Blocks, straps, and mats, oh my! While I firmly believe that there is virtually zero barrier to entry when beginning a yoga practice, there's no doubt that there are lots of options out there for props that can help you get started, or enhance your practice as you ramp up! In Episode 17 of the Wild Daughter Podcast, I cover some of the most common prop options, how they can help, and where you can find them. Read on for some more information, as well as a few links to my favorites.
*Note: I always prefer to purchase my products, whether it's for yoga, general lifestyle, or really any activity, directly from retailers that I feel good standing behind. None of these links will lead you to Amazon, though you can find pretty much anything there. I encourage you to make smart buying decisions when investing in gear for your practice, and be cognizant of where your dollars are going and who they are supporting!
I will also note that these are all my own opinions, none of these links are sponsored, and I am not being paid in any way to endorse any specific brands.
Yoga Blocks
Perhaps one of the most commonly used props, blocks are great to help you find alignment in your poses without advanced levels of flexibility. Blocks allow you to create some space between you and the ground, whether it is placed underneath your hip in Pigeon pose, or you hands in Pyramid. They can be repositioned to give you more or less space, depending on what you need in each pose, which also gives you the option to gradually go deeper as your flexibility increases!
Blocks also make for a convenient seat when meditating, which can be beneficial if your hips are particularly tight. They are easy to find in stores like TJMaxx, Target, or any sporting goods store, and are typically pretty affordable! I've seen them come in different materials, such as cork and foam. I prefer the cork because they are heavier and feel sturdier and more durable. Regardless of which type you go with, I definitely recommend having a block or two in your collection as you begin your practice!
Yoga Straps
Yoga straps are great to help you achieve deeper stretches in various poses. For example, maybe you struggle to touch your toes in a seated forward fold. Placing a strap around the soles of your feet and holding onto each end can give you some leverage to help you get deeper into the hamstrings without compromising the length of your legs.
Straps can also help you with more advanced poses and you get further into your practice. A great example is King Pigeon pose, which requires you to go from Pigeon pose to bending your back leg and grabbing your foot overhead. Sounds complicated? It can be! But you can use the strap around your foot to help you work towards the pose without having to actually grab your foot.
Straps are pretty basic tools and are inexpensive. Mine, (though a bit pricier), even doubles as my yoga mat carrier!
Bolsters and Cushions
I LOVE bolsters! Bolsters are rectangular cushions that are often used in yin and restorative practices to help prop up the body so that you can relax into the poses. You can stack them up or use them singularly. They provide soft support and can be quite cozy! There are also circular cushions available specifically to make you a bit more comfortable in meditation, though you could definitely sit on a bolster and get a similar effect. The nice thing about having a dedicated cushion for meditation is that it helps you to create routine, which mentally prepares you to have the most effective meditation sessions.
Bolsters can be a little bit on the pricier side, and they aren't entirely necessary to your practice, though I certainly recommend having one or two for your yin practice. They vary widely in firmness and quality. Pillows can also be used, but again, having dedicated equipment can be beneficial when it comes to being mentally invested in your practice.
Yoga Wheels
Yoga wheels are primarily used to help with backbends, as you get used to creating those shapes and opening up the chest in a bigger way than you may be used to. There are other ways to use them, for sure, but that is their main purpose. They are not necessary to your practice, but can definitely be helpful! I recommend asking your yoga instructor to help you use it the first time to show you the ropes! Yoga wheels are more expensive than some of the other props, so being able to test it out at your local studio may be very helpful for you before you decide to add one to your collection.
Yoga Mats
Here we go! The big kahuna! The yoga mat is the #1 tool you have in your collection. It is the most necessary, but you also have the most options when it comes to yoga mats. There are rubber mats, foam mats, cork mats, yoga blankets, and yoga rugs. They can be found in all kinds of stores, from TJMaxx to Dick's Sporting Goods, to lululemon and online retailers. Your yoga studio may sell their favorite brand of yoga mat, as well. Pretty much, there are a ton of different ways you can go, and it takes some trial and error to figure out what you prefer for your practice.
Just like they range widely in material, they also range widely in quality and price. I will say, in the case of the yoga mat, you really do get what you pay for. In my experience, the cheap foam-like mats that can be found at TJMaxx and Walmart provide very little cushion or support, and don't last very long. I've actually seen them shred and leave their bits and pieces all over the yoga studio.
I cannot speak to cork mats or yoga blankets or rugs, because I've never used them, but I have heard great things about cork mats like this one! While it is certainly on my list to try, I am partial to rubber topped, grippy mats like the ones from Liforme and lululemon. I have one of each of these and I honestly can't choose between them, I love them both! lululemon does offer what they call a "Big" mat, which is a little bit wider and longer than a standard yoga mat. This is definitely a great option for you if you are 6 feet or taller. Even I, at 5'6", really enjoy having the extra real estate on my mat.
Now, I know that the higher end mats do not come cheap, so know that whatever works for you is perfect! The important thing is that you have a mat that supports you and you enjoy using every single time you practice. Your mat can become almost like a sacred space, a small little area that is used exclusively for the honoring of your God-given body and mind through prayer, meditation, and yoga. That is special! Your mat holds onto the energy that you give it, so no matter which mat you choose, approach it with gratitude and joy each and every time :)
I hope this has been helpful for you! Questions? Leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you. Remember, the most important thing in your yoga practice is you! Whether you choose to use props or not, your practice is uniquely yours, and that makes it beautiful.
Amen, and Namaste.
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