5 Must-Haves for Your Home Yoga Practice (and what to do if you don’t have them)

I originally wrote this article on dharmadropspodcast.com as a quick guide for yogis at the start of the covid-19 pandemic. Many practitioners were accustomed to utilizing props supplied at a studio. So when the pandemic forced everyone into a home practice, many yogis were left without their favorite teaching/learning tools.

Even though studios are reopening, many yogis have discovered the benefit of a home yoga practice and plan on sticking with it (at least a little bit). If that’s you, now is a good time to freshen up your home studio props.

Props Don’t Make Yoga Easier

Don’t let the term “prop” fool you. They are not designed to “prop you up.” Rather, they are teaching tools that are designed to enhance our understanding of a posture, while also assisting in safe alignment.

Props give us insight and feedback about the relationship between our bodies and the pose — physically and energetically.

Even though props don’t make yoga easier, it is my belief that simplicity is best in the yoga practice. In other words, you don’t need any fancy inversion tables or wheels (though they are fun). The best part is even if you don’t have props, you certainly have household items that will work just as well.

If you are considering developing or continuing a home practice, having a set of yoga props will help you diversify your practice and meet your body’s unique needs. Here are my 5 must-haves for a home yoga practice. And if you don’t have access to props, I’ve included household substitutes.

A Wall

The wall is one of my all-time favorite props. If you need back support during meditation, sit against a well. Propping your legs up on the wall is a great restorative inversion. Plus, if you are working on postures such as headstand or handstand, the wall is there to support you when you don’t have a teacher around. And if balance is an issue, practice next to a wall so you can use it for stability. This 10-minute forward fold class demonstrates how to use the wall for legs up the wall.

Blocks/Books

Yoga blocks are most often used as an extension of the arms. In other words, if touching the ground with the hands is difficult in a pose, placing a block under the hand “elevates the Earth.” Blocks are also great tools to assist in restorative postures to help ease into a pose. If you don’t have yoga blocks, use a book under your hands. A thick book, such as a dictionary, is best. A steady stack of books will also do. The above yoga video demonstrates how to use blocks in forward folds.

Looking for yoga blocks? I like to keep both cork and foam blocks around. Click here for my favorite cork block. Click here for my favorite foam blocks.

Bolster/Couch Cushion

Bolsters have a diverse use in the yoga practice. Frequently, they are used in restorative practices to cushion the body and assist in easing into the shape. For example, a bolster under the pelvis in bridge pose is heavenly. Additionally, a bolster can be used under the seat to elevate the pelvis. And in fitness-based classes, an overhead press with the bolster adds a little weight training to the practice. If you don’t have a bolster, a couch cushion will do. I like to use a cushion from the back of the couch. Remember, bolsters aren’t super squishy. So try to use a comfortable cushion, but not one that you sink into.

There are varying bolster shapes and sizes. I prefer this flat bolster.

Strap/Belt/Scarf

Similar to blocks, straps are often used as an extension of the arms. However, instead of bringing the Earth to you, a strap helps you “catch.” For instance, in a seated forward fold, if you are unable to touch the toes, wrap a strap around the balls of the feet and hold the ends with your hands. Or if you cannot clasp your hands in a bind, you can hold the ends of the strap instead. Straps are also excellent tools in restorative yoga. One of my favorites is belting the strap around my upper thighs with the legs propped up the wall. It allows for the legs to stay aligned, yet relaxed. If you don’t have a strap, a belt or scarf is a great alternative.

Not all yoga straps are equal. I prefer a thickly woven strap. Click here to check out strap options.

Blankets/Towels

Of all of the yoga props, blankets might be the most diverse. They can be used to elevate the pelvis in seated postures. If you have space between or under the knees in supine twists, use a blanket to fill the space. If a bolster isn’t enough support in restorative yoga, stack a few folded blankets on top of the bolster. And, of course, you can use them to get comfy and cozy in savasana. There are blankets made specifically for yoga. However, any folded blanket will do. Towels are also a great alternative to blankets. Note: I like to have 3–4 blankets available in my yoga practice.

It’s critical to ensure your blanket folds smoothly. Try to avoid any “princess and the pea” feelings. These are the most commonly used yoga blankets.