Having the Right Props for Yoga

Have you thought about doing yoga but realize you don’t have a mat or yoga props?

Yoga at home is doable even without a mat and props! Most yoga classes can be done without any props. However, having access to props can help deepen your practice.

So, how do you get props when you don’t have any, especially during this time of the pandemic when you may not want to venture into stores to find the perfect props? Use the items you have at home!

I don’t have a mat! A carpet can become your mat space. It provides a nice cushion of support for your body. If you only have hard floor surfaces, then a towel or blanket works well too. A camping pad also can serve the same purpose. If you don’t have any floor space to do your practice, then you can practice on a bed or couch.

I don't have a Mexican yoga blanket! Never fear. Any folded blanket works! Sitting on the edge of a blanket cushions the gluts and tilts the pelvis to help you to sit taller and keep the spine healthy.

I don't have a strap! There’s lots of alternatives to a yoga strap. A tie is soft while providing length. A belt is firm and rigid. Even a rope, scarf, or large rolled towel can substitute for a strap. Remember, many poses using a strap are focusing on lengthening the spine and the legs. So, any of these alternative will help align, lengthen, and strengthen the body.

I don't have yoga blocks! There are quite a few creative ways to simulate blocks. A stack of books, a coffee can, a sturdy box, a couch pillow, or two metal dog bowls flipped upside down will provide height and support while lengthening the body.

I don't have a bolster! Pillows work perfectly to relax and support the body. You can prop your head or torso against a bed pillow to keep the spine long and relax the muscles. A rolled blanket also offers firmness and support for greater height. Pillows and cushions are great under the back for supported postures and to release tension when lying down.

I don't have a mini mats to cushion my knees in kneeling postures! A folded blanket provides the same cushion and support for the knees.

I don't have sandbags! A bag of beans, a bag of rice, or a plastic bag full of sand gives you enough weight to keep the hips down and make your practice more grounded. Heck, even inviting your pet to come lie down on you during your practice serves the same purpose!

I don't have one of those eye pillows at the end of class! A folded washcloth is a nice way to shut out the light and help you relax at the end your practice. You can also open the blanket you are using under your head to drape across your eyes.

Even while we are at home away from our studio, we can still take advantage of doing yoga without traditional props. Don’t be afraid to explore and be creative with what’s around your home! What’s important is to just do yoga!

Let me help you discover all the fun ways to create props in your home! Join us on Burnalong for live online yoga, daily on-demand classes, and monthly 5-day yoga challenges. CY22m for $9/month and CY22a for $61/yrs at https://well.burnalong.com/register.