Yoga Bolsters are essentially cushions that support your body when you perform yoga poses, especially the more difficult asanas. Depending on the yoga pose, bolsters help by supporting and stretching your back, chest, abdomen, hamstrings, and other parts of your body. For example, placing a bolster underneath your back helps stretch your chest, extend your spine and stretch your thighs.

Why You May Need Yoga Bolsters

To support and provide comfort for your body when performing difficult yoga poses.

How To Choose The Right Yoga Bolster

Yoga bolsters come in various shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. These factors will help determine the one you choose for yourself.

Shape and Size -Yoga bolsters normally come in two shapes: cylindrical and rectangular. And their sizes vary, as well. Cylindrical bolsters are generally 9 inches in diameter x 25 inches long whereas rectangular bolsters are usually 12 inches wide x 6 inches thick x 25 inches long.

So, should you get a cylindrical or a rectangular yoga bolster? Well, both types of bolsters can help equally well with most poses, but the different shapes do offer slight advantages for certain yoga asanas. Consider which poses are difficult to you and decide which type of bolster will help you more. Basically, you want to make sure the yoga bolster you choose supports you properly when you do the more challenging poses.

Also keep in mind that because cylindrical bolsters are longer than rectangular bolsters, they are larger and heavier and may be difficult for you to carry around.

Here's an easy tip: If you like the bolsters you use in your yoga class, then just buy a similar one.

Texture -Yoga bolsters are usually made from material such as natural fibers (for example, pure cotton batting) or a resilient poly blend that helps bolsters retain their shape, even after repeated compression.

Make sure the yoga bolster is not too soft or too hard. It should be firm and dense enough to provide you with optimum support in many yoga postures.

You may also want to consider getting one with light filling so the bolster is easy to tote.

Color -Yoga bolsters come in a variety of colors such as green, cranberry, purple, navy, black. When practicing yoga, it's helpful to be surrounded by soothing, warm colors. Of course, some may get brightly colored bolsters to show their individuality. It is a matter of individual preference.

Other things to consider when choosing a yoga bolster include price (they generally range between $40 to $50), brand (bolsters made by well-known companies may be more durable and last longer), and extra features such as handles and removable, machine-washable covers (rectangular bolsters typically have non-removable covers).

Hopefully, you can now choose the right yoga bolster to help you with those difficult yoga poses.