Your Ultimate Starter Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Learn everything you need to know about yoga props and starting a yoga practice at home or in the studio.
When I first started yoga, I viewed using props in yoga meant I wasn't good enough and wasn't practicing 'proper' yoga. This idea was wrong in at least two ways. First, props aren’t crutches, but rather tools to help you deepen the pose and achieve proper alignment. Second, props can be used by any yogi, no matter the level of experience. This blog will outline four basic yoga props and how to easily incorporate them into your practice.
The good news is, all these props can often be exchanged for common household items, allowing you to try them out in poses before purchasing any! Remember if you're a member of the YBE community take a look at the Discount Blog on the members area to get exclusive discounts when stocking up on yoga equipment.
1. YOGA BLOCKS
Yoga blocks can be used for balance and support in many poses. You can use books instead of blocks if you don’t have blocks at home. Make sure to play around with different heights to find the best one for you, it may vary depending on the pose.
Any pose that makes you wish the floor would come to meet you halfway is a good pose to use a block. For example, in Triangle pose, place a block on the outside of your front leg and rest your bottom hand on the block. Try starting with the block at its tallest, then in time work on getting it to the middle, or lowest height before being able to reach the floor with your bottom hand. You can also use blocks to help with balance, such as placing a block under one or both hands for support in Warrior III if you are unable to balance with your arms outstretched in front of you.
Personally, I haven't found a great deal of difference between when buying yoga blocks, especially between foam blocks so honestly.. just go for the cheapest/sturdiest! You can find great quality blocks for as little as £3/4.
In my own practice I use Myga foam blocks and in my 1-1 Private Classes we use YogaBudi blocks which also double up as a super handy way to carry your mat.
2. BOLSTERS
From small pillows to large bolsters, the extra cushioning is great for restorative poses, which are typically held for several minutes. As with blocks, you may need to try different sizes to find the best support in each pose.
Pillows can provide extra cushion or space that can make many poses more accessible or more comfortable. In some poses, you may find you need more support from a bolster if your pillows are too flat or small. Place pillows or bolsters under each leg in Reclined Goddess Pose or Cobbler’s Pose. Place under your seat in Hero Pose or Pigeon Pose. Rest your legs on pillows in Reclined Supine Twist. Finally, using a pillow for its main purpose, as a pillow under your head in Legs up the Wall or Savasana.
You can create your own bolsters at home by using large sofa cushions, or even rolling up two pillows into 1 pillow case (google it!) alternatively if you fancy treating yourself the average price of a yoga bolster is between £20 - 30. This usually varies depending on what beads are used inside and whether the cover is washable etc.
3. STRAPS
Straps come in a wide variety of lengths and styles for purchase. At-home solutions include ties, scarves, or belts. Straps will help you deepen stretches without compromising the position of your back and can be used in many poses.
I love using straps for my tight hamstrings. In Seated Forward Fold, wrap a strap around the balls of your feet and hold one side of the strap in each hand; gently pull yourself toward your feet with the straps, keeping a straight back rather than hunching over to force the pose.
In Cow Face Pose, if you are unable to bind your arms behind your back, hold one end of the strap in each hand and slowly wrap the strap around your wrist to bring the hands closer together with time. Use a strap to modify King Pigeon or Dancer Pose by looping it around the front of your foot, just below the toes and holding the other end with your hands to slowly bring your bent leg closer.
Straps are super cheap to buy online, you can get them for as slow as £2 on ebay but belts do work just the same!
4. YOGA MATS
Finding the right yoga mat for you is an incredibly personal choice - you need to consider where you will primarily be practicing, the style of yoga, cleaning the mat, and even things like your height and body shape if you have long legs like me!
My go to recommendation is the non-slip sticky mats, they roll up small, easy to clean and you're not sliding all over the place on them! Expect to pay around £8 - 15 for a standard non-slip mat however there are plenty of options available depending on your preferences and requirements.
If you enjoy outdoor yoga or slower paced practices where you don't need that grip, a great little tip is to get an Ikea rug! I have a few which i've purchased for around £5-10 and they work amazingly. They are a bigger and wider than normal yoga mats which makes them perfect for outdoor yoga especially if you're practicing in the morning and the grass is a little dewy. Depending on the style you get, they can also double up as yoga blankets to give you a little extra support and cushioning when folded up.
5. BLANKETS
Folded blankets is are easy yoga props to have on hand and can be used in more ways than you might think. Personally, I love using blankets to make yin and restorative classes super cosy so you don't need to be investing in any special yoga blankets, primark ones work fine!
Use a folded blanket as support under the knees in any pose with the knee on the mat such as Low Lunge, Cat/Cow, or Gate Pose. A folded blanket under the wrists, with the wrists being higher than the fingertips, can reduce wrist pain. Use a folded blanket under the wrists in Upward Facing Dog, Downward Dog, Cat/Cow, or any pose where you put weight into the hands with your wrists at a 90-degree angle. A folded towel under your seat in Hero Pose or Child’s Pose will work if a pillow is unavailable or too large.
Or for my absolute favourite tip, use a blanket to be warm and cozy during Savasana.
6. Eye Masks
Eye masks are my absolute favee when i'm practicing restorative or Yin, or even in shavasana at the end of a sweaty intense practice. You can get some really lovely weighted ones which are super soothing and grounding when placed over your eyes, as well as scented lavender ones for a little extra help when relaxing. But again, use what you have at home! A normal bedtime eye pillow works just the same and provides that deep internalised darkness to assist your meditation.
Any questions or still not sure? Drop me a message and i will of-course love to help! Remember props aren't just for home practice, you can always bring a bag of goodies to studio classes with you.
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