Inclusive Yoga Props Round 2

Time for another round up! I've brought together some props that can extend our practice into restorative and limited mobility yoga. Just click on the picture to head to the Amazon link.

Chair

Yoga is for everyone, including folk for whom floor work is not an option. A sturdy chair can help facilitate a deeper practice without the stress on the knees and wrists that the floor can sometimes create. Any sturdy chair that will not scoot across the floor would be a great choice. I like this option because of the extra cushioning provided as well as the ability to fold it away. A cushion-less version may give extra stability to wrists when doing forward fold. 

Blanket

Blankets can really provide the extra coziness during a restorative practice or savasana that can bring truly deep relaxation. The blanket on the left is what I have personal experience with in a restorative class I attend. I use it as a blanket, as an extra cushion under my head or hips, and roll it up as a sort of forgiving block for deeper stretching. A blanket like the one on the right would be fantastic during a final relaxation position. I don't know how it would perform rolled up but it would do equally well as extra padding. This is really down to personal preference and what you decide you need in your practice. 

Extra Thick Mat

Extra thick mats can help relive any joint pain caused by kneeling on the floor. I have several friends and fellow participants who use such mats successfully. Before I purchased my Manduka mat, I too used a mat very similar to this version. I also like that this one comes in several pretty colors and with a carry strap. These are often referred to as exercise mats and might not stand up to a daily or rigorous practice, but at this price point, it would certainly be easily replaceable.

Knee pad

Another great option for extra support under the knees or wrists. I've included only two of the various styles and thicknesses of knee pads. Available in all kinds of colors, pads can also be used between the legs in twists, both standing and supine, for extra support and focus.

Hand Towel

In my last round up, I included a full size yoga towel. This time I'm including its adorable little brother, the hand towel. A hand towel is great for if you just need a little insurance against slipping for just hands or feet. Since I sweat at the drop of a hat, I keep one with my water bottle for a quick wipe. You can also use it as an eye mask for savasana or, like the blanket, roll it up for support behind the neck or lower back. I personally own the full size towel by Yoga Design Lab and have been very impressed with how well it has stood up to use and washing. The colors are still very vibrant after 2 years.

Wall

No pic for this one, but I want to encourage you to explore using a wall in your practice. Certainly balance can be practiced with wall support, but many poses can benefit. Side angle offers a different experience if you line your back body up with the wall as well as chair, a supine hamstring stretch, and many others. 

I hope this round up provided some additional ideas for furthering your practice with appropriate support. If you have any additions or ideas for future rounds ups, I'd love to hear from you!

-Sue

The links provided in this post are Amazon affiliate links.