Getting started with mats, blocks, bricks and straps
If you’re starting yoga for the first time you may be wondering what on earth are blocks, bricks and straps and how expensive props might be.
If you go to a class in a community space, chances are you’ll need to take your own equipment, although sometimes teachers do have a stack of props for their students to borrow for the class. Yoga studios tend to be fully equipped although you can take your own.
Due to COVID protocols you will currently need your own equipment for both in person and online classes.
Mats
Yoga mats prevent your hands and feet slipping during the practice. They also provide cushioning if you are on a hard floor. Even if you are practising at home on a carpet you will need a yoga mat - as well as stopping you slipping it helps give you a sense of your space and provide grounding. Mats are made from plastic, rubber or cork and vary in thickness and in price. You do get what you pay for but there are some very reasonably priced mats available from the high street without going to specialist yoga retailers. There are now more and more eco-friendly or recycled mats available too. If you’re travelling to classes you may also find it useful to buy a yoga mat bag.
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Blocks and bricks
Blocks and bricks can help support you in poses by bringing the floor higher - for example in a standing forward bend, you may want a brick under each hand if you have tight legs and can’t bend down so far - it will help protect your lower back. Blocks are larger and flatter and can be used in seated poses or to rest your head on in child’s pose. Blocks and bricks are made of foam, cork, or recycled foam. It’s worth bearing in mind that some of the budget or high street yoga blocks are a slightly different size from those available from yoga retailers and sit somewhere between the size of a block and a brick, so could be used for both. Of course at home, you could improvise using books!
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Straps
A strap or a belt can help with stretching and can also hold you in poses where maybe your arms can’t reach, for example to give you extra length in dancer pose, or to help bring your hands closer together in eagle. They have an adjustable slide buckle and so can be used as a belt or a strap. They come in different lengths so consider how tall you are and whether you might be more likely to use them as a belt or a strap. Again - if you need to you could improvise at home with a dressing gown belt or a scarf - as long as it’s not stretchy.
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Blankets and eye pillows
Lastly, for final savasana (relaxation) you might want a blanket and/or an eye pillow.
All links are suggestions and not endorsements - if you try any, do let me know how you get on.