Yoga has different styles, and there are various accessories or equipment that can be used depending on the style you are practicing. There are different types of yoga props. Improve your yoga experience and take it to the next level by using yoga props. These props help individuals who require modifications or improve their personal experience.
There is a common misunderstanding that a yogi who uses a prop is not a good practitioner or her asana is not advanced compared to the rest of the yogis in the class. Ironically, yoga props have a negative connotation in yoga classes when a yoga prop is an accessory that helps and improves one’s yoga experience. B.K.S. Iyengar, the well-known founder of Iyengar Yoga and the foremost yoga teacher globally, is the first yoga instructor introduced using yoga props to the modern-day yoga practice.
For Iyengar, using yoga props provide support, stability, and resistance, and it is essential to consider that individuals have different body proportions. Using yoga props allows beginners and experts to experience yoga and improve their yoga experience on a higher level.
The 5 “Must Have” Yoga Props for Every Yogi
1. Chirp Yoga Wheel
This yoga prop is perfect for different yogis. It helps extend the range of motion of an individual. It also helps reduce back pain. It allows individuals with flexibility problems and improves blood flow. This yoga prop can be used during inversion poses. It weighs 8 lbs.
Pros
- Increases your yogi’s core strength
- Made from eco-friendly materials
- 100% money-back guarantee for those who will not be satisfied with this product
- Can handle an individual’s weight while using it during yoga practice
Cons
- Some reviews claim rubber seems to be separating when opened from the box
- It can be a bit uncomfortable for some users
- Expensive compared to other yoga props
2. Knee Pad by SukhaMat
It is designed and developed in the U.S.A. It helps alleviate pressure felt on the knees and other joints while performing various yoga poses. This mat is 15mm thick, measures 24 x 10, weighs 12 ounces, and provides comfort when used with a yoga mat. This yoga prop is advisable for yogis who have knee or joint pain, older individuals, and even those who suffer from different injuries.
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight and can be carried anywhere
- Affordable
- Made from eco-friendly materials and has antimicrobial properties.
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Extremely firm and not dense enough to provide a cushion for the knees
- Not advisable for those who suffer from knee pain
3. Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block
It is made from cork material which makes it lightweight and easy to carry. It is durable and guaranteed to last long, even with frequent use. It provides stability, and it is made from solid cork. It is sturdy enough to absorb the weight of a Yogi. It prevents slipping when used during different yoga poses. Its dimensions measure 3.5 x 5.5 x 9 inches, and it weighs 1.85 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight can be carried when attending yoga classes
- It comes with an offer of a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy to grip with its non-slip surface
- Made from eco-friendly, premium quality cork material
Cons
- Heavier than a foam block
- May darken after repeated use and come in contact with oily hands
4. Hugger Mugger Cotton Cinch Yoga Strap
This yoga strap is perfect for modifying a yogi’s pose. It helps increase an individual’s flexibility. It is made from durable and sturdy cotton. It is designed with easy to use buckle. Its dimension measurements are 14 x 10 x 2 inches and weigh 1 lb.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Strong and durable
- Made from high-quality materials
- Versatile can be used for stretching
- The manufacturer’s warranty is included.
Cons
- Buckle may be weak
- The metal end of the strap can be too noisy during yoga classes
5. Coregeous® Ball
This ball helps alleviate stress and tension. It also helps with pain relief, especially back pain. It improves mobility and performance when used during yoga classes. It is portable and can be carried in every yoga class. Its dimensions measurement is 9 x 9 x 9 inches and weighs around 3.53 ounces.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Affordable
- It can help with back pain.
Cons
- It contains phthalates and has a mild smell
- Small and hard to blow using the small tube it comes with, and it does not come with a pump
- Not recommended on a wood surface as it may deteriorate and will not be usable anymore, according to some users
Importance of Using Yoga Props
The correct yoga props can help an individual do all that it takes to enhance and improve his alignment and even make awkward or difficult poses easier and possible. Using yoga props allows beginners to safely perform and practice various poses while slowly enhancing their strength, flexibility, and stability. Using props in a class, especially for beginners, is a must since they help support their bodies. Yoga props also benefit experts with its assistance; it enhances and deepens their yoga practice and experience. When yoga props are used correctly, it will help improve and strengthen the effectiveness of the asanas (poses) during yoga sessions. Yoga props help individuals who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis since the common symptom of this illness is joint pain. Individuals who have R.A. may experience difficulty doing a full extension of a specific yoga pose without the assistance of yoga props.
There are various yoga props, and there is no need to get all of them for an individual to experience and enjoy their yoga practice fully. It is advisable to try different props available in a yoga studio to experience them and feel them, which will be the perfect one for your practice. Some items can be used as a substitute for specific yoga props. For example, pillows or blankets can also be used as a bolster.
Using yoga props is not a sign of weakness. Yoga props are the perfect addition to an individual’s yoga practice, which will help him do everything to improve his yoga practice. Yoga props will help an individual perform complicated and challenging poses. Yoga props offer various benefits. It helps a yogi, whether a beginner or expert, fully stretch and reduce the tension in the muscles.
