Today I’m sharing some ideas for props that you can use during your at home yoga practices.
If you’re anything like me then you’re missing your yoga studio and favorite teachers just as much as I am. I know that lots of studios are offering online options. I’ve taken a couple classes online and it’s felt really good to be able to connect with that community. I didn’t even realize how much I needed it until I took part in my first online class. The Yoga Shala was done a great job transitioning from in person classes to online.
In this post I’m going to be sharing some ideas for prop substitutions for your at home yoga practice. It’s possible to do a yin or restorative yoga class at home even if you don’t have all of the same props that your yoga studio does.
If you’re looking for more yoga posts you can find them all here. I have them all categorized so that it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Blanket
For a yoga blanket alternative, try using a towel or two or a throw blanket. Depending on what and how you’re using it, something smaller and denser may work like a bath or beach towel. If you’re looking for more cushioning, then a throw towel may be a better option.
If you’re wanting to cover yourself at the end of your practice when you’re in savasana, a throw blanket will work perfectly. A lot of finding what will work for you will be playing around with what you have available and trying a few different options to see what works the best.
If you’re doing cat/cow pose and you’d like some cushioning under your hands and/or knees you can use a towel. You can use one or a few folded so that it’s a few layers thick would probably work well.
Bolster
Depending on how you’d be using a bolster, you have a few alternatives at home. If you have tight hips you may sit on a bolster to get your hips higher than your knees. This is really helpful when sitting cross legged. In this situation you could sit on a few folded up blankets or towels. You’ll want it to be fairly dense so that your hips don’t sink down too much when you sit on it. You could also trying rolling up a few blankets or towels and see if that works any better.
A pillow of two would be a great alternative for a bolster as well. If you’re sitting on the floor reclining back into a bolster then try propping yourself up with a few blankets. Once again it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for the pose you’re in, you’re body, and what you have available to work with.
Blocks
Blocks are generally used in a yoga practice to bring the group up to you to provide more stability or balance. This of placing your hand that’s reaching for the floor on a block for instance.
If you don’t have blocks at home then you can substitute a heavy, hardcover book or two. Maybe even a dictionary. You’ll want to use something that’s sturdy enough for you to be able to support you.
If you have tight hamstrings and like to sit on a thin chip block when you have your legs extended out in front of you, try sitting on towel or two that’s been folded up. I know for me that having my hips just a few inches higher makes all the difference when my hamstrings are feeling extra tight.
Strap
Alternatives to straps are relatively easy to find around the house. You can use a belt, tie from a bath robe, or even a rolled up towel. Of course you’ll want to take into consideration how you’re going to use it. Once again, it’s worth it to take some time in the pose you’re in and figure out which option will work the best for you. Once you’ve done an at home yoga practice or two you’ll have a better idea of props will work at home.
Creating a vibe
One last thing to do if to add a bit of ambiance to your home yoga practice. Light a candle or set up a couple battery powered candles. Put on a favorite chill playlist. Do whatever you want to make your at home yoga practice feel good and special than any other time during your day. You want it to be as restful and relaxing as a class at your go to studio with your favorite teacher.
Have you been doing any yoga at home during social distancing? What are your go to kinds of yoga classes to do at home?