Beginner Yoga Props Guide

Yoga Props - What to Use, When to Use Them & How to Choose Based on Budget

Starting a yoga practice can feel a little overwhelming. Between learning new poses, finding your breath, and allowing yourself to slow down (often the hardest part), there’s also the question of props — do you need them? Which ones? And what do they actually do?

As a yoga teacher and long-time prop enthusiast, I’ll share this with confidence: the right props can completely transform your experience, especially when you’re just beginning. Props aren’t only for people who can’t “reach” or “bend enough.” They’re tools that make poses more accessible, support better alignment, and help your body feel safe and at ease.

Below, I’ll walk you through the best yoga props for beginners, based on both the style of class you’re taking and your budget. Whether you’re easing into yoga or setting up a home practice, this guide will help you choose support that truly meets you where you are.

Why Use Yoga Props?

Yoga props support your body so you can move with confidence and care. They help you:

• Access poses with more ease

• Feel grounded and stable

• Relax more deeply

• Protect joints and support healthy alignment

Props aren’t “extras.” They’re part of a sustainable practice that grows with you over time.

Best Yoga Props by Class Type

1. Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is slow, quiet, and deeply nourishing — and it relies heavily on props. The goal is full body support, allowing your muscles to soften and your nervous system to settle.

A Yoga Bolster is the cornerstone of restorative practice, offering firm yet comfortable support under the spine, hips, or legs. Many students also love pairing their bolster with a Flax & Lavender Eye Pillow to encourage deeper relaxation (unscented options are available too).

Yoga Blankets and Yoga Blocks are incredibly versatile. They can be stacked for height, folded for cushioning, or used to keep the body warm and supported. For extra joint care, Knee Pillows provide gentle cushioning wherever you need it.

Essential Yoga Props For Restorative Yoga:

1. Traditional Yoga Bolster

2. Eye Pillow

3. Blankets

4. Yoga Blocks

5. Knee Pillows

2. Hatha or Iyengar Yoga

Hatha and Iyengar classes focus on alignment, precision, and holding poses with intention. Structured props are especially helpful here, allowing you to explore postures safely while learning proper form.

A Yoga Strap is ideal for creating space in the shoulders or hamstrings and supporting posture without strain. Yoga Blocks help bring the floor closer to you, making standing, seated, and balancing poses more accessible.

Essential Yoga Props for Hatha Yoga:

1. Yoga Strap

2. Yoga Blocks

3. Vinyasa or Flow Yoga

Vinyasa classes move more quickly, but props can still offer valuable support — especially as your flexibility and strength develop.

Blocks are commonly used in lunges, twists, and seated poses, while a Yoga Strap can assist with warm-ups or transitions. For sweatier practices, a Yoga Towel or Mat Wrap helps absorb moisture and can double as light knee padding when folded.

Essential Yoga Props for Vinyasa Yoga:

1. Yoga Blocks

2. Yoga Strap

3. Towel or Mat Wrap

Best Yoga Props by Budget

Budget-Friendly Starter Kit (Under $80 CAD)

This is a great place to begin if you’re new to yoga and want versatile support without over-investing.

1. Foam Yoga Blocks (set of two)

2. Yoga Strap

3. Eye Pillow

Estimated total: ~$77 CAD

Mid-Range Essentials (Under $220 CAD)

This setup supports most beginner classes and gives you the option to explore restorative practices at home.

1. Long & Lean Yoga Bolster

2. Foam Yoga Blocks (set of two)

3. Yoga Strap

Estimated total: ~$212 CAD

Investment Kit for Home Practice (Under $350 CAD)

If you’re building a long-term home practice, this combination offers comfort, versatility, and support across nearly all beginner-friendly yoga styles.

1. Traditional Yoga Bolster

2. Mini Round Bolster

3. Foam Yoga Blocks (set of two)

4. Yoga Strap

5. Yoga Blanket

6. Eye Pillow

Estimated total: ~$347 CAD

Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are

You don’t need every prop all at once. Start with what supports your current practice.

One block can change how a pose feels entirely.
A bolster can become a trusted companion on long, slow days.
Props invite you to listen instead of push.

Yoga isn’t about doing more — it’s about feeling more. Feeling supported. Feeling grounded. Feeling present.

Your mat is your sanctuary. Props are simply tools to help you feel at home there. If you ever have questions about which props are right for you, I’m always happy to help.

Thanks for being here,
Shelley xo