The ancient art of yoga comes in several forms, from the popular hot yoga, or Bikram yoga, to the more classic Hatha yoga. Yoga equipment -- also called props -- are used to enhance your practice. Each piece of yoga equipment has a particular purpose. Incorporate these accessories into your practice to enhance your experience and keep things interesting.
Yoga Bolsters
Many yoga poses require you to lie flat on your back. Meditation and the corpse pose, for instance, involve lying on your back, which isn't comfortable for everyone.Yoga bolsters -- which look like tube-shaped pillows -- can be placed under the neck and shoulders to take away some of the discomfort that can come from doing floor poses. For many people, yoga bolsters can be the difference between skipping out on floor poses and actually doing them.
Yoga Blankets
Yoga blankets can play a variety of roles in your practice, especially during the final rest, or corpse pose, at the end of your practice. Drape one across your body to keep you warm and focused, prop it behind your neck and head for support, or fold and place one under the hips or buttocks in seated poses.
Yoga Blocks
Yoga blocks are used by many beginners, because they can extend the reach of those who are less flexible. A yoga block is especially helpful during bending poses that require you to touch the floor; using a yoga block requires a bit less flexibility for such poses. Good yoga blocks are made of dense foam and should be sturdy enough to support your entire weight without buckling.
Yoga Straps
Yoga straps, which are usually made of cotton or nylon, are a versatile piece of equipment also helpful for beginners. Straps can be used to extend your reach as well, which can be helpful for poses that require you to grasp your leg or foot. They are especially helpful for stretching and can keep the body properly aligned during your practice.
Yoga Mat
The yoga mat is the only piece of yoga equipment that everybody needs. Also called a sticky mat, a yoga mat provides a cushioned surface to practice on. True to its name, the mat is somewhat sticky and provides just enough friction to prevent slipping and sliding around. Choose a nice, thick, sturdy mat for best results.
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