We’ve all been there. You go to a new yoga class and there is a pile of props next to your mat which you’re not quite sure how to use. This should become apparent during your class but it’s always nice to be armed with the knowledge beforehand. So what are you likely to find? In this post I’ll be breaking down the most common props and how you can use them so you can support your practice to be as comfortable as possible.
We’ll be looking at:
- Yoga blocks
- Thin flat yoga blocks
- Eye pillows
- Yoga straps
- Yoga bolsters
- Blankets
- Meditation cushions
Yoga blocks
What is a yoga block?
Essentially a yoga block is a brick sized prop commonly made out of foam, cork or bamboo. These can vary in size but they are usually rectangular in size and can be used on three different “settings”. Flat on the widest side to provide a low support. Stood on it’s long edge to provide medium height. Stood on its narrowest side to provide the highest height that be used.
What would I use a yoga block for?
Most commonly a yoga block is used to add extra length to your arms. This could be while in standing forward folds, either wide legged or narrow, in revolved lunges where the hand is to the floor or in balancing postures such as half moon. By adding a block under your hand it helps bring more space to the posture instead of focusing on reaching the floor. This tends to mean you can soften into the posture more, keep the breathe even and relaxed and it feel more comfortable.
Yoga blocks can also be used for activation. By placing one between the thighs in chair or boat pose and giving it a squeeze it can encourage activation of core muscles and build strength.
Finally blocks can also be used to prop up yoga bolsters in restorative yoga poses making them less intense and helping the body relax a little more.
Thin flat yoga blocks
What is a thin, flat yoga block?
Similar to the more common brick shaped yoga blocks, these flatter alternatives are also often made from foam, cork or bamboo. More book shaped than brick shaped this flatter shape can be used in the same way but it will be less stable when stood on it’s narrower edges.
What would I use a thin, flat yoga block for?
Less commonly used for lengthening the arms this block is more usually found supporting seated postures. For most of us sitting flat on the floor isn’t that comfortable but raising the hips can help. The inch or so extra height that these blocks can give help to raise the back of the pelvis tilting it into a position which for most people makes sitting more comfortable.
This is helpful for seated meditation and breathwork and also postures such as seated twists and forward folds. If you have the feeling of rolling back when sat down try lifting the hips and see if it makes a difference.
Eye pillows
What is an eye pillow?
If you’ve never come across an eye pillow before then finding what looks like the bean bag you used on school sports day next to your mat may be a little confusing. Commonly filled with linseed or rice, eye pillows are small rectangular items made from fabric and sometimes scented with lavender. They tend to weigh approximately 200g.
What would I use an eye pillow for?
Eye pillows are most commonly used in savasana or the relaxation part of your yoga class. Placed gently and evenly across the eyes for two reasons. Firstly they help to block out light which in the often bright spaces yoga classes are taught in can help the eyes relax and stop distraction. The second reason for using them is a little more scientific. The gentle weight laid across the eyes stimulates nerve endings which send signals to your nervous system to slow down and relax.
Less commonly but still a lovely use for an eye pillow is to use it as a weight in restorative yoga. They can be placed across the chest as a comfort, onto the lower back in childs pose or forward folds or onto the palms of the hands in reclined postures to help them relax.
Yoga straps
What is a yoga strap?
A yoga strap or belt is a length of woven webbing usually with two d-rings at one end and made from cotton or polyester. Varying in length they usually measure between 1.8m and 3m long. The can be used long or made into a loop by placing the end through the d-rings and lengthening or shortening to the desired size
What would I use a yoga strap for?
Yoga straps are one of the most versatile yoga props. They can be used to extend the arms in binds and folds so that you can find more space. Try placing around your feet in a forward fold or holding each end in a bind when your hands can’t find each other. They can also be used to stretch the body, for instance in reclined hamstring stretches. Used in conjunction with other props they are also used support the body in restorative postures such as supta baddha konasana.
Yoga bolsters
What is a yoga bolster?
A yoga bolster is a cylindrical or rectangular long cushion. Usually filled with buckwheat hulls, kapok or polyester hollow fibre they are relatively solid in order to support your body. There is usually a handle to help move the bolster around and a removable cover for washing. They can vary in weight but if filled with buckwheat hulls they can weigh up to 4kg.
What would I use a yoga bolster for?
Yoga bolsters can be used in a lot of your practice. They can help you sit more comfortably for breathwork, meditation or seated postures. Try either sitting up on one length wise to raise the hips, like you would use a thin flat block, or sitting in knelt hero pose with the bolster between your knees. This knelt posture is particularly good if you can never get comfortable sat cross legged. A bolster can also be used in restorative or yin yoga to help you hold postures for a longer length of time and let the body relax. They are also great for this reason in savasana at the end of a yoga class, place under your knees when laid flat on your back and feel your body soften and unwind.
Blankets
What is a blanket?
Well I’m sure you know what a blanket is but lets explore one in a yoga class setting. Blankets in yoga studios tend to come in two different sorts. The first one is a general blanket like you would find at home, often fleece or wool. These tend not to be a standard size or style and are used in a more general way in the studio. The second is a yoga blanket. These are usually made of cotton and large (approx 230x150cm) so that they can be folded in different ways to support and hold the body.
What would I use a blanket for?
A blanket can obviously be used at the end of a yoga class to make your savasana snuggly but it can also be used throughout the rest of your class. Try folding it into a block shape to raise the hips in seated postures or rolled under the knees to make forward folds more comfortable. If it is uncomfortable for you to kneel on the floor in knelt postures, low lunges or on hands and knees then placing a blanket under them can also help bring some extra padding.
Meditation cushions
What is a meditation cushion?
A meditation cushion, sometimes known as a zafu, is usually a round or crescent shaped cushion. Like a yoga bolster they are usually filled with buckwheat hulls, kapok or polyester hollow fibre. These usually have a handle to help manoeuvre the cushion.
What would I use a meditation cushion for?
You’ve probably guessed from it’s name that a meditation cushion is most commonly used to sit comfortably for meditation but there is no reason why you can’t use it for other things during a yoga class. Try using it to sit on for other seated postures or forward folds because just like a block or folded blanket it will help tilt your pelvis into a more comfortable position for sitting.
A meditation cushion also makes the perfect pillow for savasana, particularly if it is the crescent shape. Nestle your neck into the curve and drift off into the best relaxation
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