From an energizing morning Vinyasa flow to a slower, peaceful sunset Yin class, there are endless ways to incorporate yoga practice into your life. Once you feel the benefits of a regular practice you may become interested in investing in a vast repertoire of yoga props. While a high-quality and durable Yoga Design Lab mat may build the foundation of a dedicated practice, accessories such as yoga straps or a yoga towel can help you take your yoga routine even further. The appropriate yoga accessories can allow you to participate in fun prop-enhanced classes such as bolster yoga, or support you on your journey of increasing flexibility and balance.
Ready to discover why you should invest in the right yoga mat and accompanying accessories? Read on!
Safety and Support
The number one rule of yoga? It should feel GOOD! Your yoga practice is your own, and this means taking into account your body and its history. The proper yoga accessories should allow you to feel safe and supported whether you are sweating your way through a Bikram class, or attempting your first crow. Look for a mat that provides proper support, grip, and stability. In addition, with so much skin-to-skin contact with your mat of choice, you’ll want to invest in a durable mat made without the use of synthetic dyes or chemicals. Yoga Design Lab offers a wide spectrum of quality and eco-conscious yoga mats designed for sustainability and performance. Be sure to check out their collection of cork yoga mats which boast nonslip surfaces and non-toxic materials. Or stand out from the crowd with the brilliant yoga pearl shine of the YDL Yoga Combo Yoga Glow mat that combines the structure of a traditional mat with the support of a nonbunching yoga towel.
Hygiene
Cleanliness is next to godliness. In a post-COVID era, it can be dicey leaving your yoga mat hygiene in the hands of strangers. While we love to believe that every yoga studio keeps up with strict cleaning standards, investing in your yoga mat can ensure you’re never stuck inhaling someone’s else sweat in your downward dog. Having your yoga accessories properly cleaned and ready to go lets you safeguard your hygiene.
Flexibility Within Your Practice
Who says your flow needs to happen within the confines of four walls? By taking the initiative to procure your own towel yoga mat and accessories, you can work on your headstands or tree pose balances wherever you are. From the beaches of Bali to the grassy fields of Central Park, investing in your mat, blocks, and towel allows you to practice at any locale. Indeed, having the freedom to be flexible within your practice bolsters yoga prowess for years to come.
Ensure Proper Alignment
Not every yoga class will take part under the watchful eye of your yoga instructor. A great way to strengthen your alignment and stretch with confidence is through the use of yoga stretch straps. A personal strap for yoga mat classes or at-home use can allow you to make adjustments that will both strengthen your postures and improve flexibility. Other accessories such as a yoga cork block can aid you in obtaining the correct alignment in Triangle Pose as they bring you closer to the ground and increase reach. Selecting a personal yoga block cork option empowers you to customize your block for size, material, and support.
Prevent and Care for Injuries
You know your body best. Take care of your vessel and pay heed to past injuries and discomforts with help from the right yoga accessories. While we consistently aim to better ourselves as we move through various asanas and push our limits, it must never be done at the expense of our health. Yoga props can reduce the risk of strain and injury, making it possible for all yogis to practice safely. If your knee starts screaming in pain during a low lunge, it could be beneficial to whip out your yoga bolsters. Yoga bolsters can also be particularly soothing for pregnant yogis participating in restorative or prenatal yoga. For example, a bolster can be placed under the knees or back during Savasana for an even gentler stretch. Bolsters can provide a comfortable way for yogis to keep an eye on their posture, safety, and breathing.
Deepen Postures
Everyone’s yoga journey is unique and part of the fun of developing a vibrant yoga routine is adapting your practice to your individual needs and goals. From beginners to more advanced practitioners, yogis of all backgrounds will find joy in deepening their postures through yoga hand straps and other accessories. Choosing to purchase your yoga strap opens up a world of possibilities. Strap yoga can enable you to achieve a beautifully executed Full Dancer Pose or feel the delicious stretch of the legs, spine, and hips during a Seated Forward Bend. Usually designed for finagling your way into more advanced positions, an adjustable strap can also aid less flexible yogis in achieving a proper stretch in Reclined Pigeon or Cow Face Arms.
Recovery and Relaxation
Is there anything more blissful than a soothing restorative class? Letting our bodies enjoy the rest they deserve is equally as important as mastering the impressive Flying Crow Pose. Our yoga practice deserves a mix of active and recovery poses. Investing in your future relaxation through the purchase of yoga cushions, blocks, and bolsters is your ticket to realizing the full healing powers of a restorative practice. While certain props such as bolsters may be used most often during Yin or Restorative Yoga, every yogi can appreciate the gentle stretch of a yoga cork block-supported Bridge or Fish Pose.
Most Popular Accessories
Curious about how to incorporate yoga props and accessories into your practice? From wheels that work to unlock tight hip flexors to a sturdy yoga cork block ideal for standing splits, these are some of our favorite accessories to lend a helping yoga hand:
Yoga Towels
Perfect for intense power yoga flows, or those yogis practicing in hot climates the YDL Yoga Mat Towel delivers a stable, slip-free surface. Move from Cobra into Downward Dog without worry as your sweat is quickly absorbed by quick-drying microfiber material.
Yoga Straps
Alleviate tight muscles and sink into those stretches with the versatile YDL Yoga Strap. This lightweight and easily transportable prop is the ideal accompaniment for anyone looking to deepen their yoga, pilates, or physical therapy practice. The Yoga Design Lab strap is constructed of durable cotton for easy gripping and features adjustable loops that allow you to control the intensity of your stretch.
Yoga Bolsters
Jazz up your evening routine when you lift your legs up the wall with a Hugger Mugger bolster. This generously sized bolster will be your new BFF, allowing for gentle chest opening and greater support during backbends. Bring along for your Yin class, or indulge in an extra cozy child's pose with its stable micro-fiber surface.
Yoga Blocks
Cork blocks yoga or foam? The choice is yours, but both YDL Yoga Block options deliver unparalleled support and alignment. The 100% renewable cork is naturally antimicrobial and lightweight enough to take with you wherever you practice.
Yoga Wheels
Feel like flying? Let go of tension and open up your hip, chest, shoulders, back, and hip flexors gently and effectively with a YDL Inifinity Yoga Wheel. Safely work your way towards more challenging poses and infuse your routine with creativity as you attempt backbends or an elevated Lizard pose with this lightweight and infinity-design silicone-free wheel.
Many yoga beginners or seasoned practitioners may shy away from using yoga accessories and props. However, with practice, experimentation, and proper knowledge, these additions to your yoga tool kit can open up a whole world of possibilities.
Tell us, which yoga accessory will you invest in first?
By: Isis-Maya Nissman