Yoga Props! What are they and why do I need them?
When I started practicing yoga, I was physically fit and a frequent flyer at my local kickboxing gym. The only other time I had practiced yoga was at home with a workout DVD I bought at Target (remember when those were a thing?!). When my doctor recommended yoga, I researched a local studio close to my apartment and made the biggest mistake of signing up for a class that was clearly not meant for beginners. I thought because of my physical fitness level, I could skip the beginner classes. BIG mistake.
I had this huge misconception of what yoga was because of how it is presented here in the West. I thought I didn’t need props because they were a crutch and because I was healthy and fit, I should be able to work my body into asanas it was clearly not ready for. After I learned my lesson the hard way, inuring myself, I began to understand that yoga props have a place in everyone’s practice no matter how long they have been a practitioner. Props can be a wonderful addition to anyone's practice, allowing us to reach our full potential and practice safely. Everyone’s body is different and it is so important to hold and release tension in the correct places during our asana practice. Props help us work toward our goals and avoid injury.
I love props and practice and teach with them often. The most common props are mats, blocks, straps, blankets, and bolsters. However, there is a wide range including meditation stools, yoga wheels, handstand helpers, weighted eye pillows, meditation cushions, and more! It can definitely be overwhelming so I have come up with this comprehensive list to help you navigate and choose what best works for you and your budget. I typically recommend a good mat and set of blocks to start out with, especially if on a tight budget.
MATS: Mats come in so many different materials with a wide range of price points which makes choosing one both overwhelming and confusing. They come in different lengths, thicknesses, and sizes as well as cork, plastic, natural rubber, and cotton materials. Take your personal needs into consideration. Are you tall? Do your joints need extra cushion? Do you prefer something eco-friendly? Do you sweat easily?
BLOCKS: Simply put, blocks bring the floor up to you and give you support and stability where you need it. For example, I use two blocks in low lunge to help keep my low back from rounding and really sink my hips down to the mat. Sure, I can do that asana without the blocks, but the blocks allow me to release tension and find a better posture that works for my body. Blocks are also great for support in restorative or yin practices. My favorite are these cork blocks because they are eco-friendly and provide more stability. There are sets of two blocks and a strap you can purchase from retailers like Amazon for $15-40. A great option for beginners. There are also blocks designed for people with wrist pain and arched blocks for supported asanas.
STRAPS: I like to describe straps as an extension of the limbs. They are particularly helpful when someone lacks flexibility. My suggestion is to look for a 100% cotton yoga strap, they come with a D ring on one end. No need to purchase them from a fancy brand, I’ve had my $7 strap for years. For people with arthritis, disabilities, or people who just want a better grip, there are fitness/yoga straps designed with continuous loops along the length of the strap. The most budget-friendly option would be to use a belt from your closet, it won’t be good for everything but it’s a great temporary solution.
YOGA TOWELS: These are typically a thin, strong microfiber-like material, sometimes with a thin rubber grip on the back. If you sweat a lot or prefer one to lay over your mat for better grip there are many great ones, I personally prefer the towels Manduka makes but haven't owned one in years. This is not a necessary prop unless you want one for hot yoga classes.
BLANKETS: Most studios have Mexican-style blankets for students to use during classes. No need to go out and buy one! Everyone has a blanket at home. My favorite way to use blankets is to sit on them to elevate my hips higher than my knees for better posture when sitting or meditating. Blankets can also be used as a bolster by rolling them up or covering yourself during Yoga Nidra when your core temperature drops.
BOLSTERS: Bolsters are one of the more expensive props. This is the bolster I have and love but many retailers sell them. The trick is to find one on the firm side with a removable cover for washing. They come in a few different shapes like the traditional rectangle, thin rectangle, or cylindrical. Bolsters are great at creating support in restorative practices and bringing the floor up to you. When a bolster is out of your budget, a stiff quilt or blanket folded up works great!
MEDITATION CUSHIONS & STOOLS: Meditation cushions are usually filled with a material like buckwheat and have a zipper so they can conform to your body and you can take some out of your need to. Meditation stools are made from solid wood and the top piece is tilted down slightly for proper posture as you sit with your legs back behind you as if you were sitting on your heels. It sounds odd but they are actually very comfortable.
HANDSTAND HELPERS: Not every practitioner will be able to perform handstands, nor do you ever need to. I myself can’t without a little help. This is the helper I have my eye on but they are definitely one of the most expensive yoga props on the list. They help your body get used to being inverted while strengthening the core.
WEIGHTED EYE PILLOWS: These are small satin/silk or cotton eye pillows usually filled with buckwheat, beads, or sand and sometimes have essential oils for aromatherapy. Eye pillows are placed over closed eyes for meditation, Savasana, or Yoga Nidra to help create a calming effect. Not at all necessary but nice when offered.
YOGA WHEELS: These are up there with Handstand helpers, not at all necessary but fun to use! Do your research and know your limits when using one though, they require experience, strength, and flexibility. I just bought my first wheel this year and I’m still figuring out how to use and incorporate it into my practice. Wheels can be used to increase flexibility, deepen and support backbends, and strengthen the core!
As always, I'm here for any questions you may have!