No Props? No Problem!
If there is one thing we learned from the extraordinary experience of the coronavirus pandemic, it was our call to adapt to every day life in ways we never thought necessary or possible. Virtually every single activity that was once rote became a new adventure, from grocery shopping to getting a haircut to practicing yoga.
I realized quickly that if I wanted to keep teaching yoga, I would have to adapt to connecting with my students online. For me, the challenge to overcome was learning how to make use of all the tech aspects so that I could continue to create a holistic experience from a distance.
For you, my students, I recognized that not only did you struggle to learn the technology, but you may not have had access to all the props you needed to support your practice This is especially tricky for you Yin and Restorative yogis, for whom practice is simply not the same without your props.
2026 Update: Five+ years after the pandemic waned, I continue to teach online classes - for those who don’t live within an easy commute to MA Wellness & Yoga, or for those who prefer not to drive in the evening, or for those who live far afield in different time zones or postal codes, or for those who simply want to be able to remain in the sancutary of your home and still maintain your practice with me. A barrier that remains for a comfortable home practice is not having the right props. As such, here are my suggestions for common household items that you can substitute for “official” yoga props. If you want to invest in your own props, scroll down to the end of this post for my recommendations for Canadian companies that I support. For the record, the props I feel are most useful to splurge on are: (1) a good mat that will last you years, (2) a bolster, and (3) cork yoga blocks. Everything else can be easily improvised.
BOLSTER = KING-SIZED PILLOW, ROLLED BLANKET OR TOWEL
I say king-sized pillow because you want it to be able to support the length of your spine and your head, so length is important. A rolled-up blanket can do the trick as well – a woven one (compared to a fluffy duvet) is a better choice if you have one because it is firmer and will stay rolled up with minimal lumpiness.
A towel will do the trick too – try to find the biggest one you have, such as a bath sheet or a beach towel.
FOAM/CHIP BLOCK = THROW CUSHION, SEAT CUSHION, GARDENING KNEE PAD
We often use foam/chip blocks as a support for the head or knees, so any cushion will stand in well. Foam cushions, like ones you would put on a chair seat or a gardening knee pad are light and portable if you are carting your props from home to studio and back.
STRAP = BELT, SCARF, EXERCISE BANDS
This one is pretty self explanatory. Just make sure you are using something that is a little longer than your own leg length, and that it is comfortable and pliable enough to grasp in your hands.
BLOCKS = CANS, JARS, CHAIR, BOOK, STEP STOOL
Depending on what you need blocks for (whether wooden, foam or cork) you can substitute a variety of household items. If you like to sit on a block to elevate your seat, try a big book (like a telephone book-sized one – who has telephone books anymore??) or a small step stool. Even a simple chair will do.
If you use blocks to create extra length in your arms, I suggest a couple of big cans (500ml and bigger) or jars of pasta sauce. Mason jars will do in a pinch too, but the weight of the product inside the full containers will provide added stability.
SANDBAG = BAG OF RICE, BLANKET
If you love the feeling of added weight on your belly or lower back during a Yin or Restorative practice, wrap a towel around a bag of rice (or other weighty grain). You can also use a woven blanket, folded into a rectangle.
My wee pups love to practice with me, and sometimes they will come and lie on my belly That is my Hugo in the photo. Perhaps yours can be convinced too?
EYE PILLOW = SMALL BAG OF RICE, SCARF, HAND TOWEL, SLEEP MASK
Similar to the substitute sandbag, fill a Ziploc bag with rice and wrap it up in a small towel or scarf to place over your eyes. A simple sleep mask, scarf or small towel will block the light, but won’t offer the weight.
MASSAGE BALLS = TENNIS BALLS, DRYER BALLS
Using massage balls can help to target tension areas, but any pliable balls will do. If you really like sensation, harder balls like for lacrosse or ones made of wood or cork work well. I like to stuff two into a tube sock, keeping a little space in between to move them around, and tie a knot so that they don’t roll around on me.
ESSENTIAL BONUS PROP: A CHAIR
I highly recommend having a dining chair nearby when you are practicing Yin or Restorative. It is an ideal height for resting your legs on when you are on your back. You can use it to support a gentle forward fold, and you can sit in it for seated twists and other leg stretches.
BRANDS I SUPPORT
Making do with what we have can make all the difference in our yoga practice. However, if you do get the craving to invest in some “formal” yoga props, I recommend ordering directly online from either b, Halfmoon or Supported Soul.
I love both of these female-founded, ethically-sourced, community-oriented Canadian companies and their collections of products are of exquisite quality and are simply beautiful.
b, Halfmoon is a recent merger between b mats and Halfmoon Yoga and is a certified B Corporation.
Supported Soul is based in Vancouver, BC and collaborates with community organizations to promote wellness for Indigenous communities and kids. My newest mat features art designed by Ocean Hyland from Qualicum Bay and partial proceeds support replanting Indigenous seeds on Vancouver Island.
If you decide to purchase mats and props from either b, Halfmoon or Supported Soul this code will give you 15% off at checkout: ANDREAINBLISS15
If you have any further questions, be sure to send me a note to hello@andreainblissyoga.ca
Peace, blessings, and joyful practice,
Andrea
