Sometimes my students ask me “where can I get [insert name of prop here]?” So I figured it was appropriate to make a quick list of some of my favorites.
Mat: Manduka Prolite I was sold on the lifetime warranty, but make sure you follow the instructions for proper care, or you’ll void it.
Blocks: Manduka Cork Block or the BalanceForm Foam Blocks. Most days, I use foam blocks, as they are fine for my purposes, and fairly comfortable to sit on and easier to hold between your hands and legs for postures where you use it for bracing. However, you cannot beat a cork block for stability, especially if foam blocks start to buckle under your weight.
Bolster/Cushion: YogaAccessories Supportive Rectangular Cotton Bolster I use this for seated meditation as well as propping in yin and restorative poses. At Alpha Krav Maga Boston, we improvise and use Revgear Tombstone Target Shields, which are great for double-duty, but I wouldn’t recommend them solely for bolstering purposes.
In a pinch, you can approximate a bolster with thick pillows or blankets.
Blanket: Authentic Mexican Yoga Blanket. In a pinch, you can use an ordinary blanket or a beach towel.
Strap: REEHUT Yoga Strap (6ft, 8ft, 10ft). Take your pick of the appropriate length. For most purposes an 8ft is fine, but if you’re going to be wrapping the strap around your torso and shoulders, the extra length or a 10ft won’t hurt. In a pinch, you can use a belt, or even two belts (with the strap of one fastened into the buckle of the other).
