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| Photo by Celeste Lindell |
One of my first yoga teachers kicked my ass with props. (No, not literally! Although, I once dropped one of those wooden blocks on my toe, making the nail black for months.) Anyway, when I was a wee beginning yoga student, I thought props were for sissies. Or people who were too out of shape to touch their toes. Or for people seeking a “gentle” practice. Since I did not want to be any of these things, I would just struggle through every pose without any help, thank you very much. When my teacher suggested some of the people in the room might benefit from use of a prop, I’d just smile because I knew she was clearly not talking to me. It went this way for months until one day my teacher made a sweet suggestion to use a block. I ignored her. Then, she looked me in the eye and suggested a block again, this time a little more firmly. I still ignored her, sure she wasn’t talking to me. Finally she stood up, walked across the room, picked up a block, walked back across the room and put it in my face. “Here! You need this!” I was embarrassed. I was also mad for at least a week. But I decided that in her class I might as well just use the blasted prop so she wouldn’t embarrass me again. After a few more classes I realized that props were actually helping my practice—I was able to go deeper into the pose, feel things I’d never noticed before. I had been converted!
Guess what!? I’ve been practicing for eight years now and props are STILL a necessity. Only now I know that props are not a sign of weakness—they’re a useful tool and EVERYBODY needs to use them sometimes.
That said, here’s my list of yoga props every beginning yoga student should have in their homes. If you practice in a yoga studio you probably don’t need to lug all of your props with you (they will have plenty there!), but it’s nice to have your own stuff for your home practice–which is where most of the transforming takes place!
1. Yoga Mat. Yoga mats are important to keep your hands and feet from slipping as you practice. I think it’s important to have your own for two reasons. 1-Renting a mat is icky. There’s sweat, germs, bacteria, and I don’t even want to know what else on there. 2-It’s an investment in your commitment to the practice. It’s also a physical reminder to practice when you see your yoga mat propped up in the corner of a room somewhere.
See also Review: Vernice Vita Yoga Mat
2. Eye Pillow. Eye pillows are my favorite prop ever! Sure, they’re great for Savasana. But there are a lot of different uses, too. (Click here for a list.) If you don’t want to spend the $20 on a cutesy one in your yoga studios boutique you can easily make your own. You don’t even have to sew! Just fill up one of those socks you have laying around without a match and fill it up with rice, beans, or flax seeds.
3. Strap. Straps are important—not just for those times when you can’t reach your toes—but also for those times when your hands can almost clasp or when you can ALMOST back bend so deeply you can ALMOST touch your foot to the back of your head. Everyone needs one. But you don’t have to have a “yoga” strap. If you’re at home a plain ol’ belt that holds your jeans up will work just as well in most cases!
See also How to Choose a Yoga Mat
4. Blocks. Yoga blocks bring the floor closer to you when you can’t quite reach. But they also are great for giving you a little extra lift when you’re learning arm balances or jumping through. I recommend you get two sturdy wooden blocks (just make sure you don’t drop them on your toes!). The foam ones are too squishy and feel like they might collapse if you put your weight on them. Of course, if you don’t have blocks yet I’m sure you have some things around the house you can substitute–a stack of text books, maybe?
5. Blanket (or 2). Blankets are another versatile yoga prop. You can fold them so they’re thick or thin, long or narrow. Two blankets stacked on top of each other make a suitable alternative for a bolster for restorative poses.
Blanket Folding Tip: Lie or sit over the side with the fold not the blanket’s edges so you’ll be even and more supported.
Read more …
Why I LOVE Yoga Props
Review: Manduka Yoga Mat
4 Reasons I Love Iyengar Yoga
What Does Your Yoga Mat Say about You?
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My teacher training program is Vinyasa and not so big on the props. They're available but not something we're often coached to use.
My background is in Iyengar, so I began a practice rich in props. Now when I use them in my home practice they're such a treat!
I think this list is the perfect starter. I would add bolster if you're going to six, though if you can't sew it is a bigger initial investment.
I see more and more uses for blocks including placing them between your legs to increase awareness of your movements. Since I also use them in a similar manner in shoulder stands … its nice to keep a few foam ones around.
@Tali, I agree on bolster being number 6… of course, I think two stacked blankets are a great alternative if you don't want to have piles of props in every corner of your house–like I do!
@Frenzy, Good point! Foam blocks for holding between your legs.. those wooden ones are dangerous if you drop them from heights!
I love me a block for lots and lots of asana. I always make sure students have them at the beginning of class; at first some of my regulars weren't that hip to using them but now readily use them. What's nice about that is it sets a good example for newer students.
I came to props later in my practice and am glad I have.
As a teacher I feel that I can offer safer options for the entire class using props so I loved this post. Cork blocks are the best (in my opinion). They feel sturdier then foam but not dangerous…plus are environmentally friendlier 🙂
I've been practicing for 4 years…and a block is still definitely necessary for Eastern Squat. My husband is Chinese, and totally NOT a yogi, but he can do this posture without a block. Me? I need a block. No embarrassment.
Don't forget that the block doubles as a prop and masseuse! I lay on one at home (and at the studio) and work out the kinks in my shoulders/back. Pretty much can't live without one now…
I already have few yoga mats for myself.I must look for toher props.Thank you i really like to visit and read your blog.Keep it up.
I encourage students to go home and look in the closet or the wife's closet for a old robe or pants belt that would make a suitable strap. Most men will never remember to go to the store to purchase a "yoga strap" but they tend to need them the most! Where I teach we don't have any props on hand.
Instead of spending money on expensive straps I started a 'Tie Fund' asking my students to bring along old ties… there are loads of hiddeous ties lurking at the bottom of cuboards… not great for fashion but PERFECT for Yoga classes!
That's an awesome idea, Jo! Love it!