What"s That Blanket For? How to Use a Yoga Blanket
Updated July 02, 2015.
When I walk into a yoga class, I always grab a block and a blanket. They both come in handy in so many different poses. The other day, the woman on the next mat asked me what the blanket was for. The basic answer is that it's good for elevation and cushioning. Here are some of the poses where you can best apply these functions. If you practice at home and don't have an official yoga blanket, don't worry.
And household blanket will do. Try one that is fairly substantial, not a loose knit. There are a lot of different ways to fold a blanket, which you will discover if you take Iyengar Yoga. Different folds may serve different purposes, but don't get too caught up in how you fold it as long as it's not lumpy. You can also roll up a blanket and use it instead of a bolster.
How many times have you heard this instruction at the beginning of a yoga class? A blanket helps you get comfortable in two ways. First, it pads the hard floor. Second, it lifts your hips. Try sitting on a folded blanket (or two, depending how much elevation you need). Place the blanket under your seat to raise it above the level of your knees. The more your knees pop up when you sit cross-legged, the higher you want to bring your seat. This creates an easeful position for the lower body, helps open the hips, and allows you maintain a straight spine, all in all increasing your comfort.
When I walk into a yoga class, I always grab a block and a blanket. They both come in handy in so many different poses. The other day, the woman on the next mat asked me what the blanket was for. The basic answer is that it's good for elevation and cushioning. Here are some of the poses where you can best apply these functions. If you practice at home and don't have an official yoga blanket, don't worry.
And household blanket will do. Try one that is fairly substantial, not a loose knit. There are a lot of different ways to fold a blanket, which you will discover if you take Iyengar Yoga. Different folds may serve different purposes, but don't get too caught up in how you fold it as long as it's not lumpy. You can also roll up a blanket and use it instead of a bolster.
Take a Comfortable Seat
How many times have you heard this instruction at the beginning of a yoga class? A blanket helps you get comfortable in two ways. First, it pads the hard floor. Second, it lifts your hips. Try sitting on a folded blanket (or two, depending how much elevation you need). Place the blanket under your seat to raise it above the level of your knees. The more your knees pop up when you sit cross-legged, the higher you want to bring your seat. This creates an easeful position for the lower body, helps open the hips, and allows you maintain a straight spine, all in all increasing your comfort.
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