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A Beginner’s Guide to Yoga Props

Therese M. Pope | April 25, 2008

You are starting your first yoga class and your yoga friends start throwing out words like “mats” and “straps” and “blocks.” Are they speaking in yoga code? No, they are referring to props: the proper equipment used in yoga classes or home practice to enhance and help your yoga practice.

How to Choose a Good Yoga Mat

Before you begin your yoga adventure, you need to buy a good yoga mat (or sticky mat). My preference is a thicker mat (or I use two mats if I need extra cushioning during my practice).

According to www.yogamatsplus.com here are some questions to ask yourself when picking out a reliable, sturdy mat:

Is it lightweight for carrying?
Will it hold up to repeated washings? (No, you aren’t sticking it in a washing machine. There are special anti-bacterial cleaners for mats that sometimes the studio or gym will provide in class. I was advised by a friend to use vinegar and water to clean my mat and let it air in the sun. The vinegar is a good natural antiseptic cleaner. Sticky mats accumulate germs easily so clean them after each session).
Would it keep my feet from slipping? (It is common practice to be barefooted when you practice yoga so your feet won’t slip on your mat. If you wear socks, you could easily slip and possibly injure yourself).
When I sweat, will the grip remain the same?
Will the mat remain on the floor and not stick to my feet? (You don’t want your feet to slip but you don’t want your feet to permanently stick to your mat either).
Does the lifespan of the mat compare well with others?
Will particles like dust and lint shake off easily?

Cost of Yoga Mats

Yoga mats can range from $10 to $75 I have purchased good quality mats (with mat bags) for under $30 at discount stores like Target and Wal-mart. The less expensive mats will feel cheap and won’t be as thick as more expensive mats. I have also used two yoga mats when I’ve needed more cushioning when my knees were bothering me.

Here are some recommended mats (see web sites for pricing):

Gaiam sticky mats (www.gaiam.com)
Wai Lana mats (www.wailana.com)
Jade Yoga Harmony non-slip yoga mats (environmentally safe and made from open cell natural rubber) (www.jadeyoga.com)
Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Eco-Exercise/Yoga Mats (www.huggermugger.com)

Yoga Props

Yoga props assist with stretching and help you hold poses longer while getting a deeper stretch (for those who aren’t as flexible). Props help students correct their body alignment in poses while reducing strain on joints and muscles.

Straps – A yoga strap allows you to get a more intense stretch in your legs or arms/upper body and helps you with strengthening and balancing poses. Yoga straps come in all sizes and materials (such as the buckle style or cotton webbing).
Blocks – Yoga blocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Blocks are commonly used by students to help modify more advanced poses and helps correct body placement.
Bolsters – These props look like long, firm pillows. They are normally used during meditation and relaxation poses (and also for women who practice yoga during their pregnancies)
Blankets – They are usually heavy Mexican-style blankets that are used during final relaxation to keep the body warm. They also can be used like blocks or bolsters to help support and modify poses or for extra support under your hips during seated poses.

For more information about yoga mats and props: www.yogaaccessories.com; www.yogadirect.com; www.matsmatsmats.com; www.barefootyoga.com; www.allmats.com; www.yogasite.com

Before you begin a yoga practice and use yoga props, make sure you have a full understanding of how they work. Ask a licensed yoga instructor how to properly demonstrate the props and how to adjust and modify poses with props (if necessary).