What to Know About Yoga Props
Props are a wonderful tool to get more out of your yoga practice, as they’re used to relieve strain on your body in their own way. Generally, they act as an extension of yourself or the ground to bring an extra layer of comfort.
The “Buy Rating” indicates how necessary it is to buy a product specifically for your yoga. There are home substitutions for some, and others that can’t be replaced. My advice is to try out a class with just a mat and if you find you want to explore more corners of the practice, then try out some props to see how they enhance your class.
Note: None of these product links are affiliate links, but are my recommendations from personal use.
Yoga Mat
Buy Rating: 5/5
Only true requirement to begin a practice
Yoga is a very accessible practice, but if anything was a requirement to start, it would be a yoga mat. These mats are designed to be non-slip and supportive of your body. There are a lot of options when picking out a mat with variations of thickness, style, portability, and prices. The important thing to keep in mind is the thickness because if you have sensitive knees or wrists, begin with a thicker mat to begin practice. Most mats start at 3-4 mm but go up to 1-1.5”. Personally, I have a Gaiam 4mm mat that I have had for about 4 years now, which I adore and use daily. If you’re looking for a place to start, I recommend starting with this company.
Blocks
Buy Rating: 4.5/5
Great to have close buy and are beneficial in many ways
This is definitely my most used prop in the collection. In a Hatha/Vinyasa flow, blocks are use to raise the ground to you. If you ever are trying to reach the ground and are finding it painful/unsafe to do so, using a block helps to lift the ground to you so that you can focus on other areas of alignment. They are also great to support your weight throughout different poses to allow you to slowly build the strength needed for the full expression of the pose. In a Restorative flow, blocks are used to support the weight of your body in different poses so that you get the stretch of the pose, but without needing to use any strength. If you start and realize that you enjoy yoga, add blocks to your practice as soon as you can to get the most out of your practice!
Yoga Towel
Buy Rating: 3/5
Great to own if you want a sweat towel on your mat. Towels made specifically for yoga have more benefits than a towel for other uses.
Towels are great tools for hot yoga or if you sweat a lot during practice. Yoga specific towels have the buyability edge because they are nonslip and are the same size as your yoga mat so that you can practice on top of them safely and keep your surface dry throughout practice. The added benefit is that these towels are easier to clean than a mat which helps with maintaining a clean environment.
Blanket
Buy Rating: 1/5
In a home practice, blankets from your bed or couch are all you need!
This is the comfiest prop! The two main ways that a blanket is used is in a seated meditation and during a restorative class. While in a seated pose, the blanket is helpful to elevate the hips to help sit up taller with less pain. Also a blanket is used throughout a restorative yoga class to provide comfort, warmth, and embrace. And sometimes we all need an extra hug during savasana no matter the genre of practice, so the blanket is great to keep nearby.
Straps
Buy Rating: 2/5
Beneficial to have close by, but a belt is a great substitution
The straps act as an extension of your hands. Any time your hands are working to touch together, the straps allow you to do the pose without needing the hands to touch. For an example, if you reach your hands behind you to clasp, and are unable or uncomfortable to do so, then you could hold onto a strap to take pressure out of your shoulders. This is most commonly used in a flow class that has any binds or holds, or in individual poses as needed.
Bolster
Buy Rating: 2.5/5
Generally the most expensive prop, but if you gravitate towards a restorative practice then it is worth the cost
A bolster is a sturdy yet soft rectangular device that is used in meditations, Yin Yoga, and Restorative Yoga. Bolsters are meant to be comfortable and sturdier than pillows so that your weight can be supported fully. The aspects of feeling safe and comfortable cannot be overstated and if that appeals to you, then it is worth getting.
Jellies
Buy Rating: Either 1/5 or 5/5
If you need them, they are a game changer! And if you don’t need them, you don’t need them
Jellies are little gelatin molds that are incredibly supportive if you have knee or wrist pain or sensitivity. These can save your practice if you are recovering from an injury or have other medical necessities for more support. These are a lesser known prop to have, but equally important to represent if you feel you need them. If your wrists and knees do not need them, you don’t need to have them. But once/if ever you ever need an extra layer of support, these are here for you.