The Only 4 Tools You Need to Start Yoga Practice at Home

The Only 4 Tools You Need to Start Yoga Practice at Home

Every day, it seems like more and more is revealed about the health benefits of yoga: It can improve strength and flexibility, posture, and even improve your brain. That's right, yoga helps you think better^[1]. And the best part is, you don't need a gym or studio membership to start a yoga practice. All you need is a small space in your home and these helpful props that Exhale Mind Body Spa^[2] National Yoga Director Stefanie Eris recommends for getting into any stretch and pose, no matter what your limitations.

Yoga Blocks: Yoga blocks can provide support for your head and neck during lying positions, support your weight during standing or sitting positions, and help you hold poses longer. Eris says she uses a supported bridge position with a block to soothe lower back and hip aches. "Start off on a low setting," she recommends, "with an option to increase the intensity by flipping the block to a higher setting."

Dharma Yoga Wheel: Since blocks aren't round, they don't create the shape needed to support the spine in a backbend. That's why Eris says the Dharma Yoga Wheel^[3] is a must. "You can use it like a foam roller to gently massage your back or you can relax in a restorative fish pose and comfortably open the front line of your body," she explains. "What I love most about the Dharma Wheel is that it helps me safely and comfortably work my way towards otherwise terrifying and rigorous poses."

Yoga Straps: You may have seen straps at a yoga studio or barre class because they can help give you more length, reach and space in a yoga move. The problem is that many can be long and bulky, causing you to have to re-adjust with each move. Eris recommends Yogasphere Strap Loops^[4] instead. "They're circular straps that come in many sizes, making every pose within reach for everybody," she says. "Use it to take a bound side angle or catch your big toe in the standing balance pose called utthita hasta padangusthasana (extended hand-to-toe pose)."

Yoga Mat: And while it's obvious you need a good yoga mat to get started, some are better than others. Eris likes hers to have a lot of grip, so her hands and feet stay in place if she sweats.Try a mat from Jade Yoga^[5] or Lululemon^[6]. "Place it in a private spot in your home that you can make into a sacred space," she says.

What are your favorite yoga tools and accessories? Tell us in the comments, below.

Photos: Dharma Yoga Wheel

References

1. ^{^} yoga helps you think better (www.glamour.com)
2. ^{^} Exhale Mind Body Spa (exhalespa.com)
3. ^{^} Dharma Yoga Wheel (www.dharmayogawheel.com)
4. ^{^} Yogasphere Strap Loops (www.mama-kuka.com)
5. ^{^} Jade Yoga (jadeyoga.com)
6. ^{^} Lululemon (shop.lululemon.com)

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