Props
Yoga Blankets
Blankets are an invaluable tool for your yoga practice. You can choose to invest in traditional yoga blanket, or you can find one around the house. If you’re using one from home, make sure it has a firm structure that offers lots of support and doesn’t just squish away to nothing. Below are a few different ways to configure them.
Traditional fold. Sit on the rolled edge to help support a long spine.
Restorative fold. More like a long rectangle, which can be used on top of a bolster, under your upper or lower back, under your head, etc.
Rolled blanket. Great for using under your knees in relaxation, and under your upper or lower back for a restorative back bed .
Long rolled blanket. A great way for propping yourself up while laying on your stomach.
Yoga Blocks
If you’re going to invest in just one type of prop, a set of blocks is the way to go. From bringing the ground a bit closer, to creating more stability in a balance pose, blocks are your best friend.
Foam blocks. Not all foam blocks are created equal; some are super firm and others are softer with more give. They are great for bringing the ground closer, sitting on, using under your sacrum in poses like supported bridge, and filling in the “gaps.”
Cork blocks. These are perfect for when stability is paramount, like in balance poses. They are not, however, great for sitting on or using in restorative poses as they are hard and can make it difficult for your body to relax into them.
* If you’re going to purchase just one set, go for foam, as they are more versatile. But if you feel like splurging, get a set of each.
Yoga Strap
There are so many different ways to play with a Yoga strap! They are a great tool for releasing tight muscles and fascia (connective tissue), they help to create a connection between hands and feet that seem just out of reach of one another, plus they can even be used to “hold” you in a pose so that you can enjoy the benefits without struggling. Go for an 8 or 10 foot strap with a D ring so that you have lots of length to work with plus the ability to secure the strap if need be. A long belt like the one on your bathrobe, or even a sturdy scarf can work in a pinch.
Bolsters
There are endless ways to use a bolster in your yoga practice, so again if you’re feeling splurgy, get yourself a decent bolster. Just like foam blocks, they’re not all created equal, so try to read up on their firmness and check reviews to see what other people think of them before you purchase one.
Rectangular. Great for restorative poses where you need lots of support.
Rounded. Wonderful for restorative backbends and luxurious under the knees in relaxation.
Long & thin. Perfect for under the knees when you just need a little lift.
Sandbag
Although not as commonly used as the ones listed above, sandbags are a specialized prop that add a ton of value to your practice.
Most sandbags arrive empty, so you’ll need to buy some sand to fill it up; the plus side to that is you get to decide how heavy it is.
With your legs up the wall, drape the sandbag over the soles of your feet for a nice grounding effect.
Another great option is sandbag breathing. Lie down and place the sandbag over the soft part of your belly (not on your ribcage) and allow yourself to breath naturally for 5-10 minutes. Resist the urge to use your stomach muscles to move the bag up and down. After you take the bag off, spend some time noticing your breath.
Therapy Balls
Therapy balls, sometimes referred to as Mayofascial Release balls are a great tool to have around, not only for your practice, but those easy moments on the couch or even at your desk. You can use them to roll out the soles of your feet, place them under your calf muscles and gently roll your leg around to ease sore calves, roll them under your palms to soothe achy hands, plus countless other ways to bring a release to your tight muscles and connective tissue. Tennis balls can definitely work in a pinch!