“In a pinch, you can use household items like pillows and blankets as props,” says restorative yoga instructor Melissa Okabe. “The following products make the restorative yoga process more enjoyable and even easier.” Here are 10 must-have restorative yoga products.
1. Yoga bolster
This is the most multi-use prop for restorative yoga. It’s a rectangular cushion that provides support for a variety of heart opening and low-back lengthening poses. Where to find: yogaoutlet.com
2. Yoga blanket
These Mexican-style blankets are heavyweight and durable. They’re useful in restorative yoga to provide extra cushion behind the head and under the knees. “Yoga blankets can also be used as extra weight on the body to ground and calm the nervous system,” says Okabe. “They’ll keep you warm if you tend to get chilled during poses.” Where to find: https://www.yogaoutlet.com/blankets-c9218
3. Yoga blocks
Yoga blocks come in foam, wood or cork. For certain yoga poses, such as heart openers or hip openers, two blocks (of the same material) can offer support to your body. The type of material you choose depends on your personal preference. You may wish to try out various types before deciding which is right for you. Where to find: https://www.yogaaccessories.com/Blocks-and-Wedges_c_1002.html
4. Yoga straps
Yoga straps come in handy when stretching the backs of the legs, such as the reclined hand-to-big-toe pose. These straps act as an extension of the arms to connect with the lower half of the body in certain stretches. Where to find: https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-mats-props/No-Limits-Stretching-Strap/_/prod3470019
5. Sandbags
Yoga sandbags add weight to your poses. They can also enhance a sense of grounding in many restorative yoga poses. Where to find: https://www.yogaoutlet.com/yoga-sandbags-c15330/
6. Eye pillow
Eye pillows are placed over the eyes during restorative yoga poses. “Eye pillows can help the yoga practitioner to melt deeper into the poses by muting any sensory distractions (of the eyes opening),” says Okabe. “Often scented with lavender, these eye pillows add a nice touch of soothing and relaxing aromatherapy to your restorative yoga practice.” Where to find: https://www.gaiam.com/products/05-62268
7. Yoga mat
Although you can lie on carpeting or the floor, yoga mats make restorative yoga more comfortable. They also work well with other props, such as bolsters, which may slide around on the floor. Where to find: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/3/yoga-mats
8. Essential oils
Aromatherapy takes the practice of restorative yoga to a whole new level. Try soothing and calming scents that promote relaxation, such as lavender, vanilla, rose and jasmine. Where to find: https://www.bulkapothecary.com/categories/aromatherapy-essential-oils.html
9. Comfortable yoga apparel
Sure, you can do yoga in your sweats or short. It’s a lot more fun and comfortable, though, to do yoga in clothing designed especially for the process. Where to find: https://yogaclub.com/
10. Relaxing yoga music
Make the restorative yoga process even more enjoyable and relaxing by listening to yoga music as you sink into the poses. Where to find: https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/yoga-music Check out the best yoga poses for two people.
Sources
Melissa Okabe, restorative yoga instructor