Benefits & Other Types of Yoga Props
There are various yoga props in the market, and here are some of the list and the benefits it gives when used during yoga sessions.
Blankets
A blanket can be easily folded, which helps the level of support provided to the yogi when performing various yoga poses such as Savasana or the Corpse Pose. It is helpful for centering, meditation as it allows for comfort, warmth, and support for yogis during kneeling postures. When a blanket is used to elevate the seating positing, it helps reduce the pressure on the yogi’s hips, hamstrings, and lower back. A blanket is also effective in providing a safety measure when performing various yoga poses that will require stability and strength. A blanket will prevent any injury when performing different poses. It is advisable to use multiple blankets to know which will be the most comfortable for the yogi during his practice.
Bolsters
A bolster is one of the most popular yoga props in the market. It is multipurpose and will be useful during yoga sessions. A bolster is used in the opening and expansion of different body parts when performing various yoga poses. A bolster is used to support the spine and release tension in the body. One example is during Savasana, and it helps enhance the relaxation and comfort of the user. A bolster is helpful when performing different asanas, or poses and alignment may be an issue. It can be used to provide support and relaxation. For example, when used during Pigeon pose, it helps the hips open while reducing the pressure felt on the back. A bolster can also be used to raise the hips on the same level as the knees, which provides support on the body and help the yogi open his body and release the muscle tension.
Yoga Mat
A yoga mat is perfect for preventing slipping and sliding while performing various yoga poses. Yoga mats provide cushions and support to the joints. Yoga mats are available in the market and vary from one another. An extra thick mat can provide support and cushion, and a recommendable mat is usually 5mm thick. A yogi can also use a long yoga mat to be folded to protect the knees. Thinner mats, however, can be easily folded and easy to carry wherever you go.
Blocks
A block can be made with various materials, and the most popular ones are cork or foam. Yogis use it to provide assistance when performing poses that require strength and flexibility. Individuals who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis will benefit from using this yoga prop when they want to bend their knees, and an upturned block can be used to assist during this pose. A typical block usually measures 9 x 6 x 4 inches. One example of using blocks for a yoga pose is during Balancing Half Moon, a block will be placed under the hand closest to the ground, and it will increase the safety of the posture and help the body focus on the development of the core strength.
Balls
A ball used in yoga has various purposes. It helps a yogi build and develop his core strength. It is also helpful to improve balance and stability while providing support when performing multiple poses such as arm-balance poses or doing a backbend that may be challenging to some yogis.
Straps
A yoga strap is useful when holding the arms and legs together. It is also useful when stretching into various poses, especially when he is not flexible enough to perform it smoothly. In different yoga studios, 6-10 feet straps are provided to help yogis achieve poses that can be challenging, especially those that require great flexibility and strength.
Yoga Props Buying Guide
How to choose the best yoga prop?
Different factors must be considered when planning to purchase a yoga prop. Yoga props will not just assist you in your practice, but they will also enhance your yoga experience.
1. Material
Different props are manufactured from various materials. There are yoga props that are made from hazardous substances and chemicals that may emit a foul odor. These are not advisable because they will affect the yoga experience of the yogi. Some props may have a typical rubber smell but fade after a few uses. Yoga props that are made from Eco-friendly materials are recommended. Aside from it being Earth-friendly, it will also be beneficial to the user. A yoga mat that is made of cork is odorless and antimicrobial at the same time.
Yoga props also vary in texture. Some are designed with silicone grips that prevent slipping and sliding off while practicing yoga. The texture of the yoga prop also determines how comfortable it is when used by the yogi.
Yoga props must also be checked for non-sticky and non-slippery properties. Like a yoga mat, for example, there are times that it needs to be slightly wet when starting the yoga session to prevent incidents of slipping and sliding off the mat.
There are yoga props that are made from recyclable materials. It is not just Eco-friendly but also helps the yogi to practice his responsibility to Mother Earth. It must also be easy to use and easy to clean and maintain. It must also be safe to use for the individual and the environment.
2. Grip
The best yoga props offer excellent grip. Some become slippery and may cause a yogi to slide off. Some mats do not have the best grip. However, some props offer better grip the more sweat occurs. It is important to check different props that will be perfect for your yoga practice.
3. Durability
There are yoga props that are easily destroyed when used during aggressive yoga practice. Such as P.V.C. mats that get flaky when used during hot yoga sessions. When the yogi gets sweaty enough, he needs a yoga prop that will withstand frequent use.
4. Price
Yoga props available in the market may vary from the quality and the price as well. However, yoga props may be expensive, but it does not mean it is created from high-quality materials. Some are affected by the branding strategies of the companies.
There is a wide range of the availability of yoga props in the market, together with the continuous rise of the popularity of yoga. Yoga props are valuable tools in an individual’s yoga practice. Yoga props help support, strengthen, and improve the yoga practice, whether a beginner or a long-time yoga expert. Choosing the best yoga prop can be challenging and time-consuming for some, and hopefully, our list of best yoga props will help make a decision easier.