Yoga Bolster

Bolsters are often used either one or two at a time for poses such as supported child’s pose, legs up the wall, supported bridge , supported shoulder stand, supported reclining bound angle, goddess pose, and others.

For zoom classes, you can use rolled-up, heavy bedspreads or sofa cushions as a stand-in. When you’re ready, though, bolsters offer more support.

I use the Hugger Mugger bolsters, which I find sturdy, supportive, and comfortable. I have one plum and one dark blue, but they come in a variety of colors like aqua, red, coral, gray, black, and patterned.
Made in the USA.

Make Your Own Bolsters

Yoga instructor Lerna Clearman created and patented MAKE-A-BOLSTER for travel and home use. I haven’t used the make-a-bolster, but it looks like a sturdy product. Her site says that “it’s made from doubled layered drapery weight decorator fabric with a separating zipper sewn from both the back and front sides to assure durability.
I’m not an affiliate and receive no payment for offering her product.
http://lernaclearman.com/

Yoga Blocks

In restorative yoga, blocks have many clever and helpful uses to support and modify poses. For example, reclining bound angle is easier on the back with a block under the head-end of the bolster. Supported child’s pose with a couple bricks under the bolster make the pose more accessible if knees and back need more support. Supported shoulder stand can be done with only a block! And the block makes a great head support for certain neck releases.

At home, blankets and books can sometimes be used as a stand-in, but blocks with bolsters are a game-changer when you get serious about restorative yoga.

I use the Gaiam blocks and their price has been competitive.
Made in the USA.

Yoga Strap – Tumaz

The yoga strap is an important accessory for support in several poses. It holds the legs together in bridge and legs up the wall so the low back, pelvis, SI joint, and abductors/adductors can relax. The strap can be used for supportive leg stretching and even for a neck release. (Please don’t try the neck release without a teacher’s assistance.)

At home, a bathrobe belt can be used as a substitute for the poses. But when it comes to stretching, the strap, with an adjustable D-ring buckle, is the best.
Made in China.