When you first step into a yoga class or start practicing at home, it can feel overwhelming to see all the different props blocks, straps, bolsters, wheels, blankets, cushions, bands, rings… the list goes on.

The truth is: you don’t need a single prop to practice yoga. Your body, your breath, and your focus are the essentials. Props are simply tools options that can make your practice more accessible, more comfortable, or even more challenging.

After 15 years of practicing and teaching yoga, I’ve collected quite a few props and experimented with different ways to use them. Some I use every single day, others only occasionally. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common yoga props, how to use them, and which ones are worth adding to your starter kit.

Short answer: No.

Props are there to support you, not to define your practice. You can do yoga on grass, on carpet, or on your living room floor no mat, no gear, nothing but you.

That said, props can:

Think of props as companions to your yoga journey, not requirements.

If you’re ready to invest in a few items, start here:

Blocks “bring the floor up to you.” They’re not just for beginners blocks help make poses more accessible and can deepen or challenge your practice.

Tip: Don’t think of blocks as a crutch they’re a way to align your body better and avoid strain.

A strap is an “extension of your arms.” It helps you hold poses without straining or forcing flexibility.

Bolsters and blankets add comfort and support in restorative poses.

No special blanket needed you can use a towel or pillow from home.

Once you’ve built your basics, you might enjoy experimenting with:

When deciding which props to buy (if any):

If you’re starting fresh and want to invest wisely, here’s the kit I recommend:

That’s it. With these, you can attend any yoga class, practice any style, and modify any pose as needed.

Props are not about “making yoga easier.” They’re about meeting your body where it’s at and creating the conditions for your practice to feel supportive, effective, and sustainable.

Over time, you may discover new props that inspire creativity in your practice. But remember you can practice yoga anywhere, anytime, with nothing but your body and breath.

👉 Want to see all the props I use and recommend? Visit heathermonthie.com/props for links and resources.

And if you’re ready to dive deeper, check out my Free Starter Membership, where you’ll get access to yoga classes, nutrition guidance, and recordings of all my MindBody workshops: heathermonthie.com/free.

✨ So tell me what prop are you curious to try first? Drop your thoughts in the comments!