If you’ve heard about props and aren’t sure what they are or how you can use them, you’ve come to the right place.  Using props can help you go deeper into certain postures, can drastically help with your alignment and are a necessity for yin and restorative classes and postures.  This doesn’t mean that you need to pay a lot for fancy props.  You most likely have items around your house that will work as substitutes for “official” yoga props.

Blocks

Foam blocks that can be used to help you reach the floor in poses like triangle or lunges or can be used for sitting in garland pose or for meditation.  You can pick these up for less than $10 at places like TJ Maxx or Marshalls or use some thick books – text books or books from the Harry Potter series are good examples

Bolsters

These are usually rectangular cotton covered fairly sturdy cushions about 6 inches thick and 12 inches wide and a bit longer than 24 inches.  A great substitute for bolsters are a couple of long (think bed size) pillows or cushions from your couch

Straps

Canvas straps with d-style buckle, generally 6 or 8 feet long.  Belts make a great substitute

Blankets

Nothing special here, a throw blanket off your couch will work as will most other rectangular blankets that are about twin bed size.  Will often be folding blankets for support in different ways for various restorative postures so want to use on that is a manageable size

Eye pillows

Any small rectangle pillow to cover your eyes, can be filled with lavender for aromatherapy purposes, can just as easily use a folded washcloth