Yoga Props for an at-home Practice
Derek Haigler, MBA
Yoga Enthusiast/Studio Owner, Podcaster, and HR Nerd/Recruiter
Confession time: I might have an addiction to yoga props. As far as addictions go, I’d say this one is acceptable! I think Julie Andrews would approve.
Yoga props are essential for an at-home yoga practice. Props like blocks not only help you get into and hold certain yoga poses, but they can also keep you safe and stable during a more active practice. Language around prop suggestions can often make it feel like you’re cheating or not good enough if you use props. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Yoga props enhance your practice and keep you safe.
Let’s talk about all the props you may need!
Yoga props pictured from left to right:
(This is not a sponsored post; these are all honest opinions)
The wall: That’s right, the wall! The wall can be so helpful during balancing and restorative poses.
Yoga mat: A yoga mat IS a prop! My favorite yoga mat is made by Jade Yoga. They’re expensive, but your mat is worth the investment if you need the support. If you need extra cushion for your knees and wrists, make sure you invest in a thicker mat. If you have weak joints, you’ll also want a mat that is non-slip. That’s why my Jade Yoga Fusion mat is perfect for me - it has extra thickness and I never slip and slide, even when I’m sweaty! They also have a nice cleaner that works well. Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat they sell to boot!
Yoga blanket: Blankets are great for covering up in savasana or as knee cushioning, but they can actually be used during your practice in various ways, too! In most yoga studios, the blankets you’ll see are “traditional Mexican blankets.” Why the traditional Mexican blanket? According to Yoga Direct, one of the most popular yoga teachers of our time - B.K.S. Iyengar - traveled to Mexico and fell in love with that style of blanket for his yoga practice. Tip: Get the largest blanket available!
Diffuser: A diffuser is great for setting the mood for your yoga practice. I prefer calming scents like lavender for slower classes. For more active classes, I opt for more lively scents like tea tree oil or eucalyptus. I got my diffuser and oils at Target, but there are plenty of places to get one!
Eye Pillow: An eye pillow is such a nice treat in savasana. Tip: Get one infused with lavender!
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Yoga Blocks: Blocks are essential for an at-home practice! In my picture, I have cork blocks and foam blocks. The cork blocks were a gift - they’re aesthetically pleasing, but I rarely use them when practicing because they’re too hard. Foam blocks are nice and squishy, easy on the hands and gentle when using them to prop up parts of your body.
Bolster: Bolsters come in many shapes and sizes. I enjoy a thick, rectangular bolster for all-around support. Circular bolsters can be great for heart openers. If you enjoy Yin or Restorative yoga, a bolster is a must! Bolsters can also be a softer alternative to blocks when using a prop to support a resting body part.
Yoga Strap: Yoga straps are a wonderful tool for easing into forward stretches. They’re also great tools for leg and arm stretches!
Knee Pad: Get you a knee pad!!! Not only is it great for sensitive knees (your child’s pose will never be the same), but it’s also great to add softness under your feet in poses like hero pose.
Spiro Stretch: I cannot express how much I LOVE my Spiro! It’s such a versatile tool. I typically opt for my Spiro over a strap because it’s more comfortable to hold and easier to handle. Here’s a fun video where I show you just a handful of ways you can use a Spiro in your practice.
Fun story - the creator of the Spiro (Elena Keegan) was actually my first yoga teacher!
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2 年Love this :)