To increase your flexibility, try a yoga wheel. (iStock)
If you’ve been thinking about incorporating yogic mindfulness into your daily routine, now is the perfect time to do just that. Over 36 million Americans Practice yoga regularly.
Anyone can do yoga. You don’t need any particular fitness level or special equipment to start. By doing yoga regularly, you can: Many benefitsIt helps improve flexibility, balance, strength and stamina, as well as cultivate mindfulness and concentration.
If you’re thinking about incorporating this exercise into your daily routine, it might be worth trying out some handy accessories that can help improve your flexibility and transition between practices. Here are 9 yoga tools to help you stretch deeper and improve your balance.
Yoga blocks help you maintain balance. (Alo Yoga)
Place a yoga block under your hands, feet, or seat to support your stretch. Blocks are beneficial for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Yoga Block, available at Alo Yoga for $28It provides the stability you need for optimal alignment, deeper poses, and increased strength. Alo blocks come in a variety of colors, including fluorescent yellow and khaki. Buy this Gaiam Yoga Block Set for under $17 on Amazon.
Use a yoga strap for an extra stretch. (Amazon)
Yoga straps can help deepen stretches and strengthen poses, and by using them as a bridge between your hands and feet you can safely stretch and improve your balance and stability. Slim Panda Yoga Strap on Amazon for under $6It is made of 100% cotton and is easy to grip. Manduka’s high-performance straps cost $20.
This mat has excellent cushioning. (Amazon)
If you plan on practicing yoga, this is an essential accessory. Mats come in a variety of cushioning, grip and materials. Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga Mat, available on Amazon for about $46is a good choice if you want more cushioning, and the mat has a non-slip coating to give you a firm grip during your yoga poses. Liforme Classic Yoga Mat, on sale at Liforme for $112Designed to be the most innovative and comfortable mat on the market to optimize your at-home workout, this mat is longer and wider than your average yoga mat and comes with a carry bag.
of Manduka PRO, $138 at Mandukais a great mat that’s worth the investment and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s not too thick or thin, easy to clean, and dries quickly.
For even more absorbency, try a yoga towel. (Amazon)
Yoga towels with grips are perfect for Bikram or hot yoga sessions as they absorb sweat and keep you in place. Hot Yoga Mat Towel, Under $17 on AmazonYou can practice yoga stress-free and with high quality without having to worry about slipping. Yoga Towels Available for Under $20 at GaiamIt absorbs twice as much as cotton and dries in half the time.
UpCircleSeven Back Roller & Yoga Wheel is perfect for lower back pain. (Amazon)
The yoga wheel can help you stretch, improve flexibility and relieve upper and lower back pain. UpCircleSeven Back Roller and Yoga Wheel, available on Amazon for about $45It gently and naturally stretches your back, improving your mobility, flexibility and range of motion. Alo Yoga Wheel $78.
Non-slip socks are good for safety. (Walmart)
Ballet style socks with a non-slip coating are great for keeping the socks securely on your feet. Feiona Women’s Yoga Socks, available at Walmart for about $7is perfect for yoga on slippery surfaces like tile or carpet. Or try these Gaiam Yoga Socks, available on Amazon for under $10Perfect for yoga on slippery surfaces like tile floors and carpets.
Bolsters are great for restorative poses. (Brentwood Homes)
A yoga bolster is a comfortable piece of equipment that you can lie on during yoga or sit on during meditation. Buckwheat Yoga Bolster Cushion, available at Brentwood Home for $80The has a soft stretch knit cover with artistic embroidery and a removable cover for easy care. If you want maximum comfort, this Yes4All 3-Layer Sponge Yoga Bolster Pillow, on sale for under $38 on AmazonMade from memory foam, this pillow is the foundation for your journey to inner peace.
Take special care of your knees with these pads. (Walmart)
Knee pads provide soft cushioning for sensitive areas such as wrists, hands, elbows, hips and knees. Gaiam Yoga Kneepads, available at Walmart for under $10Use it to support your knees and elbows during exercise. Liforme Classic Yoga Pad, on sale for about $36Improves cushioning, stability and grip.
Use a cleaner to keep your mat smelling fresh. (Walmart)
Use a mat cleaner to keep your mat clean. MOXĒ Yoga Mat Spray, on sale for under $14 at Walmarthelps reduce odor and sweat residue for a cleaner yoga practice. ASUTRA Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray, on sale for under $14 on Amazonis an all-natural, biodegradable cleaner that uses organic essential oils to keep your mats and props clean and smelling fresh.
