Embrace Winter with Yoga: Finding the Best Yoga Bolster

• June 05th, 2024
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• Categories: News, Product Advice, Yoga Practice

As winter approaches, many of us look for ways to maintain our physical and mental well-being while staying warm. One effective way to do this is through Iyengar Yoga, a practice renowned for its precision, alignment and use of props. Among these props, the yoga bolster is a standout tool that can enhance your practice by providing support and comfort. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of using a yoga bolster in Iyengar Yoga and highlight the best yoga bolsters from iYogaprops to keep your practice cozy and effective this winter.

The innovation of Props by BKS Iyengar

Iyengar Yoga  places a strong emphasis on detailed postural alignment and form. To assist all in being able to achieve precision in alignment, Iyengar developed the use of props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters thus making the practice accessible to practitioners at all levels. Props help in achieving correct postures, preventing injuries, and allowing deeper relaxation and extended stays (timings) in asanas.

Props including yoga bolsters are now common place in most yoga studios and in the homes of practitioners where they often also double as items of furniture.

Why a Yoga Bolster?

A yoga bolster is a firm, cushion-like prop that supports various parts of your body in different asanas. It’s especially useful for:

• Restorative Poses: Helps you relax deeply in poses like Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) and Viparita Karani (Inverted Lake or Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose).
  
• Alignment Support: Assists in maintaining correct posture, particularly in seated and reclining positions.
  
• Enhancing Flexibility: Provides gentle support that can help increase your flexibility over time.
  
• Winter Comfort: Offers a warm and cozy support system, making your yoga practice more inviting during the cold season.

iYogaprops: A Trusted Source for Yoga Bolsters

Since 2004 iYogaprops has been supplying high quality yoga bolsters.  iYogaprops was the first to introduce bolsters with a carry strap at each end, one of the many improvements iYogaprops has brought to yoga props. 
iYogaprops is a reliable brand known for its high-quality yoga props, especially tailored for Iyengar Yoga practitioners. Here is a breakdown of the yoga bolsters offered by iYogaprops that will be perfect for your practice this winter:

1. iYogaprops Eco Cotton Yoga Bolster

•  Shape and Size: Cylindrical, 72cm long and 23cm in diameter,  providing a broad surface area for support.
  
•  Firmness: Firm yet comfortable, ideal for restorative poses and alignment support. Will not quickly lose shape with use. For a flatter bolster remove some stuffing, using the inner cover zip.
  
• Environmentally Friendly: Filled with clean recycled cotton fibre sourced mainly from disused garments. Includes an eco sensitive organic cotton drill fabric cover.
  
•  Weight: Approximately 4kg for comfort and solid support.

2. iYogaprops Eco PET Yoga Bolster

•  Shape and Size: Cylindrical, 72cm long and 23cm in diameter, perfect for backbends and chest opening poses.
  
•  Firmness: Offers a balanced firmness that supports without sinking.
  
•  Environmentally Friendly: Comes with a sturdy organic cotton cover that is both breathable and durable. It is filled with fibre created from recycled plastic drink bottles. Use in humid environments.
  
•  Weight: Approximately 2.6kg Lightweight yet supportive, making it easy to use and move around.

Incorporating an iYogaprops Yoga Bolster into Your Winter Practice

Here are a few Iyengar Yoga poses to try with your iYogaprops bolster this winter:

• Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana):  For a gentle, supported backbend, lay along the bolster with shoulders extending off the end , shoulders and back of the head to the floor. With legs straight, support your feet on another bolster or a couple of blocks to hold legs horizontal.
  
• Supported Child’s Pose (Balasana): Siting back on your heels, bend forward laying your torso along the bolster for a deeply relaxing stretch.
  
• Reclined Hero Pose (Supta Virasana): Kneeling, sit between your heels and recline back onto the bolster for a supported backbend that opens the chest and shoulders. Take additional height under the buttocks and bolster as necessary.

Conclusion

A yoga bolster from iYogaprops is an invaluable prop for enhancing your Iyengar Yoga practice, especially during the winter months. By providing support, alignment, and comfort, the right bolster can help you maintain a consistent and fulfilling practice despite the cold weather. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, investing in a high-quality bolster from iYogaprops will bring warmth and ease to your practice, making winter a season to look forward to. So, roll out your mat, grab your iYogaprops bolster, and embrace the serenity and support of Iyengar Yoga this winter!

Further reading

Oval or round yoga bolster? Which is best for you…