| So, first thing's first - what is a yoga bolster and why | | | | Rectangular bolsters are great for poses requiring |
| do you need one? A yoga bolster is a shaped cushion | | | | stable support and can replace stacks of blankets in |
| used in different styles of yoga, especially restorative | | | | some asanas (lotus or cross-legged position). |
| yoga (yoga postures that are held for several minutes | | | | Breathing bolsters support the long muscles on both |
| at a time resulting in calming the body and mind). They | | | | sides of your spine, enabling them to relax fully. As |
| are designed to provide support for certain parts of | | | | your chest stretches, your breathing slows and |
| the body to make certain yoga positions more | | | | deepens. |
| comfortable and to prevent injury | | | | Zafu bolsters are traditionally associated with |
| Yoga bolsters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, | | | | meditation. Zafu literally means "sitting cushion." It is |
| colors and materials. Some of the most common | | | | considered the most versatile size of cushion in that it |
| types of bolsters are cylindrical, rectangular, breathing | | | | can support a variety of postures. |
| and Zafu. | | | | Yoga bolsters are especially useful when you are first |
| Cylindrical bolsters can be used to lengthen the lower | | | | starting out as a beginning yoga student. The bolster |
| back by placing them perpendicular or parallel to the | | | | can be used to prop your torso up while you're sitting |
| spine or under the knees. They are also useful as | | | | in a lotus or cross-legged position and is more |
| supports for forward bends. Cylindrical bolsters are | | | | comfortable than sitting on the ground if you're not |
| firmer and heavier than rectangular bolsters. | | | | used to sitting in that type of position. |