8 Ways to use a Yoga Blanket(Part 1)

In the realm of yoga, blankets emerge as indispensable companions, elevating your practice and offering crucial support in a myriad of poses. Whether you find solace in the serene realms of restorative or yin yoga, or you're immersed in the dynamic flow of other yoga styles, a blanket stands as a valuable prop, ready to amplify your experience.

The beauty lies in the accessibility of this prop – chances are, you already possess the perfect yoga blanket within the confines of your home. No need for a special, dedicated yoga blanket; any comfortable and dense blanket or even a towel can seamlessly transform into your trusted yoga companion.

The versatility of blankets extends beyond their physical attributes, becoming a psychological anchor for many practitioners. Having a dedicated blanket for your yoga sessions fosters a distinct connection between your home yoga space and the rest of your living environment. It's a subtle yet powerful way to create a sacred sanctuary within the comfort of your home.

As you unroll your mat and embark on your yoga journey, consider the transformative potential that a simple blanket holds. From providing extra cushioning in seated poses to offering gentle support in restorative asanas, this unassuming accessory becomes a silent ally in your pursuit of physical and mental well-being. Embrace the warmth, comfort, and versatility – let your yoga blanket become an integral part of your practice, enhancing every stretch, every breath, and every moment on the mat.

Here are some of the ways you can use blanket in your practice:

1.Child’s Pose:

If your ankles and feet feel uneasy when you're in Child’s Pose, you can make it better by putting a rolled blanket or towel under them. And if getting your hips down to your heels is hard, you can use a folded blanket between your calves and thighs. This fills the space and gives support.

2.Supported Kneeling Pose:

If your knees are sensitive or your yoga mat isn't soft enough, you can use a blanket or towel for more comfort in poses where you kneel, like Camel and Low Lunge showed above. Just fold the blanket and put it under your knees to make it more comfy.

3.Pigeon Pose:

You can use a blanket in Pigeon Pose in yoga to help your hips. If bringing your hips down to the floor is hard, put a rolled-up blanket under the hip of your bent leg. How many blankets you use depends on how flexible you are. Begin with one and add more if necessary. You can explore upright Pigeon pose and find length or you can drop into your forearms and align your head with your spine for deeper grounding practice.

4. Easy Pose:

In Easy Pose during yoga, placing a blanket under your hips can be really helpful. It makes sitting comfortably easier. The blanket gives a little lift and support to your hips, making the pose more comfortable. It's especially great if sitting on the floor is a bit hard for you. The blanket adds a cushion and makes it easier to enjoy your yoga practice.

5. Hero’s Pose:

In Hero's Pose during yoga, using a blanket under your hips is a good idea. It makes sitting on your heels more comfy. The blanket provides a bit of padding and support for your hips, so you don't feel too much pressure. This can be really beneficial if your knees or hips are sensitive. The blanket makes the pose gentler and helps you enjoy your yoga practice without discomfort.

In conclusion, a yoga blanket proves to be a versatile ally in enhancing various poses. Whether in Child's Pose, Easy Pose, Hero's Pose, Kneeling Pose, or Pigeon Pose, the blanket adds comfort and support to different areas of your body. It becomes a protective layer for your hips, ensuring a comfortable stretch in Pigeon Pose, while also offering cushioning for your back in Child's Pose. In Easy Pose, it makes sitting more pleasant, and in Hero's Pose, it safeguards your knees and adds a soft touch under your hips. Even in Kneeling Pose, the blanket provides extra padding for your knees, making the pose gentler overall. With its versatile benefits, the yoga blanket becomes an essential accessory, enhancing both comfort and protection throughout your yoga practice.

Part 2 will be published next week.

6 ways to use a Bolster

Enhance your home yoga practice with the added comfort and support of bolsters. If you're into restorative and yin yoga, having a yoga bolster is a game-changer for your home sessions. Luckily, there are various sizes, shapes, weights, and fillings to match everyone's preferences.

You've probably seen rectangular and round bolsters in your favorite yoga studios – they're quite popular. For starters, having just one bolster is usually enough. Before you make a purchase, take a moment to think about how you'll incorporate the bolster into your practice and choose the size that fits your needs.

Not sure if a bolster is your thing? No problem! You can experiment with using pillows, cushions, and blankets as alternatives to get a feel for the comfort they bring to your home yoga routine. Elevate your practice effortlessly with the perfect bolster companion.

Here are six ways to use a yoga bolster in different poses:

1. Recline Bound Angle Pose

In my years of guiding clients through yoga practices, here's a tip that has made a real difference, especially in the reclined bound angle pose. Swap out blocks for a comfy bolster to support your knees – a subtle adjustment with significant impact.

Additionally, try using the bolster to elevate your heart and provide spinal support, which my clients have found particularly beneficial, especially during pregnancy when lying on the back can be challenging.

If inner thigh strain is something you've experienced, adding blocks, pillows, or blankets under each thigh can offer targeted relief. It's a technique I've refined over the years, and my clients have seen remarkable results. Give it a try in your reclined bound angle pose and feel the positive shift in your practice!

2. Supported Child’s Pose

Indulge in the soothing benefits of the supported child's pose, a restorative yoga gem that offers a myriad of advantages. As you settle into this pose, placing a bolster between your knees becomes the key to unlocking its potential. Feel the gentle alignment of your spine and the release of tension throughout your back.

The pose delicately stretches your hips, thighs, and ankles, providing a much-needed respite for these areas. Supported by the comforting embrace of the bolster, the pose acts as a stress-reliever, instilling a profound sense of calm. For a customized experience, don't hesitate to adjust the bolster's height by incorporating blocks, pillows, or blankets until you find the perfect level of support, ensuring a truly relaxing and personalized practice.

3. Supported Backbend

Elevate your yoga practice with the supported backbend, using a bolster for added benefits. Align the bolster with your shoulders, extending your arms overhead or interlacing your hands behind your head for neck support.

This gentle lift promotes spinal extension, relieving lower back tension. Whether your legs are extended or bent, the supported backbend creates space in your chest and heart center. Embrace the nourishing effects of this pose and let the bolster enhance your practice for a rejuvenated and open experience.

In conclusion, yoga bolsters are versatile prop that can bring comfort and support to a variety of yoga poses. Whether you prefer rectangle or round bolster, invest in a one or use the substitute like pillows, cushions or blankets. The benefits are sure to make your yoga practice more sustainable and enjoyable.