Yoga has become a part of the workout routine for many and a lifestyle for a few. While it was originally practiced by sages and communities in ancient India, it has now spread across the world, gaining popularity. The reason is the tremendous health benefits it provides to practitioners, both physically and mentally.
Yoga classes can be found in almost every city these days. But groups of people like working professionals, busy moms, or those living in remote areas may find it difficult to attend in-person classes and hence choose to practice at home. While it is a comfortable option, it can be challenging as well due to the lack of guidance. But what if we told you there’s an alternative option that offers alignment, depth, and safety – all from home? Yes, Iyengar yoga, the saviour option.
Iyengar Yoga is a kind of yoga that uses yoga props to perform poses. By doing so, it aims for precision and alignment in them. These yoga props are not just for beginners or people with no access to classes — they are for everyone who aims to achieve depth and proper alignment in their yoga poses. Anyone, irrespective of age, experience, or skill level, can transform their journey using the right props.
This blog will walk you through the top seven must-have yoga props for home practice.
What are Iyengar Yoga Props?
As outlined above, yoga props are an integral part of the Iyengar Yoga practice. Beginners, or individuals with injuries, physical challenges, or limitations, may find it difficult to access certain yoga poses. That’s where these props become especially valuable. They not only enable practitioners to perform various postures safely but also help them achieve proper alignment in those poses.
Iyengar Yoga props empower students to progress at their own pace, reducing the risk of injury and eliminating the pressure to advance too quickly. Instead of forcing the body into a position, props support a more mindful, accessible, and sustainable approach to deepening the practice.
Why Props Matter in Iyengar Yoga?
Yoga props give you the support you need to safely try out new poses, keep your alignment correct, and eventually strengthen your mental and physical bond with the practice. Below are a few reasons why props matter in Iyengar Yoga:
- To attain better posture and alignment: Yoga props assist you in achieving the right alignment in a variety of poses, guaranteeing that your body is in the right position. This lowers your chance of injury and maximizes the benefits of each yoga pose.
- To increase strength and flexibility: With the help of yoga props like straps and blocks, you may safely strengthen your muscles and progressively deepen your stretches, which makes it simpler to advance in your practice over time.
- To improve balance and stability: Using yoga supports can help you stay balanced and supported, especially in difficult poses. By improving your balance and confidence, you can hold yoga poses for longer periods of time and with greater technique.
- To provide flexibility for all skill levels: Yoga props enable yoga to be practiced by everyone, irrespective of physical ability or experience level. They can be used to adapt yoga poses for newcomers, people with disabilities, or people with a restricted range of motion.
- To offer deeper comfort and relaxation: Yoga blankets and bolsters can help improve restorative yoga poses by providing comfort and support. This promotes deeper relaxation and enables your body to completely eliminate tension and stress.
7 Must-Have Yoga Props for Your Home Yoga Practice
1) Yoga Blocks
Poses that call for more height can be performed using yoga blocks. They can be positioned beneath your arms, back, hips, or feet to increase comfort and improve alignment. Yoga blocks come in various materials, including wood (hard), foam (soft), and rubber cork. Firm blocks are useful under the feet in standing poses, while softer ones can support the hips in reclined poses. One major benefit of blocks is that they give you the height and stability needed to access deeper expressions of a pose. They also support the neck, spine, and lower body during practice.
2) Yoga Straps (Belts)
Yoga straps are mainly used to assist with stretching and are typically made from cotton, nylon, or hemp. These straps help align the spine, feet, and other body parts, particularly in poses that involve deep forward folds or where flexibility is limited. For example, they can be looped around the feet and held with the hands to keep the back and spine straight, reducing the need to overstrain in challenging asanas.
3) Yoga Bolsters
Yoga bolsters are supportive cushions designed to help with stretches targeting the shoulders, chest, and abdomen. They offer comfort and support in more demanding poses and are especially helpful in restorative yoga practices. Bolsters can prevent swelling, reduce strain, and help the body open up gently—especially when the practitioner is pushing their range of motion. These soft props make a big difference when deeper support is needed.
