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Yoga was around long before the invention of mats, bolsters or blocks! Although, I will admit, a lot of benefit can be gained by the use of props. I love using and teaching with them, but when the traditional props are not around, there are many different items that we have around our homes that will work!
In a world of online yoga classes, you may be hesitant about signing up for a yoga class because you do not have the props on hand that you are used to using at the Studio. Let's take a look at how easy it is to collect a few things around the house to aid you in your practice.
Substitute for YOGA BLOCKS
Blocks can be used for a variety of things in a yoga practice, we can use them to raise the hips in seated poses or they can be used in standing poses when our hands don't quite reach the floor. In our new world of at-home yoga classes, there are a few very easy substitutes for your yoga blocks! If you are looking for additional height under the hips, a few folded beach towels or a couch cushion is the perfect substitute (which also works very well for a meditation cushion). If you require additional height under the hands, a stack of books, upside down pots or even three old VHS tapes taped together will be the perfect substitute! In a restorative practice, blocks are often used under our bodies to add height, any of these options will work, or even an ironing board or upside down chair will work.
Substitute for YOGA STRAP
Our yoga strap is often an extension of our arm, allowing us to keep our spine straight as we lenghten our bodies, or in the case of restorative yoga, it may bind a part of our body so that we can maintain the pose without effort. The yoga strap is easily replaced with a scarf, belt or mens tie. Anything that you can find to add the extra lenght or to bind.
Substitute for YOGA BLANKETS
Years ago when my children were little, we had a pool at home, and as such, we had a pile of beach towels. These make ideal yoga blankets because of their larger size. A large bath sheet would also work great as a yoga blanket. I no longer have the beach towels at home, but another great subsitute is the comfy throw blankets from your couch, they are the perfect size and often the perfect weight to add a nice layer during your practice, they will also add a nice layer of support under your body on the mat when required.
Substitute for YOGA BOLSTERS
While you might think this substitute might be the most challenging, it is really a simple swap. Our bolsters are used to help support our poses, making them more comfortable and are often used in a restorative pose. Depending on where you need the support (under your knees, back, etc), depends on the size of the substitute you will require.
You can take a bed pillow and lay it on top of the short edge of a beach towel and roll it up tightly into a bolster shape, you can also use two paper towel rolls side by side for the same purpose. The throw cushions of your couch are also a great option, or you can also use two or three beach towels rolled up together. There are really so many great options for bolsters!
Another great option I have found for substituting yoga bolsters is the pillows from my outdoor patio set! This substitute may need a bit more work on your part, as you experiment with different options until you find the perfect fit for you and your body!
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