Although rolling out your mat in a beautiful, calming and spacious yoga studio can bring a real sense of relaxation and peace, I feel like there’s nothing more empowering than doing your movement practice in your own space.

Over the past 10 months of COVID restrictions, people have really had to embrace the idea of a home practice. And once you get over the idea that your space has to be perfect, there comes freedom!

Sure, you’ll notice all the dust bunnies collecting under your couch. You may have to sweep some lego off to the side to make space for your mat. And you may have the sweet sounds of family/neighbours/pets in the background but integrating movement into your daily life and almost viewing it as part of your daily hygiene practice, is a powerful shift in our thinking.

It can be helpful to have the right tools on hand to make your practice more enjoyable and more robust. I’m going to share a few of my fave props to invest in, if you can and also what you already have around the house.

Props you might want to invest in

Yoga Bolster

I love having a yoga bolster around because it just feels so luxurious to rest onto. Bolsters can be quite helpful during pregnancy, as lying flat on your back can cause dizziness and discomfort to the low back.

Try using a bolster length wise under your spine, propped up with 2 yoga blocks or books to create a comfortable reclining position that supports your back and lifts your head up as an alternative to lying flat on your back in savasana.

My fave: Halfmoon Yoga Cylindrical Bolster, Node Fitness Rectangular Bolster

Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks are great to have around to support your body in restorative poses but probably the best reason to have them around is because they can make moving in and out of postures that feel a bit restrictive much more accessible for people with tight hips, bigger stomachs and fuller chests. I use blocks a lot to add more challenge and instability to core and balance work.

My faves: Halfmoon Cork Blocks, Manduka Recycled Foam Blocks

Set of light weights

I’m a big believer in cross training, meaning I don’t think yoga should be the only movement practice you do. Adding resistance training into your routine is a great way to create more strength and resilience to your muscles. Check out local thrift shop or Community Buy/Sell Group to get used ones.

Mini Bands

I love mini bands as they are super easy to pack up and take with you when travelling and the extra resistance they provide feels so great. These little props pack a big punch and are so versatile. You can use them to add some extra challenge to upper body work, for the glutes and hips, your core and can also be used as a way to mobilize and stretch your body. You can’t go wrong with investing in a pack that provides you with different resistance levels.

My faves: Yogi Bands

Props you can find around the house:

Belt, towel or scarf

Probably the best prop to have around is a towel. Towels can be used for SO MUCH in your movement practice. As a lovely aid in movements where you feel a bit restricted, like shoulder or hamstring stretches.

But they also come in handy for adding extra resistance for upper body work and to use as a glider for leg and core work.

Soup cans

I’m pretty sure soup cans take the award for best at home prop this year. Virtual classes world wide have embraced the soup can as a make shift weight and yoga block and honestly they work great!

Pillows and blankets

If you’re going to take the time to rest and restore your body, you might as well go all the way! Gather some pillows and blankets to support your body in restorative poses or for padding under your knees, back and head. You can also use pillows and blankets for some extra feedback when you’re deepening your awareness and connection to certain areas of your body, including your pelvic floor and breathing muscles.

Tennis ball

I just had to add this last one in because having a ball or two on hand for self massage can feel so great, especially during pregnancy and pospartum. You can use them to massage your feet, shins, glutes, chest, neck….and more. And I promise this will become one of your go-to tools for releasing tension in your body. Check out these videos for glute release and foot massage ideas.

Alright, now that you've got a list of props to have on hand, my biggest suggestion to clients is to keep them somewhere you can see! Don’t hide them away in a closet where you’re less likely to think about them. It might be nice to put them together in a basket or bin so you can keep them together.

The best props for your at-home practice

Props you might want to invest in

Props you can find around the house:

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