Starting an online yoga practice can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. While the beauty of yoga lies in its simplicity—you really only need your body and your breath—props can be powerful tools for support, alignment, and accessibility. Yoga props help bridge the gap between your body and the poses, making the practice more comfortable and effective.
In this post, we’ll explore the most essential yoga props for beginners and offer practical tips on how to use them confidently in your online yoga practice.
1. Yoga Mat
Why You Need It:
The yoga mat is your foundation. It provides cushioning for your joints and a non-slip surface that keeps you stable in standing and balancing poses.
How to Use It:
Lay your mat on a firm, flat surface. Use alignment markers (if your mat has them) to help position your hands and feet evenly. Keep your mat clean by wiping it down after each practice.
Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, choose a mat with extra thickness (around 6mm) for added joint support.
2. Yoga Blocks
Why You Need Them:
Blocks help bring the floor closer to you. They are excellent for improving alignment, balance, and range of motion, especially in standing poses, seated forward folds, and heart-opening postures.
* On a personal note – I absolutely love yoga blocks. Maybe it’s because I’m a shorter person…but I feel like I can get into so many poses better, when using them. So, that’s why you’ll see most the classes I teach, I use them often.
Find my free online yoga classes on my YouTube channel or join me live via the Insight Timer app. You can find my live online yoga class schedule here.
How to Use Them:
- In Triangle Pose (Trikonasana), place a block under your lower hand to maintain length in your spine.
- During Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana), sit on a block to tilt your pelvis forward and lengthen your hamstrings safely.
- Use blocks under your hands in Downward Dog if your hamstrings or shoulders are tight.
Pro Tip: Foam blocks are lightweight and comfortable, while cork blocks are heavier and more stable—choose what feels best for your needs.
3. Yoga Strap
Why You Need It:
Straps are great for improving flexibility and maintaining proper alignment without strain. They act as extensions of your arms or legs when your body isn’t quite ready to reach a certain distance.
How to Use It:
- In Seated Forward Fold, loop the strap around your feet and gently pull to lengthen your spine rather than rounding your back.
- Use a strap in Dancer Pose (Natarajasana) to catch your lifted foot if it’s out of reach.
- In Shoulder Openers, hold the strap behind your back with both hands to create space and flexibility.
Pro Tip: Opt for a strap with a metal D-ring for secure adjustment.
4. Yoga Blanket
Why You Need It:
Yoga blankets offer gentle support and cushioning. They are incredibly versatile and can be folded, rolled, or stacked to suit your needs.
How to Use It:
- Sit on a folded blanket in seated poses for better spinal alignment.
- Place a rolled blanket under your knees in Savasana for lower back support.
- Use it as a bolster substitute in Restorative Yoga for chest openers or gentle backbends.
Pro Tip: Mexican-style yoga blankets are a popular choice for their firmness and durability.
5. Yoga Bolster
Why You Need It:
Bolsters provide full-body support, especially in Restorative and Yin yoga. They promote deep relaxation by supporting the spine, hips, or legs in longer-held poses.
How to Use It:
- Lay back over a bolster in Supported Fish Pose to open your heart and chest.
- Use under your knees in Savasana to reduce strain on your lower back.
- In Child’s Pose, hug a bolster for comfort and support during longer holds.
On a personal note: If you enjoy practicing Yin or Restorative yoga you will definitely want to invest in a bolster. It’s a total game changer.
Pro Tip: Choose a firm, rectangular bolster for versatility, especially if you enjoy restorative or gentle practices.
6. Wall Space (Bonus Prop!)
Why You Need It:
Don’t underestimate the wall! It’s a fantastic alignment tool and support system for building strength and confidence in balancing poses.
How to Use It:
- Practice Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) to relax and restore your nervous system.
- Use the wall to learn Handstands or Headstands safely.
- Press against it in Standing Poses to refine alignment, like keeping your hips square in Warrior II.
Pro Tip: Clear a space free of furniture and use a yoga mat to prevent slipping during wall-supported poses.
Final Thoughts
Yoga props aren’t just for beginners—they’re tools to help every body feel supported, aligned, and empowered in their practice. Using props doesn’t mean you’re “not good at yoga”—it means you’re practicing wisely and compassionately.
As you build your home practice or attend classes, don’t hesitate to use the props that make poses feel more accessible and enjoyable. Over time, they’ll become your best allies on the mat.
Want more tips like this?
Subscribe to my newsletter or explore the beginner-friendly tutorials on my YouTube channel to learn how to integrate props into your practice step-by-step.
Let’s Flow Together
Whether you’re wanting to build strength and flexibility or a calming quiet yoga session, check out my YouTube channel for more. Or join me in a free live session via the app, Insight Timer, you can see the schedule here.
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