With more yoga classes happening online, you may find yourself missing those studio props. Props are an excellent way to enhance, support, and adapt your practice. We recommend props at the Life of Wellness Institute because they aid us in our practice. They allow us to control and isolate the sensations we want to focus on, bring the ground a little closer, support stability, and so much more.
If using any of these props brings unhelpful experiences or thoughts, please reach out to your certified life of wellness institute yoga teacher for alternatives.
Here are our favorite DIY yoga props ideas that are an easy and inexpensive solutions.
Yoga Blocks
A common prop and one of our founder’s favorites. Blocks are a helpful tool to support our practice. It can help bring the floor closer and add stability and support in all poses. There are a few easy solutions if you don’t own yoga blocks or are looking for a different size.
A folded or rolled-up towel or blanket is perfect if you only need a small block. Place under yourself for seated poses, under your heels for a chair, or under your knee to reduce sensation.
If you want something a little taller, a stack of hardcover books tied together with a belt or strong ribbon. This can easily be adjusted by adding or removing books. You can also peek around your environment for other stabilizing objects such as couches, chairs, and stools. Even an empty wall can be helpful in poses such as triangles and inversions.
Yoga Straps
Perfect for adding a little extra length to your arms, holding a pose, and adding structure. Whether you are working on flexibility or release, straps can allow you to get the benefits of a pose within your range of motion. For example, we can use a strap to support elongation in a seated forward fold by placing a strap around the ball of your feet. In bow pose, straps can be used to maintain alignment of the legs or when our reach is a bit short. In legs-up-wall, a strap on the balls of the feet will help you focus on releasing your backline.
If you are looking for a way to create a strap at home? Belts, bathrobe ties, scarves, and towels can be great replacements.
Bolsters
Fantastic for all practices, especially restorative. Bolsters are essentially pillows for yoga. They can support relaxation and allow you to hang out in a pose. For example, place the bolster under the knees to lessen low back tension in savasana or butterfly pose. Alternatively, in a gentle heart opener, place it under the shoulders. You can also use it to raise the pelvis in seated postures, reducing hip discomfort.
Bolsters can be pretty expensive, and purchasing multiple sizes to support your practice is not always workable. Instead, you can use firm pillows, couch cushions, and rolled-up blankets. If you are looking for a firm bolster? Roll up some blankets into a pillowcase. You can even use pillowcases or a strong ribbon to hold the shape when you find a perfect size.
Have some fun
There are so many ways to recreate props in your home. Remember, the goal is to support your experience in your practice.
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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.