9 Ways to use a Yoga Blanket(Part 2)

CONTINUING FROM THE PREVIOUS Blog…………

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

1. Seated Forward Fold :

When doing the Seated Forward Fold, make sure to bend forward from your hips, not your waist. To keep everything in the right position, you can put a blanket under your butt to lift your hips a bit and tilt your pelvis forward. This helps you lean forward from your hips and keep your back straight.

2. Head to Knee Pose : When doing the Head to Knee Pose, try putting a blanket under your sit bones. This lifts your hips and helps you get in the right position. If your bent knee is up and causing discomfort, you can also use a blanket under it for support.

3. Garland Pose :

In this deep squat, you can use a blanket to give extra support to your heels, helping you keep the right posture. Roll up one or two blankets and put them under your heels. As you get used to it, you can slowly use thinner blankets or even try the squat without any blanket.

4. Savasana :

During Savasana, you can use a blanket to keep warm and cozy by covering yourself with it. If your blanket is heavy, it can make you relax even more with the added pressure. You can also roll the blanket under your knees to ease pressure in your lower back. To find stability in your hips and lower back, slide a blanket under your feet with your knees bent to support your lower back. Also, you can open your hips in Savasana by bringing your feet together and letting your knees gently open to the side.

5. Shoulder Stand :

If Shoulderstand and Plow feel uncomfortable for your neck, try using a blanket for extra help. Fold a blanket or more and put them under your shoulders when you lie down. Make sure it's under your shoulders, not your neck. This gives your neck more room and lessens the pressure. But be careful with these poses, especially if you have any health concerns that make them unsuitable for you.

In conclusion, yoga blankets are a handy tool that can make your yoga practice better in many ways. They offer support for your knees, hips, and heels, and bring comfort in restorative poses. Using a blanket can make your stretches deeper, improve your body alignment, and make your poses more stable. So, whether you use a regular blanket or get a special yoga one, adding this prop to your practice can make your yoga experience even better.

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.