Choosing the right yoga props can greatly enhance and deepen your yoga practice. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know which props are the best for your needs. Here is a breakdown of the best yoga props by manufacturer, composition, how to use them, and price, for vinyasa, yin, restorative, and chair yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga:
- Manduka Cork Block: Made from sustainable cork, these blocks are both durable and eco-friendly. Use them to support and deepen stretches or to modify postures to suit your level of flexibility. Price: $20 – $30.
- Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Strap: though not my preference when teaching classes as the “D” ring can be cumbersome, however it is by far the most durable. Made from natural cotton, these straps are both comfortable and durable. Use them to help reach and hold poses, or to deepen stretches and improve alignment. Price: $15 – $25.
- Gaiam Yoga Bolster: a smaller lighter weight bolster than the Sol Living Bolster listed below. Made from a blend of cotton and foam, this bolster provides support and comfort during restorative poses. Use it to relax and stretch more deeply. Price: $35 – $50.
Yin Yoga:
- Manduka ProLite Yoga Blanket:Thick and heavy best durable blanket. Made from a soft and durable blend of recycled cotton, these blankets provide cushioning and support for joints. Use them to modify postures and provide warmth during long holds. Price: $30 – $45.
- Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Block: a little narrower than the manduka but high quilt. Made from sustainable rubber, these blocks are both sturdy and eco-friendly. Use them to support and deepen stretches or to modify postures and make them more accessible. Price: $20 – $30.
- Hugger Mugger Yoga Sandbag: Made from heavy-duty cotton, these sandbags can be filled with sand to add weight to passive stretches. Use them to release tight muscles and improve circulation. Price: $35 – $45.
Restorative Yoga:
- Manduka Yoga Cork and Recycled Foam Blocks – Yoga Prop and Accessory, Comfortable Edges, Lightweight, Firm, Non Slip, Various Sizes and Colors: Heavier and sturdies than the Gaiam blocks listed below. Definitely my second fave after their cork blocks. Price: $20.
- Sol Living Yoga Bolster Pillow Rectangular Meditation Cushion Cotton Meditation Accessories for Restorative Yoga Meditation Pillow Yoga Pillow Firm Body Pillow Bolster Pillow for Legs Removable Cover: removable cover, this bolster is the closest to what we use in the studio (the studios bolsters are no longer available) What I like is the durability and support of the cushion for any body weight, I also like the height of it for maximum support. Price: $60 – $70.
- B Yoga Eye Pillow: Made from a soft and durable blend of cotton and flaxseed, these eye pillows block out light and reduce stress on the eyes. Use them to relax and drift into a meditative state. Price: $20 – $30.
Chair Yoga:
- Option to Manduka Cork Blocks listed above Gaiam Yoga Block: Made from a dense foam, these blocks provide sturdy support for modified postures restorative chair poses. Use them to support and deepen stretches or to modify postures and make them more accessible. Price: $10 – $20.
- Hugger Mugger Quick Release Yoga Strap: Easy to attach, release, and adjust, lightweight buckle, 10-foot length is great for tall people and partner poses, Hugger Mugger boasts this is the toughest strap on the market, with sturdy cotton webbing that is rated to 500 pounds of tensile strength. Price: $19
- Open Road Goods Handmade Solid Color Yoga Blanket – Thick Mexican Blanket or Throw – Made for Yoga unlike multi colored blankets that may shrink unevenly when washed these solid colors will will shed a little but that goes away after washing. They also have a wide arrange of color choices. Price: $35.
In conclusion, incorporating props into your yoga practice can greatly enhance your experience and help you to reach your goals. Whether you’re practicing vinyasa, yin, restorative, or chair yoga, there is a prop that can help you to deepen your practice and achieve greater mind-body awareness. By choosing a reputable and high-quality yoga prop manufacturer