In the market, you might have already come across a range of yoga accessories like yoga blocks, yoga mats and yoga straps. If you thought that this was the end of story, then it is time to think again as there are other types of yoga accessories available in the market. Examples of these are yoga blankets and pillows.
Accessories like the yoga blanket and pillows help in extending the benefit and comfort that you have obtained from other yoga accessories. These accessories are usually employed while performing in a senior yoga class or in prenatal yoga. Their benefits are individually discussed below.
Yoga Blanket
Yoga blanket, just like all other accessories, is also a yoga prop. Their main purpose is to add cushioning effect to your yoga mat. This minimizes the chances of sustaining injury while simultaneously improving comfort as well as resistance. They can also double up as yoga bolsters, thereby reducing your expenses. Take into consideration the following points while buying one.
* The blankets should be thick enough to provide proper cushioning to the body. They should also be rough enough to grip the surface of the mat. Blankets made out of natural fibers such as wool or cotton (an example could be "Mexican blankets") would be best.
* You should thoroughly know how to use this blanket in a yoga pose. Those who are into Ashtanga yoga or Bikram yoga can make good use of it. A ready-reckoner is as follows:
- Pad the knees in Child's Pose
- Pad and elevate the seat in Sukhasana pose
- To provide additional warmth to feet and legs in Savasana pose
Yoga blankets are easy to carry around and, apart from providing support and cushioning, can be used for maintaining high levels of hygiene as well. They would absorb all your sweat and can be easily cleaned.
Yoga Pillows
Yoga pillows are mostly known as bolsters. They are quite sturdy in their make, are cylindrical in shape and about two feet in length. These are mainly used to increase resistance while simultaneously providing support to the body. While buying them take care of the following points:
* The quality of the material stuffed inside does not matter. What matters is that they should be sturdy and should easily support the weight of your body.
* It is better to try it out at home before buying. Roll and stuff a few bath towels inside a bag and check out its usefulness.
* There are other shapes available in the market (rectangular being another one). Buy them only if you have a specific need. Otherwise stick to the cylindrically shaped ones.
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