10 yoga accessories to help improve your flexibility

Yoga is a great practice to help you achieve mindfulness in your everyday routines. Today, more than 36 million Americans practice yoga regularly.

Yoga is for everyone. There is no required fitness level or fancy equipment needed to get started. Practicing yoga regularly can offer many benefits, including improved flexibility, balance, strength and stamina, while also helping you develop mindfulness and concentration.

If you plan on incorporating this exercise into your everyday routine, it might be worth exploring some useful accessories that will help you develop more flexibility and ease your practice transitions. 

Here are 10 yoga props that will help you get deeper into stretches and improve your balance:
 

Use yoga blocks under your hands, feet, or seat to support your stretch. The blocks are helpful for everyone, regardless of age or fitness ability. This yoga block, selling for $28 at Alo Yoga, helps provide the stability needed for optimal alignment, deeper poses and increased strength. Alo’s block comes in various colors, including highlighter yellow and khaki. This set of cork yoga blocks, on sale for $33.29 at Amazon, are sturdy and non-slip.

A yoga strap can help you deepen stretches and enhance poses. Use it as a bridge between your hands and feet to stay aligned and stretch safely, as well as improve your balance and stability. This AligN Yoga Strap from Manduka, is built for slip-free support. The strap features a buckle and secure interlock system to help you safely enhance your form. Or you can try this super-soft, eco-printed yoga strap from Yoga Design Lab, on sale for $14.40.

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Original price: $45.04

This is the one accessory you can’t miss if you plan on practicing yoga. Mats come in different cushioning, grip and materials. Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga Mat at Amazon, can be a good choice if you need more cushioning. The mat also features a non-slip coating for a firmer grip in all yoga poses. The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat, $138, can be a great mat to invest in and has a lifetime guarantee. It’s not too thick or too thin, easy to clean and quick to dry. 
 

Yoga towels with grips are perfect for Bikram or hot yoga sessions. They help absorb sweat and stay in place. This Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel from Manduka has superior grip to ensure no slipping. This yoga towel, available for less than $20 at Gaiam, absorbs twice as much cotton and dries in half the time.

Yoga wheels can help you stretch, improve flexibility and release upper and lower back pain. This UpCircleSeven Back Roller and Yoga Wheel from Amazon, gently and naturally stretches your back to increase mobility, flexibility and range of motion. You can also try the Alo Yoga wheel for $74.

Anti-skid, non-slip ballet-inspired socks are perfect for keeping the socks on your feet firmly. These Women’s Pivot Barre Socks from Alo Yoga are great for yoga or Pilates on slippery surfaces like tile floors or carpets. The Feiona Women Yoga Socks, on sale for around $7 at Walmart, are a great alternative. 

Yoga bolsters are comfortable props you can lay on during yoga and sit on as you meditate. This Yoga Design Lab bolster is sturdy and versatile to help you get into those deeper stretches that need additional support. For maximum comfort, grab this Yes4All Triple-Layer Sponge Yoga Bolster Pillow, on sale for less than $38 at Amazon. The pillow, made with memory foam, provides a foundation for the journey to inner peace.

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Yoga blankets are a great way to give your poses more support and cushioning and are easier to carry around than a bolster. Plus, you can use it to keep your body warm during cooldown periods and meditation. This yoga blanket from Manduka is made from a Peruvian cotton blend. Or try this hand woven Mexican blanket, $19.99 on Amazon, for an affordable option.

Knee pads provide a soft cushion for sensitive areas like wrists, hands, elbows, hips or knees. Try these Gaiam Yoga Knee Pads from Walmart, to support your knees or elbows during your exercise routine. This Liforme Classic Yoga Pad, on sale for around $36, provides extra cushion, stability and grip.

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Keep your mat smelling clean with a mat cleaner. MOXĒ yoga mat spray, on sale for less than $14 at Walmart, helps you practice cleaner yoga by reducing odors and sweat residue. The ASUTRA Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray, on sale for less than $17 at Amazon, is an all-natural, biodegradable cleaner that uses organic essential oils to keep mats and props clean and smelling fresh.