yoga props: as seen in ally lauren yoga

Enhancing Your Yoga Practice: A Guide to Using Yoga Props

Yoga is a transformative practice that can bring immense physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, you've likely encountered various yoga props like mats, straps, blocks, blankets, and bolsters. These seemingly simple tools play a crucial role in supporting and deepening your yoga practice. In this blog, we'll explore some ways in which these props can enhance your yoga experience. I will also link to the props I use in my own practice, weekly flows, and in the yoga club.

First things first & arguably the most important - A Yoga Mat: The Foundation of Your Practice.

A yoga mat is perhaps the most fundamental prop for any yogi. Its primary purpose is to provide a stable and non-slip surface, ensuring your safety during asanas (yoga poses). Here's how it supports your practice:

Stability: A good-quality yoga mat offers stability, preventing you from slipping or sliding, especially in sweat-prone conditions.

Comfort: It provides a cushioning layer for your joints, making your practice more comfortable.

Hygiene: Mats are easy to clean, creating a hygienic barrier between you and the floor.

Alignment: Many mats come with alignment markers to help you maintain proper posture.

my favorite yoga mat brands:

01. Yoloha - cork mats, sustainable, high quality, non-slip, thick (I use the plant foam mat).

02. jadeyoga - sustainable, chemical free, high quality (this is the all-purpose mat i’d go for or this one if you want one that travels easily).

03. hejhej - for my European readers this brand(!!!), beautiful mats, sustainable, high quality (I’ll be doing a happy dance the day they expand shipping to the US!)

p.s. these are not affiliate links, I just realllllyyyyyy love these brands & their quality. invest in a good yoga mat, it can make or break your practice experience.

Yoga Strap: Deepen Your Stretch

Yoga straps, typically made of cotton or nylon, are incredibly versatile props that can assist in stretching, achieving proper alignment, and enhancing flexibility:

Stretching: Straps can help you extend your reach in poses like Seated Forward Bends.

Alignment: They assist in aligning your body correctly, making postures more accessible.

Progression: Straps are fantastic tools for gradually working towards more advanced poses.

I use this strap from yoloha. again, great quality & I like that it can be multi-purpose to carry may mat too.

Yoga Blocks: Extend Your Reach

Yoga blocks, typically made of foam or cork, provide support and stability in various postures. Here's how they can enhance your practice:

Height: Blocks come in different sizes and can be used at varying heights, allowing you to modify poses according to your flexibility and needs.

Balance: They assist in balancing, making it easier to maintain steady positions.

Support: Blocks can provide support for your hands, feet, or hips in poses like Triangle Pose or Bridge Pose.

I use these cork blocks from yoloha. I like cork blocks because they are sturdier and provide a more stable support since They are a bit heavier than foam blocks.

Yoga Blanket: Comfort and Warmth

Yoga blankets, often made of wool or cotton, offer both physical and emotional comfort during your practice:

Warmth: Blankets can provide insulation during meditation and relaxation, keeping you warm.

Support: Folded blankets can be used as bolsters to support various poses.

Cushioning: They offer cushioning for sensitive joints in seated poses or under your head during Savasana (Corpse Pose).

I use this blanket from target. these are some other great options: jadeyoga blanket and b, halfmoon everyday blanket.

Yoga Bolster: Deep Relaxation

Yoga bolsters are cylindrical or rectangular cushions that promote relaxation, restore energy, and facilitate restorative yoga:

Restorative Poses: Bolsters are integral for restorative yoga, where they support your body in gentle, relaxing postures.

Comfort: They can enhance comfort during seated or reclined poses, relieving strain on muscles and joints.

Stress Reduction: Bolsters aid in reducing stress and tension, allowing for a deeper state of relaxation.

I use this linen rectangular bolster from b, halfmoon.

Yoga props are like trusted companions on your yoga journey. They offer support, comfort, and the opportunity to explore the depths of your practice. Whether you're working on perfecting your alignment, deepening your stretches, or simply seeking greater comfort during relaxation, these props are invaluable tools. Embrace them as allies on your mat, and you'll discover how they can help you evolve both physically and spiritually through your yoga practice. As you continue your journey, don't hesitate to explore and experiment with these props to find the unique ways they can enhance your personal practice. Yoga is a path of self-discovery, and these props are there to assist you every step of the way.

p.s. i’m working on a guide for how to use your yoga props in your own practice get excited!