Hi,
I'm Allie Temple and I want to talk about what props to use in restorative yoga.
So first,
You don't need to go shopping.
You don't need to find anything special.
You don't need a fancy studio setup.
All you need is really whatever is around you in your home.
One of the biggest reasons why I've seen people put off trying restorative yoga at home is because they see photos of it online and all of these perfectly arranged bolsters or matching block sets,
And they think,
I don't have any of that.
And you really do not need Restorative I want something that's longer so that it can support your spine and firm enough that it doesn't just collapse underneath you.
Most regular bed pillows work perfectly.
That's what I use when I'm at home and practicing restorative yoga,
Especially when I'm in bed too.
You can also use any blanket or a rolled up bath towel,
A folded duvet,
Or a throw from your sofa.
I have some folded bath towels that I like to use for restorative yoga.
If you have a towel or a little blanket laying around,
That works great.
You don't need a special yoga blanket.
In restorative yoga,
We use blankets both under the body for extra cushioning and sometimes over the body for warmth because as you relax,
Your body temperature might drop a little bit.
So have a towel nearby.
It also can be nice to cover your eyes when you're laying down.
Now,
If you don't have a yoga block,
No worries.
You could even use a thick book or even a thicker cushion.
Could be a fabric belt,
A scarf,
Or again,
A long towel rolled up.
We mostly use these to hold the legs together or loop around the feet.
So a soft belt or a scarf works just as well as one of these straps.
The wall and a chair are always free.
So legs up the wall,
You probably know of it.
It is one of the most deeply restorative poses there is.
It costs nothing.
Just lie on your back,
Scoot your hips close to the wall,
And rest your legs up.
In that shape can change the tone of your entire day.
It's one of my favorites.
I also love to use a chair or a stool instead of the wall for a more supported version of this pose.
Now you could also stack some props if you do have blocks.
Something like that to place your legs on.
So really that is your whole setup.
So you can take a look around you,
Grab a pillow from your bed,
A blanket off the couch,
A scarf or a towel and a cushion.
And that's really your entire setup.
That's all you need.
The only thing that really matters when you lie down is that you feel fully supported in this practice.
I'm Allie Temple,
And you can practice restorative with me right here on Insight Timer.
Don't forget your props.