Yoga bolsters are supportive props that enhance comfort, alignment, and relaxation in various poses.
 

Benefits of Yoga Bolsters

• Support: Provide support and stability, especially in restorative poses.
• Alignment: Help maintain proper alignment by supporting the body.
• Relaxation: Promote relaxation and reduce strain by providing gentle elevation.
   

Common Uses of Yoga Bolsters

• Restorative Poses:
  • Example: In Supported Child’s Pose (Balasana), place the bolster under the torso to allow the body to relax fully.
• Seated Poses:
  • Example: In Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana), place the bolster under the knees or along the legs to support the forward fold.
• Reclining Poses:
  • Example: In Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana), place the bolster along the spine to open the chest and support the back.
• Leg Elevation:
  • Example: In Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani), place the bolster under the hips to elevate the legs and enhance relaxation.
     

How to Use Yoga Bolsters

• Placement: Position the bolster to support the body part in need, ensuring comfort and stability.
• Elevation: Use bolsters to gently elevate certain areas of the body, reducing strain and promoting proper alignment.
• Comfort: Ensure the bolster is placed in a way that maximizes comfort and relaxation, particularly in restorative and relaxation poses.
   

Tips for Incorporating Bolsters

• Introduce Early: Inform your students of the use of bolsters at start of class to set a supportive tone, and ensure everyone has a chance to have one at their mat.
• Demonstrate: Properly show how to use bolsters in various poses to normalize their use and highlight their benefits. Ask them to watch your demonstration before entering the pose on their own.
• Encouragement: Reinforce that using bolsters enhances the practice by promoting comfort, alignment, and deep relaxation.

By incorporating yoga bolsters into your teaching, you can help students find comfort, maintain proper alignment, and achieve deeper relaxation, enhancing their overall yoga experience.