Try using a yoga wheel for greater flexibility. (iStock)
If you’ve been thinking about incorporating a yoga mindfulness practice into your daily life, now is the perfect time to do so. Today, more than 36 million Americans practice yoga regularly.
Yoga is for everyone. No level of fitness or expensive equipment is required to get started. Practicing yoga regularly can provide many benefits, including improved flexibility, balance, strength and endurance, while also helping you develop mindfulness and focus.
If you plan on incorporating this exercise into your daily routine, it might be worth exploring some helpful accessories that will help you improve your flexibility and simplify exercise transitions. Here are nine yoga props to help you stretch deeper and improve your balance:
Yoga blocks will help you maintain balance. (Alo Yoga)
Place yoga blocks under your hands, feet, or seat to support your stretches. These blocks are helpful for everyone, regardless of age or fitness ability. This yoga block, on sale for $28 at Alo Yoga, provides the stability needed for optimal alignment, deeper poses, and increased strength. Alo’s bricks come in a variety of colors, including fluorescent yellow and khaki. Get this set of Gaiam yoga blocks on Amazon for less than $17.
Use a yoga strap to stretch further. (Amazon)
Yoga straps can help you deepen your stretches and strengthen your postures. Use it as a bridge between your hands and feet to maintain alignment and safe stretching, and improve your balance and stability. This Slim Panda Yoga Strap is less than $6 on Amazon and is made from 100% cotton and easy to grip. Or you can try Manduka’s performance strap for $20.
This mat has great cushioning. (Amazon)
If you plan to practice yoga, this is an accessory you can’t miss. Mats come in different cushioning, grip, and materials. If you need more cushioning, the Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga Mat, which sells for about $46 on Amazon, is a great option. The mat also features a non-slip coating for a more secure grip in all yoga poses. The Liforme Classic Yoga Mat, available at Liforme for $112, is designed to be the most innovative and comfortable yoga mat on the market to optimize your movement at home. The mat is longer and wider than a regular yoga mat and comes with a carrying bag.
The Manduka PRO, available at Manduka for $138, is a well worth the investment and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s not too thick or thin, easy to clean and dries quickly.
Try using a yoga towel for extra absorbency. (Amazon)
Yoga towels with grips are perfect for Bikram yoga or hot yoga classes. They help absorb sweat and keep them in place. For less than $17 on Amazon, this hot yoga mat towel eliminates slip worries and allows for a stress-free, high-quality yoga practice. This yoga towel from Gaiam, priced at less than $20, absorbs twice as much cotton and dries in half the time.
The UpCircleSeven back roller and yoga wheel are great for relieving back pain. (Amazon)
A yoga wheel can help you stretch, improve flexibility, and relieve upper and lower back pain. The UpCircleSeven Back Roller and Yoga Wheel, available for about $45 on Amazon, gently and naturally stretches your back to increase flexibility, mobility, and range of motion. You can also try the Alo yoga wheel for $78.
Non-slip socks are good for safety. (Walmart)
Non-slip, non-slip ballet socks are perfect for keeping socks securely on your feet. These Feiona Women’s Yoga Socks are about $7 at Walmart and are perfect for yoga on smooth surfaces like tile floors or carpet. Or try these Gaiam Yoga Socks , available on Amazon for less than $10 and perfect for yoga on smooth surfaces like tile floors or carpet.
Throw pillows are great for restorative positions. (Brentwood House)
Yoga mats are comfortable props that you can lie on during yoga or sit on during meditation. This buckwheat yoga mat, $80 at Brentwood Home, features a soft stretchy knit cover embroidered with subtle touches and a removable cover for easy care. For maximum comfort, grab this Yes4All 3-Layer Foam Yoga Mat, on sale for less than $38 on Amazon. Made from memory foam, this pillow provides the foundation for your journey to inner peace.
Give your knees extra care with these pads. (Walmart)
Knee pads provide soft cushioning for sensitive areas such as wrists, hands, elbows, hips or knees. Try these Gaiam yoga knee braces, on sale at Walmart for less than $10, to provide support for your knees or elbows during your daily workout. This Liforme Classic Yoga Mat sells for about $36 and offers extra cushioning, stability, and grip.
Use detergent to keep your mats smelling fresh. (Walmart)
Use mat cleaner to keep your mats smelling clean. MOXĒ Yoga Mat Spray, available for less than $14 at Walmart, reduces odor and sweat residue to help you practice cleaner yoga. ASUTRA Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray, for less than $14 on Amazon, is an all-natural, biodegradable cleaner that uses organic essential oils to keep mats and props clean and smelling fresh.
