Uses, Tips, and a Starter Kit for Your Home Practice
When you first step into a yoga class or start practicing at home, it can feel overwhelming to see all the different props blocks, straps, bolsters, wheels, blankets, cushions, bands, rings… the list goes on.
The truth is: you don’t need a single prop to practice yoga. Your body, your breath, and your focus are the essentials. Props are simply tools options that can make your practice more accessible, more comfortable, or even more challenging.
After 15 years of practicing and teaching yoga, I’ve collected quite a few props and experimented with different ways to use them. Some I use every single day, others only occasionally. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common yoga props, how to use them, and which ones are worth adding to your starter kit.
https://youtu.be/h5CDaSE0_4A?si=It6XLri2LxbeBSUE
Do You Really Need Yoga Props?
Short answer: No.
Props are there to support you, not to define your practice. You can do yoga on grass, on carpet, or on your living room floor no mat, no gear, nothing but you.
That said, props can:
Help you modify poses to fit your body
Provide support for joint pain or limited mobility
Deepen stretches and increase mobility
Make restorative practices more comfortable
Offer new ways to build strength
Think of props as companions to your yoga journey, not requirements.
The Core Props to Start With
If you’re ready to invest in a few items, start here:
1. Yoga Blocks
Blocks “bring the floor up to you.” They’re not just for beginners blocks help make poses more accessible and can deepen or challenge your practice.
Cork vs. Foam: Cork is sturdier and less wobbly, foam is lighter and softer.
Uses: Forward folds, chest openers, restorative reclined positions, arm balances (they give tall bodies extra room!).
Tip: Don’t think of blocks as a crutch they’re a way to align your body better and avoid strain.
https://youtu.be/55OG7Fb2hSg?si=QQUGNt2tE3NR_Zrb
2. Yoga Strap
A strap is an “extension of your arms.” It helps you hold poses without straining or forcing flexibility.
Use it for hamstring stretches, shoulder openers, or deepening seated folds.
Household alternatives: a belt, scarf, or towel.
https://youtu.be/h5bWEC6lJRg?si=-Gwp5lgt4Xflf8IP
3. Bolster or Blanket
Bolsters and blankets add comfort and support in restorative poses.
Use under the back in chest openers.
Support your knees or hips in seated poses.
Fold a blanket under your heels for yogi squats if your calves/ankles are tight.
No special blanket needed you can use a towel or pillow from home.
Optional Props to Explore Later
Once you’ve built your basics, you might enjoy experimenting with:
Cushioned Knee Pads – Great if you practice on hardwood floors or struggle with knee sensitivity.
Resistance Bands – Add strength training into yoga moves like chair pose or bridge.
Pilates Ring & Ball – Engage inner thighs, glutes, or core in yoga-inspired strength work.
Foam Roller & Massage Ball – Perfect for self-myofascial release, warm-ups, or cool-downs.
Yoga Wheel – Useful for backbends, chest openers, and balance play.
How to Choose What’s Right for You
When deciding which props to buy (if any):
Consider your practice style. Restorative yoga? A bolster and blankets. Power yoga? Blocks and a strap. Mobility training? Foam roller and bands.
Start with multipurpose props. Blocks, a strap, and a mat will cover 90% of your needs.
Don’t overlook what you already own. Towels, pillows, belts, and books can all stand in as props.
My Recommended Starter Kit
If you’re starting fresh and want to invest wisely, here’s the kit I recommend:
A high-quality yoga mat you love (color, texture, grip make it inviting)
Two cork blocks
One yoga strap
(Optional) A bolster or sturdy blanket
That’s it. With these, you can attend any yoga class, practice any style, and modify any pose as needed.
https://youtu.be/x6QBgdPFjOg?si=LYnN3WcWfX7WP1GD
Final Thoughts
Props are not about “making yoga easier.” They’re about meeting your body where it’s at and creating the conditions for your practice to feel supportive, effective, and sustainable.
Over time, you may discover new props that inspire creativity in your practice. But remember you can practice yoga anywhere, anytime, with nothing but your body and breath.
👉 Want to see all the props I use and recommend? Visit heathermonthie.com/props for links and resources.
And if you’re ready to dive deeper, check out my Free Starter Membership, where you’ll get access to yoga classes, nutrition guidance, and recordings of all my MindBody workshops: heathermonthie.com/free.
✨ So tell me what prop are you curious to try first? Drop your thoughts in the comments!