The yoga bolster - a necessity for practicing yoga

Yoga is a great exercise; it reduces stress and brings a state of calm. It is also a great exercise to do if you want a lean midriff, as yoga engages your core to keep your middle lean and also because improving your stress coping abilities also lowers your chance of storing fat on your middle. But if you have been practicing yoga for a while, you also probably know how uncomfortable practicing yoga without a yoga bolster can be. But if you are new to yoga, here are what yoga bolsters are and also what they are used for and where you can get your hands on this handy yoga equipment:

What is yoga bolsters?

Yoga bolsters are special cushions shaped in different sizes and shapes and is designed to provide comfort and support to body parts during yoga practice. They can easily be taken with you to your yoga classes or be transported for when you are on the move. And they are small enough to store in a cupboard or underneath your bed when you are done with them.

What are the benefits of using a yoga bolster?

A yoga bolster are a very versatile tool and have many benefits. Some of them are:

• Comfort - Doing yoga exercises with a yoga bolster pillow can provide much more comfort than without it
• Increase exercise range - A yoga bolster increases the amount of exercises you can do. It makes exercises possible that was nearly impossible to do without a bolster.
• Special needs - A bolster can also be used by persons who are pregnant, injured or who have back pain to help them perform their yoga exercises.
• Portable - They can easily be packed up and taken with you to practice yoga where ever you go
• Relive tension - It can also be used to relieve tension in the lower back.
• Multi-tasker - A yoga bolster can also be used to practice comfortable meditation and even Pilates

What different types of yoga bolsters are there?

Yoga bolsters come in lots of different shapes, sizes and colors and also in different material types. Have a look at the following types to see which one will be best for you:

• The cylindrical yoga bolster - This bolster is in a cylindrical shape and can be used under the knees to lengthen the lower back and also offers great supports for forward bends.
• The rectangular yoga bolster - The flat surface makes it great to relieve pressure on the lower back.
• The long rectangular bolster - Also know as the breathing bolster, this bolster can assist to ease breathing.
• The square yoga bolster - Also called the Zafu yoga bolster - it raised the hips and makes sitting cross-legged more stable and comfortable, making it great for meditation.
• The V-shape yoga bolster - With a V-shaped yoga bolster you can bring your knees closer in when sitting cross-legged while providing support for your thighs. It is also great for supporting the neck while lying down.

Where to buy yoga bolster - the most popular bolsters on the market!

Hugger Mugger Standard Choice Yoga Bolster

http://www.amazon.com/Hugger-Mugger-Standard-Choice-Bolster/dp/B000C9KSZQ

Hugger mugger yoga bolsters can be used by all levels of yogis and can also be used for Pilates practice. It has a removable cover for cleaning and it also has a handle for easy transportation and use. Here are some of its specifics:

• Shape - Flat surface, oval shaped, curved sided for extra comfort
• Weight - 1 pound
• Extracts of user reviews : ( from Amazon.com)

"This is a great, high quality bolster" "Bolster is firm, has nicely hidden zipper that will not scratch you when you lie on it."

Yoga Accessories (TM) Pranayama Cotton Yoga Bolster

http://www.amazon.com/YogaAccessories-Pranayama-Cotton-Yoga-Bolster/dp/B002172VQ6/

This yoga bolster is made of 100% cotton and are designed to support the whole length of the spine. It also facilitates gentle expansion of the lungs to make breathing deeper and easier. Here are some of its details:

• Dimensions: 25" x 3" x 6"
• Shape: Long, oblong shape
• Cover: 100% cotton, removable for washing
• Extracts of user reviews : ( from Amazon.com)

"I dare say this has everything you'd need out of a yoga bolster" "I also lie on my belly with the bolster under my hips and use it as an assist for bow pose and that works great and feels wonderful."

Yoga Accessories (TM) Round Cotton Yoga Bolster

Other products by Yoga Accessories http://www.amazon.com/YogaAccessories-Round-Cotton-Yoga-Bolster/dp/B002170ZAA

This is a long round yoga bolster also mad of 100% cotton, with a removable cover. Here are some of its specs:

• Dimensions: 28" x 10 "
• Shape: Round, cylindrical shape
• Extras: Handles on both ends
• Extracts of user reviews: (from Amazon.com)

"Squishes just the right amount, stays firm and I love the handle on the side" "this bolster from yoga accessories was priced the best and when I received it I was so happy" "This product is exactly the same as more expensive bolsters, but at nearly half the cost"

Conclusion

If you regularly practice yoga or you want to start practicing regular yoga, a yoga bolster can help you to execute the exercises with more ease and comfort and it can even help to perform exercises that were impossible to do without a yoga bolster. Just make sure that the bolster that you buy will be suited for your proposed use.