I’m A Yoga Teacher: These Are The Props I Can’t Live Without

After a couple of decades of practicing and teaching yoga, I can tell you I’ve had plenty of encounters with both trendy and tried and true props, and I’m here to give you the low-down on my ultimate faves.  I’m not afraid to admit that I appreciate quality and craftsmanship and have pretty high standards for products I am using daily.  Flashy, insta-worthy branding matters way less to me than performance and function.  I need my gear to do its job and do it well.  

So if you’re looking to upgrade from the beginner yoga mat you might have gotten at TJMaxx, that’s got your knees crying from the lack of cushion and becomes a slip and slide when you start to break a sweat; I’ve got you covered!  I’m taking the guesswork out of prop shopping so you can get your hands on some solid gear that will support and, heck, maybe even elevate your practice.

As a side note, I get zero kickback from any of these recommendations; I simply love and use the products and want to save you all the effort of having to shop around or buy and return.  I’m going to break this list down into basics and extras; if you’re just beginning to build out your home yoga scene, start with the basics and slowly add in any additions you think might enhance your practice.  It all starts with a good mat, begin there and add on bit by bit :)

Basics

Mat:  I spent years practicing on that other trendy mat that starts with an M and ends with an a, but with the amount that I sweat (yep, I’m a sweat-er!), my practice always turned into a mini slip n’ slide session.  I found myself getting super frustrated when the slipperiness affected my ability to be in or hold a pose.  I tried the big towel toppers, the hand towel toppers, and the mats’ salt scrub, and nothing worked!  I was still a slippy mess with the added annoyance of fidgeting with towels to boot!

This mat was a total game-changer in the slip category!  It is by far the grippiest mat I’ve ever practiced on and equally as cushioned as my old Pro mat.  I’m a convert, and it’s changed my practice for sure.  100% recommend.  

Blocks: The debate is cork vs. foam when it comes to blocks. Both are great, deciding comes down to personal preference. I prefer a foam block, I like the bit of softness it has for sitting or laying on it, and it’s also fun having that cushion for challenging standing balance poses (standing on a block).  The foam tends to be lighter than cork, so that’s nice when traveling with the block from pose to pose.  

Strap:  The significant consideration with straps is the length; they generally come in 6 and 8-foot lengths.  I have an 8-foot strap, and full transparency, I just love the color of this one, so that’s why it’s my favorite!  

Bolster:  More options!  Rectangular vs. round, thick vs. thin, what to choose?!  Full disclosure: I have both styles, but if I had to pare it down to one, it would be a rectangular bolster with a good amount of thickness (some brands have thinner style bolsters that I don’t love).  With a decent amount of use, I find the round bolsters tend to get a flat spot in the middle, and when that happens, using the bolster the long way can be lumpy and unenjoyable.  This thick rectangular one is my goldilocks bolster, the right shape, right thickness, right firmness, and it’s cute too because we all know that matters!

Blanket(s):  While you can get by for a long time using blankets you already have at home, having a dedicated yoga blanket that’s the right size and thickness for your practice is a nice touch.  I like a thick style blanket that is 100% cotton.  Many yoga blankets are a poly/acrylic blend, and I don’t love how that feels next to my skin.  I had to shop around a bit to find the blankets I use, and they seem to come in and out of stock, so don’t be surprised if you need to keep checking back.

Mini Roll:  This is an invention of mine that is totally free and super handy to have around!!  Excellent for use when you need just a bit of compression or support, and you don’t want to hassle with folding or rolling a big blanket.  

Super simple DIY:  grab a hand towel, fold it in half longways, roll it up, then use a rubber band on each end to secure the roll.  Easy peasy!  I have two mini rolls that I keep handy for my practice:)

Extras

Booty Band:  I used resistance bands for a while, but this thick booty band loop I discovered recently has felt like a real upgrade, and I haven’t reached for my old resistance bands once since buying it.  Traditional resistance bands are super handy, but I never loved having to tie them in loops or the rubbery smell that seems standard with them.  This booty band is nice and thick; it’s also wide, so it doesn’t fold over and has a grippy back, so it’s less likely to slide down.  Winner!

Hand Weights:  I recently added weights to my home collection to include both a 5lb and 8lb set; I already had a 3lb set and felt like it was time to up my numbers. I prefer the ones covered in neoprene instead of straight metal because I don’t love a smelly metal hand post-workout lol! It’s not incredibly easy to find hand weights online these days, and shipping can be crazy, so if you can manage to find some in-store, that might be your best bet.  

Ankle Weights:  Another new addition for me, but I love them!!  I use them when I walk and when I do mat pilates, sometimes while doing housework!  I shopped around because these are pretty ‘trendy’ right now, and the Aquarian in me hates to do anything trendy. Still, after some research, there were apparent drawbacks to cheaper versions filled with sand, i.e., uneven weight distribution, which I felt was an important consideration.  They were a bit pricey, in my opinion, but I am happy with how they feel and would repurchase them :)

Gliders:  These are super fun!  But honestly, you can recreate this objective on wood floors by simply placing a small towel under your foot, and that should give you plenty of slide, but if you’ve got carpeted floors, these might be a good investment for fun lunging possibilities.

Lacrosse or Tennis Balls:  I have a set of each handy for myofascial release. I love having them handy for rolling out my feet before bed; it’s super relaxing, quick, + easy! The tennis balls are softer and give more than the lacrosse balls, so the intensity you want will determine which you prefer.

Foam Roller:  I don’t use this a ton, but when my back/shoulders get cranky, I am thankful to have it as an option to work things out.  I had a cheaper version for many years but upgraded to this one about a year ago.  It has a firmer feel, and the variations in the surface texture offer an almost massage-like feel when rolling.  

Eye Mask:  I mean, I couldn’t not include this!  There’s a lot to love about this mask.  First, let’s state the obvious:  they’re adorable and have super cute fabric options.  I also love that they are scent-free, are shaped around the bridge of the nose, and can be used hot or cold.  Also, I love that these are handmade in TX from a women-owned company.  You’ll find yourself blissing out in Savasana a bit faster with this little cutie in your lineup:)

That’s the round-up!  Happy shopping and happy practicing….this post has me thinking I might need to do a ‘yoga clothing I can’t live without’ post hmm….tbc!