

Manduka Fine-Grain Cork Yoga Block

Yoga blocks are easily the most versatile and essential accessory. They can help you stretch further in standing poses, activate your pelvic floor during a bridge, and work your arm and chest muscles with a simple squeeze. Yancer’s favorite is this Manduka fine-grain cork block, which she says is stronger and heavier than its foam counterpart, making it ideal for supporting your weight. “You can also use them for myofascial release, as their harder edges make them ideal for breaking up stubborn knots and connective tissue,” she said.

Wrist Buddy Yoga Blocks (2 Pack)

Another option is these Wrist Buddy yoga blocks, which are beneficial for anyone with wrist or hand issues. Poses like triangle, where your bottom hand is on a block, can put pressure on your wrists. The blocks offer an ergonomic grip that helps ease the pressure on your wrist by placing it in your palm. “While not exactly a necessity, they make certain poses easier on your upper body,” Yancer said.

Trideer Non-Elastic Stretching Strap

Yancer recommends a strap for all yogis—even if you think you don’t need it. Her pick is this non-elastic strap that’s currently on sale for $6. Ideal for beginners, the strap has 10 loops to allow you to gradually get deeper into poses without injuring yourself. “Don’t sleep on a strap,” she said. “This basic prop is something you can use to mobilize your shoulders, open tight quads and hamstrings, and much more.”

The Gym People Thick High Waist Yoga Pants

Your practice deserves a quality pair of leggings, and Yancer’s The Gym People leggings are also beloved by Amazon shoppers, who have given them more than 40,000 five-star reviews. “You can wear anything you feel comfortable in during your yoga practice, but these basic yoga pants are my favorite,” Yancer said. “They’re tight, which means they’re not falling down to my knees when I’m upside down. The side pockets are super handy for stashing some chapstick, my car keys, or anything else I might want to bring with me.”