“Yoga is not about self-improvement, it’s about self-acceptance.”
Do you feel a bit overwhelmed by all the yoga props available? What is really needed? Do I really need it? How is it going to help me in my practise?
Let’s talk PROPS!
First of all, let’s tackle the myth that props are for beginners, experienced yoga practitioners don’t need or use props. FALSE! Yoga props can not only be a huge assistance in finding the right alignment in asanas, they can also provide some much needed support for the body in relaxation postures…or just pure comfort. Even the advanced yogis use props!
“Yoga has a sly, clever way of short-circuiting the mental patters that cause anxiety.”
Meditation Cushions
It does what it says on the tin, plus more!
There are two standard types of meditation cushions, round floor cushions and crescent shaped cushions. Both are great for supporting the body during meditation or seated postures by slightly lifting the hips and allowing them to slightly roll forward which will support the natural curve of the spine. You will find that the posture immediately improves and any back pain you might feel while seated will dissipate.
When your spine is aligned the rest of your body flows naturally into place.
We provide round floor cushions as we find these are also great to use throughout the rest of your practice. They can be used as a head rest during savasana, a knee support in asanas such as a reclined twist or a hip support during pigeon pose to name just a few.
Our Meditation Cushion Products
We are delighted to offer standard 30cm or large 40cm Meditation Cushions. Our larger cushions come with a side zip so you can remove the buckwheat filling and was the cover, or refresh your buckwheat at any point during the life of the product.
Fine our Meditation Cushions here.
Yoga Bolsters
Personally this is one of my favourite yoga props as it provides full support to a large area of the body in so many different postures.
Mainly used in yin, restorative, yoga nidra or savasana. These props are similar to body pillows, but generally firmer so that they are anatomically supportive and help soften postures to aid in opening the body.
As the body relaxes over the bolster the muscles that are activated start to feel supported and realise they can completely let go. As you breathe into the body you will feel the body melt over the prop so you can focus completely on your relaxation, reaping all the benefits fully.
We have put together a guide to how to use our yoga bolsters in some of our favourite postures. Check it out here.
Our Bolster Products
Our yoga bolsters are filled with organic buckwheat hulls and are available in a range of beautiful fabrics and cover options.
Fine our Bolster range here.
Yoga Blocks
It’s like your own little arm extension, just as one example for using a yoga block.
Sometimes we can find it hard to reach certain areas without compromising our postural alignment. By using a block under the hand in postures such as extended side angle or trikonasan we can keep the length in the body whilst still reaching for the floor.
With any good yoga prop there is more than one use, so yoga blocks can also be used for body support. Blocks are generally firmer than cushions or bolsters so are great for asanas such as supported bridge pose. We can still work the muscles whilst still having a little helping hand.
Find our Yoga Block range here.
We provide some pretty cool designs, but can also make custom designs – just let us know what you require.
There are three main materials used for yoga blocks, wood, foam and cork.
Foam blocks are generally the cheapest option. This material is the softest of all three materials, but this means that they can compress when in postures. I have also found them becoming a little slippery when in an energy building or hot yoga class.
Wooden blocks are the most solid of the material options, they have no ‘give’ when used with pressure. Pay attention to the finish on the wood, some finishes are used to protect the wood, however can become slippery when exposed to moisture or sweaty hands. Overall these are a great option if you are useing them at home, they can be a littel heavy to lug around in your yoga bag.
Our favourite option is a cork yoga block. This material is eco friendly, firm and supportive but have a very small amount of give so can very slightly mould to the hand or body.
Yoga Straps
Yoga Straps are super portable. They are relatively small and lightweight and can easily slip into your yoga bag or even attach to your yoga mat.
But what are they for? Straps are mostly known for being an aide in stretching postures, finding some extra space while ensuring your alignment doesn’t suffer. By using a strap in your practise you are likely to gain flexibility a little quicker, but more importantly, safely.
Yoga Straps generally come with two D-Rings at one end. This allows you to thread the opposite end through and create a secure and sturdy loop. This can then be placed around the feet or any other body area as required.
Yoga Straps can be used in postures from beginners to advanced, including seated forward folds up to king pigeon to forearm stands. A must for any yoga bag.
We offer 100% cotton yoga straps or fashion design webbing straps – all with double D-Rings.
Check them out here.
