23 years experience – Yoga trainer | Pilates | Diet & Nutrition Consultant | Ashtanga Yoga | Power Yoga | Therapeutic yoga | Know more about Uma Bhanushali.
As a qualified and experienced yoga instructor, I often see new students wonder, “Do I need anything more than a yoga mat to start yoga?” While a suitable mat is essential, it’s my experience that having a few yoga props for beginners is a great advantage. Over the years, I have noticed the difference these supportive tools make—they turn discomfort into comfort and confusion into confidence.
In this blog, I will explain what yoga props are, how they support your practice, and how to choose the right ones.
Beginner Friendly Yoga Props – At a Glance
| Yoga Prop | Best For | Beginner-Friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yoga Mat | Grip, stability, hygiene | Yes |
| 2 | Yoga Block | Alignment, balance, seated poses | Yes |
| 3 | Yoga Strap | Flexibility, wrap arounds, shoulder work | Yes |
| 4 | Yoga knee Cushion | Joint support, kneeling comfort, padding | Yes |
| 5 | Yoga Bolster | Restorative, prenatal | Yes |
| 6 | Yoga Blanket | Seated comfort, warmth, padding | Yes |
1. The Yoga Mat: Foundational Yoga Prop for beginners
As a yoga instructor, I can’t express enough how important a good yoga mat is for beginners. A quality mat provides stability and grip, and its non-slip surface helps prevent injuries while allowing you to maintain balance.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my yoga mat slip when I sweat?”—it’s often due to a worn surface or cheap material. I recommend choosing a mat made from TPE or natural rubber with texture for grip. Read our blog to know the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of yoga mats.
For beginners dealing with knee pain, the right thickness makes a big difference. A mat with 6 mm thickness offers extra cushioning, whereas a standard 4 mm mat may be too thin for sensitive joints. Start with a thicker mat if comfort is your priority, especially on hard floors.
2. Yoga Blocks: For Posture and Alignment
A yoga block is a highly recommended yoga prop for beginners. If you are wondering, “What do yoga blocks actually do?” Their main purpose is to bring the floor closer to you, helping you achieve proper alignment even if your body is not very flexible.
If you are wondering “how to use yoga blocks as a beginner,” try placing a block under each hand; it helps to keep your back straight, even if your body feels stiff. This support lets you stretch safely and slowly, without hurting yourself. It also helps you build the right posture from the start.
There are two types of yoga blocks—foam blocks are lightweight and have soft edges, while cork blocks offer stability for those who prefer firmer support. Buying decisions will be much easier once you read our article on yoga block uses.
Do you have any doubts or questions about this article?? I am Uma Bhanushali, the author, and I would love to hear from you. Send us your question now!
3. The Yoga Strap: Unlocking Flexibility
A yoga strap (sometimes called a belt) is one of the invaluable yoga props for beginners, especially if you’re working on flexibility. It is mainly used for stretching, and if you are wondering, “How do yoga straps help with stretching?” — Straps act as an extension of your arms, enabling you to extend your reach. They help you to clasp your hands behind your back or hold your foot while bending, allowing you to get the full benefit of the asana safely without risking an injury.
The yoga strap protects your hamstrings, shoulders, and hips from overstraining. Read about the ten practical yoga strap benefits.
4. Yoga Knee Cushions: Comfort and Joint Support
A yoga knee cushion is an important yoga prop for beginners, seniors, or anyone with sensitive knees. Yoga knee cushions are small, portable props designed to provide extra padding and support for your joints. Knee cushions for yoga are especially helpful during asanas that place direct pressure on your knees, wrists, or elbows—particularly when practicing on a hard floor.
5. The Yoga Bolster: Support and Relaxation
A yoga bolster is a firm and supportive pillow designed for restorative poses or gentle yoga practices. I recommend use of bolsters in prenatal and senior yoga classes to help students relax, breathe deeply, and maintain posture safely.
It provides full-body support —especially if you are bending backwards. A restorative yoga cushion is a great yoga prop for beginners and seniors. Read our blog on yoga bolster basics, it will help you buy the right bolster.
The Yoga Blanket: Your Comfort Companion
Often overlooked, a yoga blanket is a multi-functional and useful yoga prop for beginners that adds additional comfort and support. You can use a folded blanket to cushion your knees, sit on it to raise your hips in a seated pose, or roll it up to place under your neck in a reclining posture.
Using yoga props is a sign of commitment to a safe and comfortable yoga practice. These yoga props for beginners will help you to prevent injury, learn proper alignment, and make your yoga journey more enjoyable and rewarding from day one. You don’t need to buy all props at once; a simple Yoga Props Starter Kit with a mat, block, and strap is the perfect way to begin.
Yoga Props for Beginners That Help with Balance
Besides mats, blocks, and straps, other yoga props for beginners that help with balance include wall ropes, non-slip socks, or sweat-absorbing towels.
Yoga props for beginners prevent injuries, improve alignment, and build confidence from day one. As a qualified yoga instructor, I encourage all beginners to embrace props. Remember: using yoga props is a sign of commitment to your health and comfort, not a weakness.
Do you have any doubts or questions about this article?? I am Uma Bhanushali, the author, and I would love to hear from you. Send us your question now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga Props for Beginners
I am new to yoga and not flexible at all. Which props should I start with?
Most beginners start with a yoga block, a yoga strap, and a supportive mat. These help you reach comfortably in stretches, maintain alignment, and reduce strain.
Are yoga props only for beginners, or do advanced practitioners use them too?
Props are used at every level. Even advanced yogis use them to extend stretches, improve alignment, and safely explore advanced variations.
How do yoga blocks help if my balance is weak?
Blocks give you a sturdy foundation when your hands can’t comfortably reach the floor. This reduces wobbling and helps you build balance gradually and safely.
Can I practice yoga without props if I don’t want to buy anything right now?
Common household items like thick books (blocks), a scarf or belt (strap), or a towel (bolster) can work as temporary substitutes. But not advisable, as they may not be stable.
Is it okay to use props in every yoga session, or will it slow my progress?
Using props often supports faster progress because you’re practicing with correct alignment and without unnecessary strain—preventing setbacks or injury.
What size or material of yoga block/strap/mat should beginners choose?
Choose foam blocks (lighter, beginner-friendly), a cotton or nylon strap with a buckle, and a non-slip yoga mat with at least 4–6 mm thickness for comfort and support.
