Even when it comes to a meditative and relaxing workout like yoga practice, we sometimes need a helping hand. Relying on the support of props and paraphernalia allows us to perform the challenging yoga poses better. There are tons of yoga props that we can use: yoga blocks, bolsters, blankets, and many others. But in this blog post, we’ll be focused on only yoga wheel.

The use of a yoga wheel during a yoga routine has become increasingly popular. But why? How is it that many yogis find it useful despite the superiority of the other yoga props in terms of sturdiness?

As it turns out, there are many benefits that come with the use of yoga wheels. Read on to find out what they are.

What is Wheel Yoga?

This refers to a way of practicing yoga with the use of a yoga wheel. Much like everything else, yoga wheels function as an added support to help practitioners get into a deeper stretch. Various yoga poses, especially advanced yoga poses, require the assistance of a yoga wheel.

What is a yoga wheel what is it for?

The yoga wheel appears as a prop with a hollow, circular shape—almost like a sibling of a foam roller. It works wonders by helping improve stretching, release tension, and increase flexibility. This is one of the yoga tools that many people use—and it’s made for everybody, especially the yoga novices. There are so many things you can do it with such as laying down on it, rolling on it, breathing on it, or even opening up your shoulder blades. You can also use it while in a seated position.

Practicing gentle poses can be easy. But if you want to do the traditional poses or challenging poses right, rest assured you can do it with the help of yoga wheels.

What are the benefits of a yoga wheel?

Other than being a prop for yoga practices, there are many benefits that come with using a yoga wheel. It affects our physical health in ways more than one. It is the key that beginners can use to master the difficult stretches well and eventually become advanced yogis.

Remember, yoga wheels are meant to ease you into mastering the poses but you will also have to practice using them. If you’re in a yoga studio, ask a yoga instructor to guide you along.

So, what makes a yoga wheel so interesting and life-changing to use? Find out from the reasons listed below:

Helps in doing certain poses safely and accurately

Practicing gentle poses is generally fine but certain poses involve hard-to-reach areas. In cases like that, we tend to push our body to the limit to make it happen—therefore, hurting ourselves or getting injured. It’s difficult to avoid encountering problems in physical activity but as much as possible, it would be best to be safe.

Prevents injury

The use of a yoga wheel makes you less susceptible to injuries. It serves as a support that can aid you in doing poses that aren’t exactly designed for beginners. The yoga wheel adjusts to the curvature of your body and prevents any overstretching from happening. Trying to perfect a yoga pose may cause you to lose your balance or unintentionally twist a muscle.

A yoga wheel designed for spinal stretch will help your body do the pose better without compromising safety.

Increases flexibility

A yoga wheel is incredible for reducing muscle tension and increasing flexibility. By simply placing your back on a yoga wheel, you are able to open up your chest, engage your abdominal muscles, and work out your hip flexors. Of course, yoga is no stranger to flexibility. But using yoga wheels can help reinforce the process and expand your range of motion.

The more flexible you become, the easier it will be for you to execute the postures.

Improves stability

Many yoga postures require proper balance and stability. However, not all of us have that skill mastered right away. Using a yoga wheel can help you develop better balance and alignment. This way, you can perform the more challenging stretches (e.g. forearm stands) without having to stumble or fall in the process.

Ache and pain relief

Sometimes, too much pain and discomfort can prevent us from functioning well in life. If you are dealing with neck pain, back pain, or any intense feeling in your muscles or joints—yoga is an ideal solution. Adding a yoga wheel to the bag will definitely make the process more effective, especially if you are a newbie in the yoga industry.

A yoga wheel helps alleviate neck and back pain by rolling it on your spine, starting from its top then down to your tailbone. It definitely gives more meaning to yoga being an exercise regimen.

Builds core strength

Core strength is an extremely essential aspect to develop, which using a yoga wheel can help you with. Building strength in your core and abdominal muscles will allow you to have better balance, stability, and endurance. You will be able to control your body better and perform optimally in even the most intense physical activities. Lots of athletes take core-strengthening exercises very seriously.

What makes the best yoga wheel?

There are plenty of yoga wheels out there to choose from. There are the more expensive ones and the other wheels that come as cheaper alternatives. Although they may differ in terms of quality and material, both work just as fine. It is up to you to choose which one works out best for you and gives you a nice stretch.

But if we are talking about an idea yoga wheel, it should have the following qualities:

• sweat-resistant
• good foam padding
• rigid and durable

A yoga wheel comes in various forms and sizes. They differ in how they are made. For instance, the Dharma yoga wheel (which is the world’s first-ever yoga wheel and still one of the most popular) is made from various materials. Some are made of eco-friendly or sustainable materials while others use plastic or wood to create sturdy yoga wheels.

What are the types of yoga that use yoga wheels?

With countless yoga styles and variations, it can get a tad confusing at times. But in terms of using a yoga wheel, there are specific ones that are most suitable for it. Here are the following types of yoga that can make use of a yoga wheel:

• Yoga Core Singapore
• Hatha Flow Singapore
• Yin Yang Yoga Class

Are there yoga studios near me?

If you are looking for yoga studios near you that offer these yoga classes, you can join Sweatbox Yoga! We have Core Flow, Hatha Basics, Yin Yang, and so much more.

Experience better yoga practice with a yoga wheel

Using a prop in your yoga session does not make you a weakling. In fact, it is a wise decision that ensures you will not put yourself in any compromising position. Even clever yoga veterans know how important a workout arsenal is in doing the poses.

Using the best yoga wheel will allow you to execute and experience a deeper stretch, even if you’re just a beginner.