How to Make Your Own Yoga Equipment

Yoga aims to harmonize man with his environment by integrating his mind, body and spirit. Yoga is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures and meditation. Some yoga exercises require special equipment like comfortable clothing, yoga mats, bolsters and cushions, straps, yoga blocks and wedges. Unfortunately, the equipment can be expensive, but they are simple objects that you can find and also make at home.

Yoga Blocks from Scrap Wood

You can make your own yoga blocks from scrap wood. Although professional yoga blocks are made from other materials, wood blocks can work just as well. Cut the wood block following the standard dimensions of a professional yoga block. Don’t forget to soften the sides and corners of the wooden block using sandpaper and to use a sealant for a smoothed, foot-friendly finish.

Forget About Fancy Bolsters and Cushions

You can make use of available blankets, pillows, cushions or thick towels as a bolster. Just fold or roll them to the size and thickness that you need and you can immediately use them to support your body in the desired poses. You can also use tea towels or face towels if you need smaller props.

Get Bounded by Fabric Belts

Straps are mainly useful for bound poses where your hands do not reach each other or for poses where you need to hold onto your feet but cannot reach them. For an alternative, you can make use of fabric belts that you might already have in your wardrobe or you can simply buy some at thrift stores. Professional yoga straps are usually longer and more expensive so you might need to make use of two belts. Just remove the buckles of one of the belts and sew them securely together.

Make Your Mat

A yoga mat is important since not only does it help define your personal space but, more significantly, it creates traction for your hands and feet so you don’t slip, especially as you start to get a little sweaty. It also provides cushioning on a hard floor. You can make use of blankets and towels to serve as your temporary yoga mat. Alternatively, large sections of foam packaging can be cut to size or taped together before being covered in a protective material

Cut Your Own Yoga Wedge

A yoga wedge can be made out of wood or firm, scratch-resistant foam. Wedges are usually 20 inches long, 2 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide. If you opt to make one out of wood, you can visit your local hardware store. Simply buy a smooth piece of molding that approximates the usual wedge dimensions. Make sure that the molding has a smooth bevel and then sand and varnish if necessary.

Alternatives

If you can’t get any wood for your yoga blocks, you can make use of a thick small book, an actual brick or Tupperware. You can also tie two neckties to serve as your strap.