A yoga prop is anything that can facilitate, ease, or deepen an asana. There’s a wider range of yoga props out there than you likely realize and I’m highlighting some of my favorites!
#1 - Aerial Yoga Hammock & Rig:
You don’t have to get crazy with aerial circus poses in order to reap the benefits of an aerial yoga practice. Aerial inversions in particular can work wonders to decompress the discs in your spine. Unlike traditional inversions which require quite a bit of skill and strength, aerial inversions allow you to hang weightlessly upside down. Make sure to learn and get comfortable with the basics from a certified instructor though, before trying anything on your own for safety reasons! An aerial yoga hammock also allows you to stretch the entire body in new ways since the fabric can provide assistance, resistance, or even work like a strap depending on what poses you are doing.
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#2- SUP Yoga Board:
What? How is a paddleboard a yoga prop? Well SUP yoga is yoga we can practice on the water thanks to my #1 favorite prop: a yoga specific paddleboard. While there are many paddleboards that will do, this one is my absolute favorite for several reasons. It’s shape is designed specifically for SUP yoga. The planing hull (flat bottom) and wider than average width of 33” make it stable to stand and move around on. The nose to tail deck pad mean that you have more than a regular yoga mat's worth of space to plant hands and feet on a surface that is grippy even when wet. (Unlike most paddleboards where your hand or foot will easily slip if placed outside of the smaller deckpad area). The beautiful yoga inspired design is just an added bonus.
When you practice SUP yoga on an unstable surface (the paddleboard moving on water) it will create a whole new level of core engagement. It can also improve your proprioception (ability to sense where your body is in space). When your practice is complete, there is nothing quite as relaxing as a floating savasana.
If you decide to take your practice to the water make sure to think about safety essentials like PFD (personal floatation device) and an anchor!
#3 Yoga Balance Board
A yoga board is meant to mimic the way a SUP yoga board moves on water. This is a great way to stay consistent and keep practicing your balance for SUP yoga even during the off season or on bad weather days. This is also a great way to benefit from the core strengthening and balance improvement of SUP yoga for those that are not water people. There are a few different yoga balance boards out there, but the Indo Yoga Board is my personal favorite because it has optional IndoFlow cushions that can level up the difficulty. With the balance board placed directly on the ground, it feels slightly easier than SUP yoga or perhaps comparable to SUP yoga on epically still water. With the cushions under it, it’s more life SUP yoga with a slight chop to the water. This allows you to progress into a greater challenge and improve your balance and core strength even more!
#4- Yoga Blocks
If you practice yoga, I’m sure your familiar with yoga blocks. Yoga blocks are one of the most common and well-loved yoga props in the world - and with good reason. If you haven’t yet developed the mobility and flexibility for proper alignment in a pose, a yoga block can be used to help you maintain proper alignment where you are. Did you know that yoga blocks can also be used to go deeper into some poses? For example, if you’re flexible enough to touch your toes, you can try adding a block behind your feet and reach for that for an even deeper stretch.
Any yoga blocks will do, but I’m loving these from Yoga Design lab because they are made of an eco-friendly cork design and also sport a beautiful mandala design.
#5- Yoga Strap
It seems like we’re on a roll with the basic props here so let’s talk about yoga straps. Yoga straps can be used to give yourself adjustments. Want to work towards an arm bind in Gomukasana, but can’t reach your other hand quite yet? Walk your hands closer along to strap for the deepest stretch you can reach today and watch your hands get closer and closer over time as you build flexibility. I also personally love flossing my arms out with a strap as a shoulder stretch.
#6- Yoga Wheel
Yoga wheels can be used to promote balance or support you along your flexibility journey. You can use them to deepen and support your bridge pose or even to arm balance on!Get creative and have some run with your wheel.
#7- Jellie Bend
Jellie Bend is wearable back support. If you’re working on flexibility, and specifically back bending, this accessory can support the health and comfort of your back while you are working on bending deeper. It’s been described as a “warm supportive hug” for your low back.
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#8- Bolster
If you love yin, this will help you relax and release on those long holds. It will also help you get comfortable in stillness when you’re meditating.
#9- Yoga Mat
The most basic prop of all, and the one you’ll likely use the most is the mat itself. If you practice regularly, you likely already have a mat that you swear by. My current favorite is this beauty by Yoga Design Lab. Its cork design is eco friendly and I opted for the thicker mat for a little extra luxury and cushioning. The cork makes it grip well even during a sweaty practice.
#10 Exercise Mat
Last, but not least: the exercise mat. This is my newest addition and I’m loving this one. Depending where you practice and what you’re doing, a yoga mat may be enough. But I’m throwing an exercise mat on the list too because I’m surprised how much I love mine. If you practice aerial yoga, it’s smart to use a mat underneath. That’s why I originally purchased my exercise mat. But I find myself putting the big mat out for flexibility because it’s so cushy on my knees for splits and straddles. It’s also great for working on arm balances or inversions because it provides a softer landing for any fumbles. It also lowers the impact on my joints when I’m practicing at home on hard tile floors. If you have the space to store it, it’s a great addition to your home yoga studio.
Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links, which means it helps to support me in creating more content at no additional cost to you. That said, I only share things that I love & use personally. 💙✨
