Yoga Props 101: Blocks, Bolsters, Belts & More (And 3 Surprising Ways to Use Each!)
At Nami Yoga Studio in Kyoto and Tokyo, we love our props. Why? Because they turn every practice into something accessible, supportive, and—let’s be honest—more fun! Whether you’re deepening your flexibility, recovering from a long day, or just want to explore movement in new ways, yoga props are your best friends on the mat.
Here’s a guide to our most-loved props—what they are, how they help, and three creative ways to use each.
🧱 Yoga Blocks
Sizes:
Standard (23 x 15 x 10 cm) – Great for average adult hands and general use. It has more stability.
Slim or Mini (25 x 15 x 7.6 cm) – Perfect for smaller frames, children, or when you need a gentler lift. Smaller ones fit better between thighs or between shoulder blades.
Main Use:
Blocks bring the floor closer to you. They help maintain alignment in standing poses, support restorative shapes, and build strength in balance work.
3 Fun Ways to Use Blocks:
Strength Booster: Squeeze a block between your thighs in Bridge Pose to fire up your inner thighs and glutes.
Wrist Relief: Place hands on blocks during Downward Dog to reduce wrist strain.
Floating Seat: Sit on two blocks in Hero Pose to ease knee pressure while keeping the spine tall.
Purchase props we use at Nami Yoga Studio:
Standard (23 x 15 x 10 cm) – https://www.yogaworks.jp/products/yogablock_b
Slim or Mini (22 x 11 x 7 cm) – https://www.yogaworks.jp/products/yogablock_a
🧘♀️ Yoga Bolster
Main Use:
A firm, cushioned support used in restorative, Yin, or slow practices to promote deep relaxation and release.
3 Fun Ways to Use a Bolster:
Heart Opener: Lie back on the bolster (longways along your spine) with arms wide in a gentle chest opener.
Child’s Pose Upgrade: Place the bolster under your torso in Balasana for delicious, supported rest.
Legs-Up-the-Bolster: Combine with a wall for a variation of Viparita Karani that supports your hips and lower back.
Purchase props we use at Nami Yoga Studio:
🧵 Yoga Belts / Straps
Lengths:
180 cm: Good for basic stretches and smaller builds.
240 cm: Most versatile and common for adults.
300 cm: Ideal for tall students or deeper bind variations.
Main Use:
Straps help extend your reach, maintain alignment in stretches, and provide gentle traction.
3 Fun Ways to Use a Belt:
Hamstring Stretch Helper: Loop the strap around your foot in Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana).
Seated Forward Fold Assistant: Hold the strap around your feet to keep a long spine.
Dynamic Arm Opener: Hold the strap wide overhead and explore shoulder mobility by moving it behind your back and overhead again.
Props we use at Nami Yoga Studio:
Belt – Purchased in India
🧱+🪑 The Wall + The Chair
Main Use:
The wall offers balance and alignment support; the chair helps you go deeper into stretches or make poses more accessible.
3 Fun Ways to Use Wall + Chair Props:
Supported Headstand (Wall): Use the wall to practice the shape without the fear of toppling over.
Chair Pigeon Pose: Sit sideways on a chair, cross one ankle over the opposite thigh, and lean forward. Great for hip release at the office!
Wall-Supported Warrior III: Use the wall under your raised foot to build strength and alignment.
🎾 Tennis Ball (Yes, Really!)
Main Use:
DIY myofascial release—perfect for self-massage and tension release.
3 Fun Ways to Use a Tennis Ball:
Foot Massage: Roll the ball under each foot before practice to awaken your arches and improve balance.
Shoulder Relief: Stand against the wall, place the ball between your shoulder blade and the wall, and gently roll.
Glute Release: Sit on the ball and gently move to find tension spots—great before or after hip-opening work.
Purchase props we use at Nami Yoga Studio:
Tennis Balls – https://amzn.asia/d/edAG77v
🎁 Other Fun Props We Love
Eye Pillows: Gentle pressure to calm the nervous system during Savasana.
Blankets: Folded for seated support, wrapped for warmth, or rolled under the neck. Click here for purchase.
Sandbags: Grounding in restorative poses like Supported Bridge or Reclining Bound Angle. Click here for purchase.
Massage Balls: Great for more intense myofascial release than a tennis ball.
🧘♀️ Why Props Aren’t "Cheating"
Props don’t mean you’re not “good” at yoga—they mean you’re smart. Using props lets you meet your body where it is, explore alignment safely, and deepen your practice with more awareness and joy.
Whether you're practicing Vinyasa in Tokyo or enjoying Slow Flow in Kyoto, props are a bridge to both comfort and challenge.
Ready to Prop It Like It’s Hot?
Come try a class at Nami Yoga Studio—our instructors will guide you on how to use each prop with creativity, intelligence, and care.