HOME YOGA MUST-HAVES
I want to be clear that you don’t need a million things or, technically, anything to start your home yoga practice. However, over my years of practicing at home, there are the tools I reach for close to daily.
1.) A high-quality yoga mat. If you are developing a home practice, you will likely spend a lot of time on your mat. You might as well make it a place you enjoy being. My personal favorite is the Manduka Pro mat. A high-quality mat will last you years and years and make the time you spend there more enjoyable.
2.) A great pair of yoga blocks. Blocks provide extra support to our bodies by allowing them to come into certain poses. They support your range of motion and can shorten the distance between you and the floor so that you can find proper extensions in the poses. My preference is cork, although a foam set can also have its place in practice. I’ve got to hand it to Manduka again because I love their cork yoga block set.
3.) A yoga strap. Unless you are a flexy Lexy who has never spent any time sitting, then the likelihood you have tight hips or hamstrings is hiiiiiiiigh. A yoga strap is essential. Now you can make do by using the belt from your bathrobe, but if you are investing the time in creating a home practice you might as well invest in a strap. You can make it a one-stop shop and again go with Manduka or I really enjoy these straps from Half-Moon yoga as well.
4.) A yoga blanket! A blanket can provide extra support for your knees or your lumbar spine. It is THE single best tool for restorative practice. I personally love the weight, density, and price point of the traditional Mexican blankets, but this one from Jade Yoga provides the same structure without being as scratchy. I’ll be sharing the best blanket folds for a restorative yoga practice here soon.
5.) Ok! Drumroll, please for my favorite item on this list, the eye pillow. Many yogis know ,but it bears repeating, that shavasana is probably the single most important posture in your practice. (DON’T SKIP SHAVASANA YALL!) While you are in shavasana, integrating the rest of your practice an eye pillow is a dreamy addition. These Bodha eye pillows are a great weight, have a light aromatherapy scent, and have removable covers that you can wash.
These are just a few of my must-haves! I may even do a round two. Drop any and all of your favorite yoga props in the comments below!