You’ve probably seen blocks, blankets, straps and bolsters in one of our studios – but do you know about all the different ways you can use them at home?
Get your hands on a few accessories to really ramp up your home practice!
Blocks
In class, you will mostly use blocks as an aid for balancing or perhaps for backbends. Another use for building core strength is to practice arm balances with each hand on a block while you build the muscles that will give you height later. Tight hamstrings in forward folds? Try sitting on a block to tilt the pelvis forward and fold! Top it off with a supported fish pose – just make sure your block is set to an appropriate height for you and doesn’t cause and tingling or sharp pains.
Straps
Generallly, yoga straps should be seen as an extension of your arms – in fact, every prop is an extension of some part of your body. Straps are great for perfecting forward folds and stretching the hamstrings. Bringing a strap overhead and behind you can also open up the shoulders quickly, and lying in reclined goddess pose with a strap around your waist and ankles can be an amazing way of opening your hips!
Bolsters
Ah, bolsters – the big cushiony version of a block! You can use bolsters for more supported positions, especially when you’re feeling tired and in the mood for restoration. Try supported fish pose, forward fold onto a bolster or try lying along a bolster in child’s pose. You could even use a bolster to help you get into more challenging poses, like camel pose.
Blankets
Cuddle up for a toasty savasana – or use a blanket for knee support in poses that put a lot of pressure on the joint! If you find that your knees get a little tender during poses like pigeon or lunges, try slipping a blanket under it to give it a but more suspension.