A Short Guide to Yoga Props and How to Use Them

In today’s world, most people know that physical activity combined with a balanced diet is key to a healthy lifestyle – and incorporating yoga practice into your regular routine can help you achieve this. Yoga is widely accessible throughout the United States and can be practiced in yoga studios, at the gym, or even via a video link at home. Those who enjoy an invigorating yoga session can deepen their stretches and get more from their practice by using props. Here is a short guide to yoga props to help you use them properly.

Bolster

Bolsters are excellent for providing support for restorative and seated poses, especially when holding these poses for several minutes. For example, they can be used to support you in pigeon pose, and they can be placed under both legs when in cobbler’s pose. Restorative poses are great for calming the nervous system and can aid relaxation in the body, which is why bolsters can be incredibly useful in these positions. Bolsters come in different sizes and shapes. It is a good idea to try out different ones to find the right fit for your practice.

Blocks

Besides yoga mats, one of the most common props you will find is a yoga block. This type of block is great for giving you that extra help when you struggle with a pose that requires extra flexibility. For instance, if you struggle to reach your toes when you’re in a standing fold or you can’t quite reach the ground in a triangle pose, a block can help raise the floor to give you more support. A yoga block has three heights, which gives you the option to choose the best option for any given pose.

Strap

A strap, also known as a yoga belt, is a versatile prop, and they are available in varying thicknesses and lengths. They can be used as an extension of your limbs and can help you boost flexibility and stretch out and open up tight muscles. Using a soft grip to avoid creating unnecessary tension, you can use a strap to help you while in a seated forward fold, dolphin pose, or in a forearm stand. Furthermore, straps are practical props for simple stretches at the beginning and end of a session.

Blankets

Blankets are simple props that can be folded to provide different levels of padding to help make yoga more comfortable. An unfolded blanket draped over your yoga mat can give you an extra layer of cushioning, while a folded blanket can be used in seated positions to lift the hips and in lying positions to provide extra support.

Get Creative

If you want the additional support of props without the price tag, you can always get creative and use household objects as cost-effective alternatives. Any old blanket can be used for yoga while thick, hardback books can be used in place of blocks.

Additionally, instead of bolsters you can use cushions, and belts, neckties, and scarves make great yoga straps.