In many yoga poses, blankets are used to provide additional support. Yin and restorative yoga use them frequently, but so do other forms of yoga. The best part about this yoga prop, if you practice at home, is that you almost certainly already own it. A special blanket is not really necessary for practicing yoga. Any two thick, comfortable blankets will do. A towel may be used for some poses.
Table of Contents
What Is A Yoga Blanket?
There are numerous applications for yoga blankets. Support during seated asanas is one of the most common uses. The blanket gives the legs more height, which relaxes them and supports the lower back. Because of their restricted hip mobility, male practitioners frequently find seated asanas uncomfortable. Thankfully, a yoga blanket can add height to the pose to alleviate this discomfort. Additionally, blankets can be used for reviving poses like the corpse pose. You may feel more flexible and revitalized after placing the blanket under your back to help relax your back, neck, and shoulder muscles. The blanket can additionally be used to give warmth and comfort while in restorative positions.
Types Of Yoga Blankets
Mexican Yoga Blanket
The Mexican blanket is one of the most widely used styles of yoga blanket. In most cases, these are made from absorbent cloth and hand woven. These blankets can last for years if properly cared for because they are machine-washable. Mexican yoga blankets come in a huge selection of colors and designs, so you can pick one that suits you best!
Iyengar and regenerative yoga poses frequently involve Mexican blankets. Because of their adaptability, they can be placed in a variety of locations, including under the bottom, the head, and the legs. Additionally, they can be worn for comfort while performing restorative poses like Corpse Pose or to keep you warm while performing exercises on cold flooring.
Cotton Yoga Blanket
Some yogis favor using a cotton yoga blanket. Despite being less conventional, this style has many of the same advantages as the Mexican and wool styles. Cotton yoga blankets typically have a tighter weave and are made of 100% cotton rather than more traditional materials. The blanket’s density makes it perfect for adding stability and support to asanas.
Wool Yoga Blanket
Wool yoga blankets are yet another variety of blanket. These blankets are perfect for adding coziness, padding, and warmth to restorative asanas because they are woven with a side that is beautifully finished. Wool blankets are similarly easy to clean in a typical washing machine to Mexican blankets.
The Uses Of A Yoga Blanket
The body is kept warm during savasana by yoga blankets, as was already mentioned. but they also have other benefits to consider. For instance:
Cushion Bony Parts Of The Body
In poses where your skeletal structure is required to lift you, yoga blankets can provide support. For instance, in a plank or a cat-cow position.
Yoga blankets can be useful because they serve the same function as yoga mats but were not as common historically. Even in poses like savasana as a way to support the head. This blanket has a dual purpose because it helps to support the body.
Add Height To Poses
It may be difficult to maintain the spine upright for an extended period of time in some poses. A blanket can help you get higher or into a more comfortable position by adding extra support. something that is extremely beneficial for prolonged periods, such as during meditation. Sit on the edge with the blanket folded. In addition to lengthening the spine, this angle can assist with pelvic tilting forward.
Assists In Achieving A Deeper Stretch
Yoga blankets can be useful if you’re having trouble executing a particular pose. By providing much-needed support, a yoga blanket can help close the gap. Place your blanket underneath the part of the body that needs a little help or support, either by folding it or rolling it up. This can compensate for the lack of complete flexibility. This can ease your entry into the pose and make it more bearable.
One Blanket Can Replace Many Yoga Props
Yoga blankets can also take the place of other yoga equipment like a small bolster or yoga block, yes, you read that right. The blanket can be used more effectively and provide more support if it is tightly rolled. fewer items to remember to pack in the car for the studio. It’s a win-win!
How To Pick A Yoga Blanket？
A premium yoga blanket is always a wise purchase and thoughtful gift. Not only will it improve your yoga practice, but it will also keep you warm and comfortable for years.
Simply avoid the error of picking the thing that is the cheapest you can find.
Why?
First, because it is impossible to know how much the people who wove this blanket are paid or even if they are doing so in a safe environment.
