Yoga is essential for those hoping to train their mind, body and soul. Some yogis require the use of props to allow them to train without straining their bodies. A few of these props are considered truly essential in ensuring that the best yoga sessions are experienced, every time.
These most essential props are itemised below and should be considered by any yoga enthusiast. They are great additions to your yoga studio and sessions as they can improve your flow and ability.
Yoga Blocks
Yoga blocks have the ability to raise the floor up, making it much easier to reach in many positions. They alleviate the strain in some poses, or where it would be impossible to reach the floor with total ease.
Yoga blocks come in many sizes, though most yogis choose to purchase blocks between two or three inches tall. Whilst these are more commonly used, some yogis may require larger blocks to increase their mobility; they can go up to six inches or more and are known as superblocks.
A common misconception is that using yoga blocks indicate that you are a yoga newbie, but this is not the case. The use of blocks can also help advance your poses further. They can add a challenging spin on many poses, or can be used to help further stretch or relieve tension in other poses.
The main aim of the block is to increase the users comfort whilst they practise in their sessions. That way they can reach their full potential and will have the support and confidence to try out new poses as they wish.
Yoga Straps
Straps are used primarily to allow for better control when completing yoga poses. They are great for all levels too. Newer practitioners can use straps to slowly stretch out to their full potential. For more experienced yogis, a strap allows them to keep aligned in their poses and throughout their sessions.
Straps are a great addition to your home regardless of your yoga ability. They are used to stretch out tight hamstrings after a run and are regarded the best remedy for this. This makes them versatile and useful in various situations as well as yoga.
Their most beneficial advantage is that they allow their users to become more flexible with time. Avoiding any need to rush, over stretch, or injure themselves by giving them the support of the strap. They really encompass the true meaning of yoga, which is to look within oneself and develop as you see fit.
Bolsters
These are pillow like support props, used to remove any tension when stretching in certain poses. They are used to take the strain off of the body as one flows from pose to pose.
Bolsters vary in size, you should choose a bolster that can fit and support your own bodies’ needs first. They are mainly used in restorative yoga as they help to promote good blood circulation throughout your yoga session, which is a great added bonus.
Whilst they ensure that your sessions are comfortable, they also promote many health benefits depending on where they are situated. If you place a bolster under your knees it will encourage a floating feeling and promote leg circulation. If a bolster is situated under your lower back, it will support and increase both abdomen and stomach circulation. When a bolster is placed along your upper back and neck your chest’s circulation will greatly improve.
Bolsters are important yoga props and could be just the addition that you require to excel in your practise. Remember, you must purchase a bolster that is best fit to your bodies needs, regardless of its size or shape.
Blankets
This is considered to be one of the most intricate yoga props of all. This is because it can be used in many ways; as it has a shape that can be easily transformed to suit the user.
Blankets are great comforters whilst completing a yoga session; it can be made into a small bolster or head pillow with such ease. Some yogis prefer to use a blanket over a mat whilst practising their poses or in yoga sessions. Give this a try too, If you’re searching for the right blanket, it will help you to find the perfect blanket to match your needs.
Yoga blankets are especially useful for alleviating stiff muscles in seated poses. They can be folded and placed under your pelvis for better mobility, or used to relieve pressure on your joints in more difficult poses.
Yoga Wall
A yoga wall is a versatile, adjustable support system that can give you the best feeling after a yoga session. The prop can hold you, lift you up or suspend part of your body whilst you complete your yoga poses.
Many yogis use a yoga wall to increase their extension abilities, or to strengthen their backs over time. The wall allows for a solid, more secure feeling whilst completing some poses, which some yogis find necessary.
You can also attach certain straps and clips to many yoga walls, this allows you to intensify your experience, as you prefer. A yoga wall is a great option for those hoping to diversify their yoga experience and step outside themselves further. They are especially beneficial for yogis that are feeling apprehensive about developing their yoga skills further, giving them extra support and confidence.
Closing Thoughts
The props above are considered essential, but there are many more that may be essential to you, please do not discredit them. Remember that using a yoga prop is not a sign of weakness! Yoga props can add a whole new dimension to your sessions, they can help you improve your alignment and release any tension on formerly awkward poses.
Please do not forget that yoga is an exercise devised to help you look inwardly on yourself. Anything that will allow you to better relax, meditate and relieve tension is always a plus. Get rid of the negative stereotypes surrounding yoga props and enjoy them.
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