What comes to mind when you envision a typical yoga class? You will likely mention a series of complicated poses, tranquil music and general feelings of relaxation. While there is no doubt that all of these observations are true, we need to remember that choosing the right yoga props and equipment can make all of the difference in the world between a pleasant experience and failing to reach your personal goals.

This is why it is a bit unfortunate that yoga equipment is often overlooked. If you hope to get started in the right direction, becoming familiar with some of the basic yoga props is always a good idea. So, what are your options?

Yoga Mats

Even the strongest of buildings will crumble if they are not affixed to a strong foundation. This is just as true within the world of yoga. Yoga mats are absolutely essential; they offer support, balance and cushioning. The good news is that trusted suppliers are able to offer cheap yoga mats that are able to withstand a fair amount of wear and tear.

Yoga Bolsters

Bolsters are cushions that will be used to support your body when performing specific movements. Some poses that may need a bolster in order to remain still and comfortable include:

• The supported child’s pose
• The reclined bound angle pose
• The supported back bend
• The wide-legged forward bend

While bolsters will often be provided by a gym or your teacher, it is better to purchase your own in order to encounter the most comfortable shape and firmness.

Yoga Straps

There are also times when you may need to use one or more belts or straps in yoga. The main purpose of these belts is to provide you with extra reach. One common scenario involves those who may have difficulty holding on to their feet when performing a specific pose. These bands are made of elastic and similarly durable materials. They can also be purchased in a variety of lengths. While some practitioners will prefer to use their own belts, it is wise to purchase a professional band in order to augment your capabilities.

Exercise Balls

The chances are high that you have seen exercise balls in the gym. Did you know that these props can also be used when practicing yoga? There are several advantages of working with an exercise ball. These balls are excellent if you hope to develop core strength while simultaneously increasing your flexibility. There are also times when standing atop one of these balls can be used to improve your balance. Exercise balls come in a variety of sizes and they are constructed from extremely durable materials.

These are only a handful of the numerous yoga props associated. Other accessories include foam blocks used for stretching, meditation pillows and wedges. As always, it is prudent to work with a reputable distributor so that you will be able to encounter quality products at affordable prices. Explore getting started with our Beginners Yoga Courses.

Eco Friendly, Primal Print Design, Non-Slip, Reasonable Price Tag, & Donates to Charity? Surely this mat from Kin Yoga Mats is too good to be true! This is the mat I use for my Zoom Classes and my Morning Warriors!

As a Yoga Teacher, a good yoga mat is an essential piece of kit! There are so many mats on the market that it’s overwhelming and many seem to focus on aesthetics over function so I stick with the basic cheap studio PVC mats, but the eco-credentials of these PVC mats make my heart hurt. PVC mats will never break down – they end up in landfill sites and will remain there leaking toxins into the environment for hundreds of years. I always reconciled this harm by keeping my PVC mats until they are worn through and then find ways to repurpose them.

I’ve tested many of the alternatives, such as the Cork Mats and the Vegan Suede effect mats which have good Eco credentials but I slip and slide all over the place and end up throwing them in a heap in the corner.  When I was approached my Kin Yoga Mats to test their Primal Pro Mat, I thought here we go again and nearly deleted the email straight away BUT as someone who volunteers in Cheetah Conservation, their subtle Cheetah Print on their Primal Pro Mat and the full out gorgeous Printed Cheetah Mat made me take a longer look. Then I learnt that Kin Yoga Mats donate 5% of the profits from their Charity Mats to charities including The Animal Welfare Institute.

So how could I resist? Since the world has been experiencing the Global Pandemic, I have been teaching a lot of yoga online. When I teach in person usually I don’t spend that much time on the mat, I’m standing, watching, cueing my students but now we’re online I’m demoing most of the poses so needing my mat to perform well to support my body.

I’ve got to be honest the Kin Primal Pro Mat, performed perfectly from the beginning. The PVC mats are usually slippery to begin with and need to be broken in, this mat had excellent grip from the beginning. But it’s the cushioning I really love, feels so nice on my knees and wrists during the strong Vinyasa Flows. The top surface is really smooth which feels nice and helps you flow too.

It really ticks all the boxes it promised!

Good Grip – Immediately effective!

Eco Friendly – made from natural rubber

Looks Great – love the subtle Cheetah Print

The Price – £75, this seems far – for the eco-credentials and the performance. It’s also cheaper than similar style mats like Liforme.

Function – it’s got lines on it in strategic places to help with alignment, but that’s not my approach – I prefer freedom over precision in my flows – but the lines are pretty so I don’t mind!

Check out their website and see what you think!

The Chandra Namaskar yoga sequence is one of my personal favorites and I know many of my students in Southampton would agree. It creates a wonderful tranquility. So here’s a little more information if you love it too!

Meaning

Chandra Namaskar is a simple sequence which honours and acknowledges the energy of the moon. The name “Chandra Namaskar” is derived from the Sanskrit, chandra, meaning “moon,” and “namaskar,” meaning “salutation.” Although less well known than the Surya Namaskar (the Sun Salutations), they complement it perfectly, as they embrace the opposite, interconnected cooling energy.

Balancing

Chandra Namaskar cultivates a yin energy (as in the Daoist Principle of Yin & Yang) whereas Surya Namaskar is more yang. The yin energy and the energy of the Chandra Namaskar sequence is cooling, calming and meditative. This sequence is best practiced in the evening time once the moon has risen and you can work with the lunar energies. It is often practise during the time of the full moon when the lunar energy is as its peak but can also be practise at any time during the lunar cycle. Another approach is to include both Surya Namaskar and Chandra Namaskar in the same yoga practise to promote a balanced state where you feel energised yet calm

The sequence of asanas for Chandra Namaskar has many variations, but will often involve moving to the right and left, and facing the long edge of the mat. The side stretches and circular movements of the sequence can be considered to represent the phases of the moon as it waxes and wanes.

Gratitude

This is the perfect practice for the practice of gratitude as can be done slowly and with consideration. Practice this under the moonlight with minimal distractions for the full effects the Chandra Namaskar flow and the energies of the moon has to offer.

Benefits

Chandra Namaskar can also be beneficial for:

• Strengthening all major muscle groups
• Calming the mind
• Grounding and focusing the body and mind

I’ve added this sequence as a PDF on my Online Studio under Printable Sequences on the website, head over there to download your own copy.

Keep an eye out on my Workshops page as this is a workshop I love to offer during the year and its always being updated with new workshops.

See you on the mat.

Laura x