Must have Yoga Accessories
When I first started doing yoga back in 2016 I had no idea how many different yoga accessories existed and what they for. As I have stumbled upon and learned of a few, I realize just how helpful they are to my practice. I have compiled a list of the main yoga props or accessories that I use to enhance my practice.
Yoga Blocks
Yoga blocks can be made of foam, bamboo, wood or cork. I’ve found that the most comfortable ones are made of foam because they are soft enough to use in a variety of different ways. Speaking of, what exactly are yoga blocks used for?
Yoga blocks are very beneficial for helping you with correct alignment, posture, and comfort. For instance, I have longer legs so sometimes it’s hard to get into a pose like Trikonasana (triangle pose) and reach the floor without caving into my side and jutting out the opposite hip. In this instance I use the yoga block at the highest height to give me more space in my side. Below I am showing the yoga block on all three height options. From left to right: highest, medium, lowest height. When in class or at home, play around with the different heights in different poses to see what offers you the best option. Another pose where I love to use my yoga blocks? reclined fish pose to allow my spine to have a deep stretch. It feels amazing trust me.
Yoga Strap
The Yoga strap serves as a tool to help you properly stay in alignment when doing a pose. Similar to the yoga blocks, the assistance from the strap is customizable to the need. Standing poses where one leg is extended out in front of you can benefit from the assistance of a strap. Forward folding poses with extended legs are also great with a strap. I know for me it is hard to forward fold and touch my feet (again these legs of mine) so with the strap I am able to get the same effect and benefit of forward folding without rounding my back and forcing myself to touch my feet. *added tip, please bend your knees as needed in seated forward folds if you must touch the soles of your feet.
Bolster
Bolsters are a must in restorative classes. Who wouldn’t want a large, soft (but very firm) pillow to lay on for support during class? This yoga prop is helpful in seated hip opening postures because it provides firm support by raising the hips away from the floor. Bolsters are also great for achieving better muscle relaxation. When choosing a bolster, think about the type of yoga you must commonly practice. Standard classes? a bolster with firmer core like this one: Hugger Mugger bolster. Yin yoga? a softer, more pliable bolster like this one: Manduka bolster.
Yoga Wheel
The yoga wheel is a hollow, circular shaped prop designed for aiding stretching, releasing tension and improving flexibility. It is definitely a tool that you can use for your home practice since it is not commonly seen or used in yoga studios. Perfect for backbends, the yoga wheel helps you stretch and use the full support of the wheel, therefore preventing any injury.
Meditation Cushion
Pretty self-explanatory, a cushion that you use when meditating. However, there are probably a hundred different types of cushions; from the shape, size, texture, density, etc., that it can be hard to know which one is best for you. When searching for a mediation cushion, think about the space you will use it in and your way of meditating. Do you need a cushion with back support? Do you need a wider seat for comfortability, do you like the minimalist approach with a smaller cushion? it all depends.
If you practice yoga regularly you will find that at some point you get into a meditative state unintentionally. Sometimes it won’t happen, or sometimes it will happen at the end of the practice during savasana (corpse pose), but it happens. Meditation cushions are really great when you just start meditating and find it uncomfortable to sit for a longer period of time.
Yoga Blankets
Yoga blankets are pretty versatile in a yoga practice. There are a multitude of ways to fold and stack them for various purposes. Not your traditional blanket, these blankets can help apply pressure to certain muscles and encourage relaxation. One way I have always liked to use the blankets is during savasana. I lay the blanket folded once over my legs to weigh my body down and help me further feel grounded. You will never use a yoga blanket in a hot yoga class or other fast paced class because it wouldn’t be practical. The blankets are used in restorative yoga, yin yoga, and other classes that center around slowing down and relaxation.
Eye Pillow
Your savasana will be 10x better with an eye pillow. Eye pillows offer a gentle weight to relax the forehead and eyes. It truly helps you ease into that meditative state when your eyes are covered by darkness so the light in the room or coming in from outside won’t make your mind wander. I find that using the eye pillow helps me truly look inward and explore. *disclaimer, you may end up getting so comfortable that you fall asleep. This is totally ok!
The eye pillows that are made and scented with essential oils are my favorite! I LOVE a lavender scented eye pillow.
This is my list of yoga props or accessories that I keep on hand for my own home practice. I did not list brands in every category but if you have suggestions for some of your favorite brands please leave the suggestions in the comments below!
With LOVE,
KayaDejure