Get these yoga props to rock your next session!

Knowing what to buy when you first start practicing yoga can be confusing. You may need to spend a bit before you set foot in a class. The best part is that you don't need much to begin. You can source props from local stores or choose at-home DIYs.

Here's what you need to know whether you're starting an at-home practice or going to your first class.

Yoga block

A lightweight brick-shaped prop called a yoga block is used to enhance yoga practices. It's the ideal aid for both beginner and experienced practitioners to improve their yoga posture and pilates.

Yoga blocks are an excellent tool for increasing flexibility, balance, and stability, as well as extending the spine by intensifying your stretch. They can be used for support or as a barrier between your torso and the floor when you're perfecting difficult positions to give you more lift. Furthermore, the block will keep your position intact. It is robust enough to handle tough sessions.

Yoga bolster

A bolster can help in raising the ground toward you while you are seated or lying down. To make room in your lower back during Savasana, place this pillow under your knees. This enables your body to rest more and can offer assistance in case of lower back pain.

For added comfort, you can use a bolster to support your hips during sitting poses or to rest your head and chest in Balasana. Bolsters can also help heart-opening poses. They support restorative backbends, and help increase calmness by enabling your chest, shoulders, and belly to expand while your head, neck, and spine are completely supported.

You can use hard pillows or even roll up a huge blanket or towel for support.

Yoga straps

A yoga strap or belt might help you increase your flexibility. It helps both beginning and experienced people. Yoga straps resemble belts made of hemp, cotton, or nylon. They can be six to ten feet long and serve as an expansion of your body when you strike a pose.

Straps are best applied to stretch tight muscles before diving into your flow, allowing you to discover flexibility in yoga poses. Additionally, they can help with control in challenging postures. If you don’t have a strap, you can substitute it with a necktie or a towel.

Blanket

There are lots of blankets available for use in yoga studios. They come in different thicknesses and can be made of materials like cotton or recycled wool. When practicing restorative or meditative exercises while lying down, blankets are excellent for keeping you warm. Additionally, when you're kneeling or on all fours, they can cushion your knees or offer additional support during poses.

Yoga wheels

Yoga wheels are a relatively recent accessory that are beginning to take off in yoga classes. These wheels have a diameter of around 12 inches and a width of about 4 inches.

When the wheel is upright, you can lie back on it or put a leg or hand on top to increase flexibility. Roll the wheel slowly as you unwind into the stretch. In more complex techniques, wheels can be employed to test stability or provide support.

While you are unlikely to require a yoga wheel in the beginning, you may want to consider buying one later on.

Even if you think you need a prop right now, you might discover that you don't after a month. Alternatively, you may have a set of go-to props for each session. Your comfort and stability are the most important factors, so do what works best in your favor!