When we think of yoga, the first image that comes to mind is a person standing or sitting in an upright position, eyes closed, hands folded and arms stretched over the head. While these are all essential elements of yoga, they’re not the only ones and they’re certainly not all you need.
Yoga is a very versatile practice and each practitioner can choose from a wide range of tools to make their sessions more effective. The most important thing about yoga props is that they allow you to find the right level for your practice. They’re there to help and improve your posture, support weak joints and muscles and increase the duration of your practice.
Here are some of the most important yoga props that can make your session more effective:
1. Yoga mats
Yoga mats are essential for every type of yoga you’ll do. They protect your floor from sweat and allow you to focus on the movements instead of worrying about sliding around. You can opt for a thick mat if you like a soft cushion under your feet but be aware that this will slow down your movements during faster flows. Also, make sure you clean your mat often with an antibacterial spray and wipe it down with disinfectant wipes at the end of each session.
2. Blocks
Blocks are spectacular tools as they offer support and stability while also providing relief for tight or sore muscles.Use them under your hands when you’re in Chair Pose, for example, or lift one leg at a time onto a block when you’re doing Warrior II to make it easier to balance.
3. Yoga Bolster
If you’ve never had one of these before, you’re missing out! This prop is great for resting on when doing seated poses and savasana. You can also use it for gentle backbends if you need extra support for your low back, or place it behind your lower back during forward folds as extra support as well.
