Setting up a yoga space that meets your needs
I once studied with a teacher from India who said “every room can be a yoga room”. What he meant was that space is a luxury so don’t let not having a separate room for yoga keep you from practicing. Making room for yoga practice can help you cultivate peace and keep your body limber.
Making a yoga space at home, it’s ideal to be further away from smells, sounds, and people. But that might be a luxury for you so do your best to simply have room for a yoga mat. You can round up a few blankets and cushions or invest in yoga props.
Using yoga props to create room for your yoga
Here are a few items that keep your practice safe and your postures purposeful. The links go to my Amazon store and I’m only linking brands I use. If you can only invest in one item, make it as good quality yoga mat as possible.
Yoga mat
A yoga mat is the most important yoga prop to buy. It transforms a floor to a practice space by ensuring you don’t slide around. Go to town with any color or style you like but make sure to buy good quality. It’s called a sticky mat after all and skimping can mean slipping and that can injure you. Look for words such as “durable”, and “non-slip grip” and make sure to check customer reviews. The tread on a yoga mat can wear out also, so consider that when you make a purchase.
I have a few Manduka mats that are pricey but trustworthy and durable too. The tall ones are also great for me because I can count on room to stretch out.
If you take your yoga mat with you to a studio, you can also look for “lite”, “light-weight”, “travel”, or “easy-to-carry” mats which may be thinner (1.5 to 4mm) than the regular ones.
Manduka X Yoga Mat – Easy to Carry
Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Mat
Pro tip: Clean your yoga mat frequently. You can DIY a yoga mat cleaner using a spray bottle filled with water, tea tree oil and rubbing alcohol. Or, splurge on a cleaner and be done with it.
Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh
Yoga strap
When I travel, I always bring a yoga strap (yoga belt). Look for a D-ring or square buckle as opposed to the cinch style which can sometimes feel less adjustable. There are 6, 8, and 10 foot straps. I am tall and like the longer variations which are also more versatile than a too-short strap. Cotton is gentler than cord.
Hugger Mugger D-Ring Cotton Yoga Strap
Blankets
While you can use towels and household items, yoga blankets and especially the ones with fringed ends are very commonly used props. You can fold them to sit on, roll them to lie down on, and stack them up to simulate a bolster. At least one but some asanas (postures) use 2, 3, 4 etc. I’m tall for example, and sit on at least 3, while also using one under my ankles. Cotton Mexican ones are pretty common but wool is also pretty sturdy.
Benevolence LA Authentic Hand Woven Mexican Blankets
Yoga blocks
Many types of yoga blocks exist. Some are thin, some are thick and you’ll also find them made of various products. Foam blocks are lightweight. Cork and wood are heavier and often more sturdy. I only trust the heavier versions and prefer cork and foam to wood based on years of using them. I recommend you buy 2 of one type – I actually own 6 cork and 2 thick foam. Since the cork ones chip, I may eventually get some blocks made of wood. Look for “non-slip” and at 9”Wide.
Hatha Yoga Walnut Wood Yoga Block
Bolsters and cushions
Yoga bolsters and meditation cushions are wonderful additions to any yoga prop collection. You can use them for many restorative poses and for sitting quietly. My preference is oblong / rectangular and I own two (now) the same as well as several cushions. If you have a blanket stack, you can get one to start. It’s ideal to get one with washable covers.
Manduka Yoga Rectangle Bolster Pillow
Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster
Hugger Mugger Zafu Meditation Cushion
Gaiam Yoga Bolster Rectangular
Yoga chair
You can do a whole practice using a yoga chair or pull it out to make certain postures more accessible. Metal folding yoga chairs are typically backless and I often fold up a very thin yoga mat on top which adds a layer of softness. You can build up the height with bolsters or blankets for some restorative posture variations. Chairs often make it easier to hold postures with the right alignment for your body so I love using them. Sub a folding chair but it’s not always the same.
Yoga Auxiliary Chair With Lumbar Back Support
After you’ve set up your yoga space
You can keep your yoga props visible or in a closet. This part is up to you. I like the ritual of taking my mat out and putting it away.
Even a short breathing practice can turn a frown upside down. Learn natural breathing easily on track 5 of the Yoga Mind CD. Or, contact me to schedule a class on Zoom.
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