Inspiration for Your Home Practice
A handful of books and accessories can make all the difference
There are a handful of books and accessories that I think make all the difference in how you do yoga at home. These are the tools I turn to again and again to help me get creative in my sequencing and find more ease in my poses.
When it comes to accessories I, like many people, made do with cheap mats, throws instead of proper yoga blankets, a belt instead of a strap, books1 instead of blocks, and I am here to tell you that real yoga props are better: they last longer, they’re stable, they don’t slip, they inspire confidence.
YOGA AT HOME: INSPIRATION FOR CREATING YOUR OWN HOME PRACTICE
by Linda Sparrowe
Beautiful photography, inspirational tips and practical advice for creating and cultivating a yoga practice in your very own space. Even if your home is a wee little studio apartment.
RESTORE AND REBALANCE: YOGA FOR DEEP RELAXATION
by Judith Hanson Lasater
The definitive book on Restorative Yoga with clear instructions and sequencing suggestions for easily accessing this calming practice. This is a style of yoga that necessitates a daunting amount of props but they are essential for deep relaxation.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO YIN YOGA PHILOSOPHY + PRACTICE
by Bernie Clark
The gold standard in Yin, this revised edition from Bernie Clark contains a wealth of modifications, variations as well as more details on prop usage. The foreword by Sarah Powers (who occasionally leads workshops in Paris) is excellent.
THE PROLITE YOGA MAT (4,7 MM)
by Manduka
Hands down, our favorite mat since 2002. The PROlite provides excellent grip and cushion, and holds up well over years and years of daily practice. It is heavy, yes, but it won’t budge and is practically indestructible.
A RECTANGULAR BOLSTER
This rectangular accessory is a must for Restorative Yoga, Yin and any time you need to throw your legs up the wall in Viparita Karani to chill.
A CORK YOGA BLOCK OR TWO
A block allows you to gain strength, stretch further and support you throughout your practice. One block is great; two blocks is even better. Wooden blocks are good, too; just don’t drop one on your foot…
A STRAP
An underappreciated little tool that opens shoulders, strengthens leg action, creates support and releases tension. As my surf instructor Lance once said to me, “Dynamite comes in small packages!”
Books are independently selected by Do Yoga in Paris. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.