BUYING A BOLSTER?
Students ask me which props I consider essential for a home practice and there’s just one answer – an AWESOME BOLSTER.
Of course you could definitely add a pair of BLOCKS and a STRAP, but if I could only take 1 YOGA PROP to a deserted island, I’d take a bolster!
An appreciation for RESTORATIVES philosophy is the single element I see lacking in most of our lives, whether we practice yoga or not.
We love to sweat, burn calories and move our bodies vigorously but we prefer to avoid the whole SLOWING-COOLING-STILLNESS part.
This is where the YOGITOES BOLSTER comes in.
Made of high density foam, this bolster holds up and will support a variety of body weights without compressing!
It also has a removeable cotton twill cover with a handle on one end for easy laundering.
Unfortunately, YOGITOES is no longer making this specific model but you can find similar products made by MANDUKA and HUGGER MUGGER. Gaiam also makes an INFLATABLE BOLSTER for travelling although not having tried it, I can’t offer any commentary.
The most important thing to consider is the FILLING of the bolster. Cotton/cotton-blend batting will give you a more plush feel, but over time may compress (especially if used frequently, or with heavier yogis). High density foam (my preference) is firmer and more lightweight.
Like mattresses, the preference is personal.
I suggest trying out the bolsters in your local studios.
For Santa Monica locals, Yogis Anonymous uses the Yogitoes foam bolster, YogaPoser has the Manduka cotton bolster.
Anybody have a favorite brand or type of bolster? Let me know! I’d love to hear from you.