The Beginners Guide to Yoga Props
Technically, you don't need any props to practice yoga, but for many (myself included), props are helpful tools that make yoga more adaptive to our unique bodies and needs. Accordingly, their purpose is to enhance, strengthen, and add sukha (ease) to your practice.
It is also important to note that while props are helpful, they can also be expensive. As a result, I've provided inexpensive at home options for you in the descriptions that follow.
Before we get started, however, I find it important to note that, if you asked me to use props at the beginning of my yoga practice, I would have turned up my nose - because, as a novice, I was under the impression that yoga props were “crutches.”
Now that I’m a yoga teacher with 10+ years of practice under my belt, however, let me tell you why I was oh so very wrong - and why I think that everyone should play with props on the regular:
Everyone’s anatomy is different. The way that my femur, for example, fits into my pelvis, might be very different from how your femur fits into your pelvis due to the size & shape of the bone and socket. Because of that, my anatomy might make getting into forward fold rather difficult - while your anatomy allows you to comfortably and effortlessly move in and out of your forward fold. Accordingly, props can make certain postures more comfortable, help us get into and out of poses with more ease, and provide support when needed.
Alignment: Yoga props can also help us get into, and out of, postures with better alignment. Because we all have different anatomy, alignment is going to look a little different for everyone; so, props like yoga blocks, for example, can help us figure out what feels best in our bodies.
Accessibility: For those with differently-abled bodies, props can make certain postures more accessible. In this instance, props are a great way to help yoga fit you and your body’s unique needs. Remember, we’re all different.
Deepen your practice: Yoga props can make postures easier or more difficult, help us focus on a particular muscle or body part, aid in proprioception, facilitate transitions between poses, and even add a fresh new take on the familiar.
Aids in Relaxation: Some yoga props are the bomb-diggity when it comes to relaxation for yoga classes that are more restorative in nature. If you’ve never felt the magic of a bolster and blanket during class, I would highly recommend going to Wild Yogi Online Studio or your local studio’s website to reserve your seat in a restorative-focused class.
As you can see, props are a great way to shake up and shape your practice. So, let’s get to it, shall we?
Yoga Mat
I'm confident that I'll surprise no one when I say that a mat is incredibly helpful when practicing yoga. My personal favorite is the Manduka Pro 6mm mat, but there are many other options to choose from as well; if you want a list of my top recommendations, check out the Ultimate Yogi Gift Guide.
However, no matter which mat you choose, there are a few key things you'll want to consider before purchasing:
Grip: If you use a gym mat, you'll likely find yourself slipping in various poses. Accordingly, make sure your mat has adequate grip for support while you practice.
Thickness: The thinner the mat, the less cushion you have for postures that are low to the ground. The thicker the mat, the more comfortable you'll be when kneeling, etc. I recommend a mat that is at least 3mm or more in thickness.
Durability: If you're going to invest in a mat, make sure it's made of a sustainable material that won't shed or tear during your practice. The last thing you want is an unreliable mat.
Alternatively, you can absolutely practice without a mat by flowing on your wooden floor (provides a nice grip), outside, or on a large towel. Though, I will note that you may want a cushion for your knees if you don't use a yoga mat.
Blocks
Blocks are wonderful tools for creating space in your practice. Use them while in lunges to lift the chest, in down dog (adho mukha svanasana) to help with hamstring tightness, or in warrior III (virbhadrasana III) to help with balance (and so much more!). The possibilities are endless, and I highly recommend grabbing a pair for your practice.
Foam: Foam blocks are a great choice for yogis that are looking for a lightweight block that’s softer in nature (which is nice if you’re leaning onto them directly).
Cork: If you’re looking for a more sturdy (and eco-friendly) support system for your practice, cork blocks are the way to go. I find they’re particularly useful to support your weight in standing postures, as well as when holding up a bolster during restorative poses.
Alternatively, grab two thick books or sturdy boxes to use in place of blocks.
Yoga Strap
A yoga strap is a great addition to your practice, as it provides assistance when creating length or maintaining alignment in certain postures. It’s wonderful in postures like forward folds (uttanasana), to help with warrior III (virabhadrasana III) or dancer (natarajasana), or even to play with opening the chest with cow face pose (gomukhasana).
You can also use a towel, a tie, a belt from your robe, a dog leash, etc. in place of a strap.
Bolster
Bolsters are a perfect addition to your home practice, especially if you enjoy restorative or yin yoga. These large, sturdy props are used for support, comfort, and relief when working with specific postures.
Large rectangular: This is the most commonly used bolster; it’s firm, it’s more durable, and it’s great for any yoga practitioner, but especially for those who enjoy a nice restorative class.
Thin rectangular (aka the Lean Bolster): This is a fantastic choice for a “middle of the road” bolster. It’s not as thick as the large rectangular bolsters, and it’s softer in density for added comfort. This option is perfect to assist the knees or low back, and it’s also wonderful for ankle and wrist support.
Round: These bolsters are your best buds when it comes to supporting the natural curves and arches in the body. They’re wonderful aids to open the heartspace, to gently support the spine in supine postures, and to help deepen side and back bends.
No bolster? No problem. You can stuff two pillows into one pillowcase to create your own bolster at home, or use a couch cushion.
Blanket
Blankets are a simple, yet oh so lovely addition to any home yoga practice, and are used in a variety of postures. They can be used to either add support, or keep you warm during the coveted savasana.
Yoga blanket not required; use your favorite throw from home!
Meditation Cushion
If you’re an avid meditator, a meditation cushion is fantastic. They’re soft yet firm, and it makes sitting in meditation much more enjoyable, in my humble opinion.
However, sitting on a pillow will do the trick, too; honestly, you don’t even need a pillow - you can always just sit on your couch!
Knee Cushion:
If you’re prone to knee discomfort, or you find that your yoga mat doesn’t provide enough cushion to support your knees, getting a cushion you can easily slide under your mat is the way to go. I get lots of use out of mine - and as an added bonus, I kneel on it when I give my son a bath. Because mom life.
If you’re thinking about adding some (or all) of these props to your practice, but you’re not sure what brands are the best or where to find them, be sure to check out the Ultimate Yogi Gift Guide. In this blog post, I cover all of my favorite props & where to get them.
Finally, you know I can’t leave without mentioning Wild Sage Yoga & Wellness (WSYW), your go to for yoga + wellness that's simple, impactful, and flexible enough to fit your ever-changing schedule. Practice yoga on demand via the membership at Wild Yogi Studio, where you’ll get unlimited access to a wide array of online classes, instructors, and topics - there’s even a class focused on using many of the props listed here (Prop It Up)!
Whether you’re new to your practice or a seasoned yogi, Wild Yogi Online Studio has classes for you. You can even check it out risk free with a 7-Day Free Trial.
Happy propping!
