The best feeling at the end of a yoga class is the feeling of groundedness and peace. For beginner yogis using yoga props is a great way to help make certain poses more manageable or attainable.
Through the years, yogis have been very creative in creating yoga props out of taped up VHS tapes to use as blocks, and belts as straps, to name a few. Today, major brands manufacture various types of yoga props for use in various yoga classes. Whether you are taking yoga classes, or practicing yoga at home, yoga props can make your practice more beneficial, save and rewarding. Here are five must have yoga props we recommend.
Yoga Prop 1: Block
Tight hamstrings and tight muscles limit our ability to reach into deeper versions of poses. Yoga blocks are a great help to beginner yogis whose flexibility isn’t quite there yet—the yoga block is the one yoga prop that provides more leverage for stretching, especially in yoga classes that focus on splits. Or they provide extension when you can't reach the floor quite yet, for example in Half Moon pose.
There are a few types of yoga blocks available.
Foam Yoga Block
The most common material for yoga blocks is foam. Most yoga studios carry foam yoga blocks to help beginner yogis in their yoga class. Foam yoga blocks are the softest blocks on the market – perfect for the newbie yogi that needs more cushioning.
Foam yoga blocks are lightweight, so it’s the best travel companion. Travelling yogis love foam yoga blocks because they don’t take up much of the baggage allowance — perfect for a restorative and yin focused practice on the go.
Cork Yoga Block
Cork yoga blocks provide more stability and durability because of the density. But yet provides more give and "bounciness" than traditional wooden yoga blocks.
Among all kinds of yoga prop blocks in the market, cork is the best for more traction and grip. It provides a steady grip that’ll allow you to deepen your stretch and improve your flexibility.
Yoga Prop 2: Yoga Strap
Yoga straps are a great way to maintain specific poses while being comfortable and at ease. The yoga strap provides extension into poses that are otherwise unattainable due to limitations in flexibility. This makes the yoga class experience more satisfying.
Yoga Strap
A yoga strap with a buckle is the most ideal for use—its length can be adjusted to suit your needs in maintaining a yoga pose with ease. We recommend straps that are 6 feet long to maximise the use of the strap for all possible uses. The buckle makes it easier to quickly adjust the yoga strap to the required length. A yoga strap with buckle will also not unravel by accident or prematurely, thus ensuring that yogis can hold their yoga pose with ease. Yoga Prop 3: Blanket
The most popular kind of yoga prop blanket is a recycled wool yoga blanket, which is usually made out of 70% recycled wool from old wool clothing. Recycled wool yoga prop blankets are great for Iyengar, Restorative, Pre-Natal and Yoga Therapy classes. On top of that, a recycled wool yoga blanket is an eco-friendly purchase. Recycled Wool Blankets are the perfect yoga prop to use for support in yoga class. Use a folded yoga blanket for added support when executing yoga poses that require more support or if you require more cushioning.
Yoga Prop 4: Bolster
Increased flexibility and deeper relaxation are two of the benefits of using a yoga bolster. Firmer than a pillow but shaped in a circle or rectangle, the yoga bolster is a versatile yoga prop that provides support for calming poses to achieve a relaxed state.
There are two types of yoga bolsters widely available—rectangular and cylinder yoga bolsters. Both have their pros and cons.
We recommend the cylinder kind, for its support and versatility.