Yoga Props and How to Use Them: Blocks, Straps and Bolsters

In this quick guide, I’m going to go over the basics of yoga props and how to use them.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi refining your practice or a newcomer exploring prop support, yoga props are versatile tools that can personalize your practice, making it more supportive and tailored to your unique needs.

What Are Yoga Props?

Yoga props are designed to lend a helping hand to practitioners of all levels. With a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, they adapt seamlessly to different yoga styles and poses. So whether you’re using blocks, straps, or bolsters, they can help you find balance, improve flexibility, and maintain alignment, so you can make the most of your time on the mat.

Yoga Blocks

These sturdy little blocks, made from foam or cork, can offer stability and extend your reach. They're great for ensuring you maintain proper alignment, especially in standing poses or when touching the floor seems just out of reach. Blocks can also be used in seated postures and provide support for backbends and inversions.

How to use yoga blocks:

• Strategically place blocks for support under hands, feet, or as needed.

• Tailor their position to your specific needs.

• Adapt block placement with progress, lowering height or transitioning for advanced variations.

Yoga Straps

Straps come in a variety of lengths and materials, often featuring durable cotton or flexible nylon. Their primary role is to assist you in deepening your stretches, enhancing your flexibility, and helping you stretch past your limit.

How to use yoga straps:

• Wrap the strap around the body for support in reaching target points or binds.

• Adjust the strap to control resistance, safely deepening stretches.

• Enhance flexibility and reach, especially in limited ranges of motion.

Yoga Bolsters

Bolsters, whether cylindrical or rectangular in shape, serve as cozy cushions dedicated to enhancing relaxation and offering vital support during restorative poses. Bolsters come to the rescue by adding an extra layer of comfort, enabling individuals to maintain poses for an extended period without any discomfort.

How to use yoga bolsters:

• Position bolsters for comfort in seated and restorative poses.

• Enjoy their support for a relaxed and soothing yoga experience.

• Experiment with different angles and heights to discover the most comfortable positioning.

In your journey towards a more fulfilling yoga practice, yoga props are an invaluable help. Blocks, straps, and bolsters offer essential support, enhance your flexibility, and ensure you maintain proper alignment, ultimately making your yoga experience everything you need it to be.

Visit my shop for a variety of top-quality yoga props to enhance your practice!