Yoga Props

Often in class your teacher will guide you to use props, such as bolsters, belts, blankets, blocks, and in Iyengar classes they have wall equipment also. 

Props are used extensively in restorative yoga and often in yin classes, we they are used  to provide more support, warmth and comfort. 

In general yoga classes we use props to support us in the poses, making them more accessible and helping us to deepen our practice and experience of the asana.

Another really useful prop is a yoga chair, you can use any sturdy chair but I will link to purpose made yoga chairs as they are backless and a really good tool to have in your yoga kete.

A good set up to have is – yoga mat, 2 blocks, 1 belt, and 1 blanket (you can use a blanket you have, but, yoga blankets are generally quite firm so made for their intended use when using as a prop).  If you are wanting a blanket for warmth, any blanket you love is fine.  Also with belts, yes you can use any belt or even a dressing gown belt or a tie, but yoga belts are longer, stronger and the right width for comfortable and effective use, I recommend getting one.  

Nice to have is a yoga chair – if you can, get the one that comes with the back bender attachment.  I have had one of these for many years and they are amazing. In my book recommendations you will see a book called A Chair for Yoga which is a great book, but there are also lots of videos and online resources available to learn.  I absolutely love chair yoga, it is so useful, great for when we have mobility or movement limitations, and also great for going deeper into the postures.

Great to have is a head stander chair – not necessarily for doing headstand, but they are wonderful to use for things like downward dog, being able to remain seated up off the floor for floor poses, and these ones come with a poster of all the poses you can do with your head stander.  I have one of these from Feet Up.

 My favourite supplier in New Zealand is Yoga Arts, their props are of the highest standard and they supply everything you will need for your yoga practice.   

If you are getting a bolster from Yoga Arts, please get the standard bolster – https://yogaarts.nz/shop/bolster-standard-round/ – bolsters can be quite firm when you get them, but they flatten out nicely with use.

If you prefer to buy local, you can purchase bolsters from Globe Artichoke,  a Paekakariki based business.  You will need their Traditional Cylinder bolster.

Yoga mats, blocks and belts can also be bought at places like The Warehouse, K Mart and Rebel Sports.  

Once you start using props you will never look back, yes, for yoga all we need is our own body and space to move it in, we don’t even really need a yoga mat.  But, props make yoga better!