Having the right yoga tools and props on hand helps us maximize our time on our mat while helping to grow in our practice. Each tool or prop has a variety of benefits and can be used regardless of what style of yoga you enjoy practicing. Here is a list of home yoga practice essentials I always keep handy. These tools have been key in making challenging poses more accessible or helping to deepen poses. I encourage students to have the essentials on hand and use them to their advantage.
The products I’ve shared are those I use regularly and have hands-on experience with. Not only am I a fan of these products, my students are too. I’d love to hear what your favorite props and tools are and why you like and how you use the product.
MAT
BRAND: Liforme
COST: $140.00
MAT MATERIALS: Natural rubber; specially engineered eco-polyurethane
WEIGHT: 5.5 lbs.
DIMENSIONS: 73 inches (L) x 26 inches (W)
THICKNESS: < 1 Inch
COLORS: Multiple
ECO-FRIENDLY: PVC free, bio-degradable in 1-5 years, non-toxic materials
MY RATING: 5/5
COMMENTS: I’ve been using the Liforme mat for nearly two years. My friend Cesare (who happens to be my student as well) has been using the mat for years and when I was in the market for a new mat, he made the recommendation. I teach and practice power hot yoga and the temperature can range anywhere between 90 -100 degrees F. I need a mat that holds up to heat and sweat while not losing grip. This mat stands up to the test and offers their unique “AlignForMe” system. The “intelligent markers” on the mat act as a cue to help line up hands and feet in a variety of poses. The only downside of this mat is cost. At $140, it is quite steep however, like I said, I’ve been using the mat for almost two years and see no degradation in performance. The upside is shipping to the US is free. I look at this mat as an investment in my practice and so far, it has paid off.
BLOCK
BRAND: Hugger Mugger
COST: $21.95 (Amazon)
MATERIALS: Cork
WEIGHT: 1 lb.
DIMENSIONS: 9″ x 5.5″ x 3.5″ (W x H x D)
ECO-FRIENDLY: Made from the bark of long-lived cork oak trees, the cork is stripped from the trees every decade, a process that actually maintains the health of the trees and their surrounding ecosystem.
MY RATING: 5/5
COMMENTS: I love the heft, traction and hold of this block. The rounded edges provide better support than the regular square blocks I’ve used in the past. I recommend buying a pair.
BOLSTER
BRAND: Lotuscrafts Yoga Bolster
COST: $59.95 (Amazon + Free shipping)
WEIGHT: 3.5 lbs. (Large)
DIMENSIONS: 28″ x 12″ x 8″ (L X W X H)
ECO-FRIENDLY: The cover is made of organic cotton, dyed with environmentally-friendly colouring and is produced under fair working conditions. The filling is kapok fibre (natural fiber.)
MY RATING: 5/5
COMMENTS: This is a sturdy bolster and great for all body types. The colors are lovely and the best part is the cover is made from organic cotton and has a drawstring so removal is fast and easy for washing. It is versatile and I use it not only for support in poses but as a meditation cushion as well. Although the cost is a bit on the higher-end, this is a durable bolster and will last.
STRAP
As for a strap, I don’t have any real preference on brand but it is a MUST for your home yoga practice essentials. It’s great to lengthen and deepen in poses as well as stretching. I am a fan of using my strap for shoulder stretches.
*DISCLAIMER: I do not receive any form of reimbursement for the products listed as part of this post.