4) Yoga Blankets
Similar to yoga straps, yoga blankets are usually made from wool (including recycled wool) or cotton. They are used on the floor to support restorative poses and kneeling positions. Yoga blankets provide warmth during seated or reclined poses and offer cushioning for the wrists and knees when on all fours. They are versatile props for both comfort and stability in a wide range of poses.
5) Yoga Chair
A yoga chair is a key prop in modern Iyengar Yoga practice, developed to make yoga more accessible without compromising its principles. It is especially helpful for those who may find floor-based poses difficult. A yoga chair enhances practice by offering stability, flexibility, and support in various seated, standing, or inversion poses. Every part of the chair—from seat to legs—can be used creatively to deepen and support your practice.
6) Wall Ropes / Yoga Wall Setup
Wall ropes, used with a secure wall setup, are especially beneficial for beginners and those seeking support in more advanced poses. They improve alignment, assist with deeper stretches, and help increase flexibility. Ropes also make it easier to hold poses for longer durations. There are three main types of rope wall configurations: Permanent Wall Setup, Portable Wall Setup, and Temporary Wall Setup—each offering different levels of convenience and support.
7) Wooden Slanting Plank / Trestler
The yoga trestler or slanting plank is a reliable tool that supports practitioners in achieving correct posture, alignment, and balance. While it works similarly to blocks and straps, it offers broader support for advanced poses, including inversions and balancing postures. Trestlers are commonly made from durable materials like wood, metal, or reinforced plastic to safely bear body weight without tipping or shifting.
How to Choose the Right Iyengar Yoga Props for Your Home Practice
There are varieties of yoga props available in the market. Choosing the right yoga prop depends on the nature of the postures that an individual wants to perform or their practice goal. As explained above, each prop serves a different purpose. Hence, practitioners can choose from a wide array based on their requirements.
It is advisable to choose quality and comfortable props—ones that are durable, non-toxic, and well-suited for your practice goals. Budget can also be a factor, so consider selecting multi-functional props that can be used for different poses. Additionally, take into account your available practice space to ensure the props fit comfortably in your home environment.
20-Minute Iyengar Yoga Sequence with Props
Everybody has days that are extremely hectic. On those days, taking care of ourselves and setting aside some time for our practice is even more crucial. A short morning flow can serve as a wake-up call to move, stimulate, relax, and set intentions for the day.
Here’s a quick 20-minute Iyengar yoga sequence using props—starting from standing poses to twists, backbends, forward bends, abdominal work, and a final restorative pose. Props needed: Yoga Blanket, Yoga Blocks, Yoga Straps, Yoga Bolster, and Yoga Chair.
- Pose 1 – Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend): Bend forward, reaching for your feet and toes. Use a block to support the hamstrings and reduce strain in early stages.
- Pose 2 – Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend): Stand with feet wide apart, bend forward, and try to place the top of your head on the floor. Use a block under the head for support.
- Pose 3 – Virasana (Hero Pose): Sit between your heels with an upright spine. Use a bolster under the hips if ankle discomfort arises, or a block between the heels for elevation.
- Pose 4 – Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose): Stand with the chest and right leg facing forward, left leg stepped back. Use a yoga chair to support the pelvis during the forward bend.
- Pose 5 – Supta Padangusthasana I (Reclined Big Toe Pose): Lie on your back and raise one leg up to 90 degrees. Use a yoga strap around the raised foot if needed for reach or flexibility.
- Pose 6 – Savasana (Corpse Pose): Lie flat on your back with eyes closed, arms and legs relaxed. Place a yoga blanket under the back for cushioning and deep relaxation.
Conclusion
Yoga props are a savior for everyone who wants to achieve precision and alignment while practicing safely and enjoying comfort. Each tool plays a different role in your practice, and investing in them won’t go to waste.
Remember, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it right. Let these tools guide your journey toward balance, strength, and inner peace.
The post Top 7 Must-Have Iyengar Yoga Props for Home Practice appeared first on All Yoga Training.
