The next thing I want to discuss in my blog is the use of yoga props and how they can assist you in your practice. The first thing on the list is a yoga mat. While yoga can technically be practiced anywhere, as all it requires is a flat surface and the ability to move on the surface, I HIGHLY recommend investing in a mat. Yoga mats are highly beneficial as they provide cushioning for your joints and will really elevate your yoga practice. I have experimented with a bunch of different mats, and I can confidently say that my top two mats are the following:
This is my TOP favourite mat. What I really like about this mat is how sticky it is, as your hands and feet really grip to the surface. While it may not seem to make a difference if your mat is super sticky or not, as in balancing postures or standing postures the stickiness of the mat is not a huge factor, however I can assure you that it is critical for your mat to have grip in postures that require your hands on the mat. For postures like downward dog and flows, it is so important to be able to grip to the mat and I have found that I have almost injured myself using mats that are slippery instead of sticky.
I would rank this mat in second place because the material is not as sticky as the B Yoga mat. However, this mat is extremely lightweight and foldable and can be easily folded up and transported in a suitcase or duffle bag, whereas the B Yoga mat is much thicker and harder to transport. While this is an important quality and makes a great mat for travelling, I still prefer a mat that is stickier and feel that I can only practice to the best of my abilities if I am able to grip the mat.
Next on the list are yoga blocks. Yoga blocks are small blocks that are used to provide stability and support during poses. I never use to practice with yoga blocks, and I once I started, I became hooked and used blocks every time I practiced at home or at the studio. For me personally, blocks really help me for postures like a seated forward fold. I sit on the block, and this helps to open my hips up and keep my back straight as I fold over my legs. Yoga blocks are usually cork, foam or wood and I would say are essential regardless of your skill level, because there is always room for improvement. Blocks are more straightforward and are not as tricky to purchase, in comparison to mats, and I would recommend the following block: Manduka Cork Yoga Block.
Lastly, for the purpose of this inquiry project, I wanted to add a strap to my yoga practice as I feel like this is a prop that I can really benefit from. Yoga straps are used to help improve flexibility and alignment and they assist in reaching deeper into poses and allowing you to grasp your limbs more easily. I am specifically trying to improve my flexibility and while I have been stretching every day, I felt like a yoga strap would be a good edition and push my practice to the next level. After doing some research, I ordered this one I found on amazon: Yoga strap. I think for the price point, this strap is the best deal and after using it couple of times, I feel as though I am deepening the stretches in my body, and I am really trying to stay consistent and practice a lot so that one day I can do the splits.