Second, the less sustainably produced an item is, generally speaking.
Third, don’t expect top-notch work. There is a good chance that the weave will be too loose to support you in yoga poses, and there is also a good chance that it will unravel and snag.
I advise you to take these three factors into account when selecting a yoga blanket.
Material
Cotton. Cotton yoga blankets are probably the softest available.
When compared to the production of synthetic fabrics, cotton fabric production is one of the most environmentally friendly and produces some of the most enduring fabrics. Even better for the environment and those who make your blanket is organic cotton. However, the price is at least 20–30% higher than that of regular cotton.
The drawback is that cotton yoga blankets may shrink if you wash them in hot water. In addition, a brand-new yoga blanket will probably shed some cotton fibers when it is first purchased.
Wool. Wool yoga blankets are substantial, thick, and ideal for chilly months.
Since cotton requires a lot of land and water, wool is thought to be much more sustainable than cotton.
Wool has the drawback of not being suitable for vegans. So you should probably pass on this if you don’t support products made from animal products.
In comparison to cotton, wool is also more prone to pilling over time.
Blends. The most affordable and long-lasting yoga blankets are those made of a cotton-polyester-acrylic mixture. Furthermore, they frequently feature vibrant hues that remain vibrant even after numerous washings.
To lessen their impact on the environment, look for yoga blankets made from recycled materials.
Style
handmade blanket made in Mexico. Nowadays, the words “Mexican Blanket” and “yoga blanket” are almost always used interchangeably. The Mexican yoga blankets are a standard in every yoga studio, according to reports that B. K. S. Iyengar personally visited Mexico and brought a set of them back to the US.
Mexican blankets are frequently imported directly from that country. Usually made of a cotton-polyester-acrylic blend, these are handwoven.
The vivid colors and distinctive Mexican patterns of a traditional Mexican blanket make it easy to identify them. Mexican blankets come in a variety of colors these days, though this is not unusual.
Mexican blankets are also known as Falsa, Serape, or Saltillo blankets.
Indian Yoga Blankets. Indian yoga blankets are hand-loomed there. Cotton is typically used to make them. This design differs from Mexican yoga blankets in that it has no fringe and a noticeably tighter knit.
Felted Yoga Blankets. Wool can be found in felted yoga blankets. When you apply pressure to this type of yoga blanket, it frequently gives a little bit more than cotton and blends do. These yoga blankets may not be the most supportive, but they are incredibly thick, cuddly, warm, and dense.
Size
There is no right or wrong size for yoga blankets anymore; they come in a variety of sizes.
Generally speaking, you should purchase a blanket that will fit you in Savasana. (Additionally, it is more useful in real life). Your need for a larger blanket will increase with your height.
Keep in mind that a large yoga blanket gives you more creative freedom because you can fold or roll it into more shapes. However, because you’ll be constantly adjusting your big blanket, it will take longer to move from one pose to another.
Yoga Blanket Clean And Care Tips
Keep your yoga blanket in top condition, and it will reward you with many years of use. In fact, with proper care, some yoga blankets can last you a lifetime.
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before washing or cleaning your blanket. Be aware that some blankets, particularly woolen ones, can only be dry cleaned. If that’s a deal-breaker, carefully read the washing directions before taking out your wallet.
Here are four general tips that will help you keep your yoga blanket as good as new.
- Save energy and reduce shrinkage, bleed, and fading by hand washing or using a cold, gentle setting. That’s a win-win!
- Save time by hanging your blanket to dry instead of using the tumble dryer. The chance of unraveling threads and snagging will be reduced, though.
- Avoid ironing, bleaching and the like
- Use mild detergent
Conclusion
Your practice will benefit from a high-quality yoga blanket, whether you plan to use it as a prop for support, warmth, or comfort. Yoga blankets are so common that you can find them in a wide range of hues and designs. This implies that it will be simple to find a pattern to go with your favorite yoga t-shirt! Before practicing independently if you’re a complete beginner, it’s always a good idea to get advice from a qualified instructor.