MOBECO
What Should a Yoga Bolster be Filled with?
MOBECO
In 2019, we made waves in the fitness and wellness industry by introducing innovative, plastic-free alternatives to traditional self-massage tools. Since then, our journey has been marked by growth and innovation. Expanding into pilates accessories, yoga essentials, and beyond, we continuously strive to redefine wellness. Quality Yoga Bolsters in Australia are incredibly hard to come by, so we wanted to create our own. While our first yoga bolster design, cream in colour and made of linen, served its purpose, we aimed for something better—a more sustainable, higher quality yoga bolster that seamlessly blends functionality with style. And thus, the cotton yoga bolster was born!
Yoga bolsters
A yoga bolster is a popular yoga accessory and supportive cushion that is used in yoga practises to provide comfort, support poses and alignment. Yoga bolsters can increase stretching during various poses and exercises. Usually, bolsters are cylindrical-shaped and come in different sizes, densities and materials to ensure to accommodate to different preferences.
Our yoga bolster serves a multitude of purposes to enhance your yoga practice and overall well-being. It provides support and alignment in various poses, such as seated forward bends, restorative backbends, and gentle chest openers. Additionally, it can be utilised during meditation to promote comfort and relaxation, as well as in prenatal yoga to alleviate discomfort and support the body. Off the mat, it doubles as a versatile cushion for relaxation, reading, or even as a supportive prop during physical therapy exercises, recovery from trauma or injury and can even benefit the elderly, disabled or new mums who need extra comfort and support during day to day activities.
how do you use a yoga bolster?
Using a yoga bolster can greatly enhance your yoga practice and overall comfort. Here are some common ways to use a yoga bolster:
Supportive Seated Poses: Place the bolster horizontally behind your hips to support your lower back. Elevate the spine in seated poses like Sukhasana (Easy Pose) or Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose).
Restorative Backbends: Lie back on the bolster with it supporting your mid to upper back, allowing the spine to gently arch backward. This can be done in poses like Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) or Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose).
Gentle Chest Openers: Position the bolster lengthwise along your spine and gently recline back, allowing your chest to open up. This can be beneficial in poses such as Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose) or Matsyasana (Fish Pose).
Supported Forward Folds: Place the bolster lengthwise in front of you and fold forward over it, allowing your torso to rest comfortably. This can help deepen stretches in poses like Balasana (Child's Pose) or Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend).
Savasana Variation: Use the bolster horizontally under your knees during Savasana (Corpse Pose) to release tension in the lower back and promote relaxation.
Remember to adjust the bolster placement to suit your body and comfort level, and always listen to your body's signals during practice. Enjoy exploring the versatility and support that a yoga bolster can offer! For additional guidance on utilising our yoga bolster, check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MOBECOAus. Here, you'll find a variety of tutorials and demonstrations to help you maximise your bolster's potential and enhance your yoga practice.
what to look for in a yoga bolster
When I first started my journey to find the perfect yoga bolster, there were little to no options! Which is why I created my own. When deciding on a yoga bolster, there are many factors you should consider to ensure it is the right one for you!
Size and Shape: Yoga bolsters can come in various sizes and shapes. It will depend on which poses you plan on doing as to what shape and size is best.
Material: Bolsters can be filled and made with many different materials. Common fillings include foam and cotton. We personally fill our yoga bolsters with buckwheat hulls, offering comfort and sustainability. The bolster cover can be made from a range of materials like cotton, linen. Ours are made from cotton a strong and durable material!
Density and Firmness: The density and firmness of the bolster can affect its support and comfort. A firmer bolster may provide better support for certain poses, while a softer one may be more comfortable for relaxation. What makes our yoga bolsters great is that you can easily remove some of the filling if your bolster is too firm. We also have buckwheat hulls available to purchase on our website that you can add to your bolster to make it firmer if you prefer.
Cover Material: Consider the cover material for hygiene and comfort. Many bolsters come with removable and washable covers made from materials like cotton, microfiber, or synthetic blends.
Durability: Look for a bolster that is well-made and durable to withstand regular use and washing. Reinforced stitching and high-quality materials can contribute to longevity.
By considering these factors, you can find a yoga bolster that suits your individual needs and enhances your yoga practice.
what should a yoga bolster be filled with?
The best material for a yoga bolster to be filled with depends on your personal preferences, needs, and the type of yoga practice you engage in.
Our personal favourite is Buckwheat Hulls. Bolsters filled with buckwheat hulls conform to the body's shape and provide excellent support. They can be adjusted by adding or removing hulls to customize the firmness level. Buckwheat-filled bolsters are often used in therapeutic yoga practices and for meditation due to their moldable nature.
Another common filling for bolsters is foam. Foam-filled bolsters offer firm support and excellent shape retention. They are ideal for active yoga practices where stability and support are crucial
Cotton is also a common filling. Cotton-filled bolsters provide a softer and more natural feel compared to foam. They offer gentle support and conform to the body's contours, making them suitable for restorative yoga practices and relaxation. Cotton bolsters are breathable and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for sensitive skin.
Microbead-filled bolsters offer a lightweight and moldable filling option. They conform to the body's shape and provide gentle support. However, microbeads may compress over time with heavy use, so they may need to be replaced more frequently compared to other filling materials.
Ultimately, the best material for a yoga bolster depends on your preferences for firmness, comfort, sustainability, and any specific needs you may have, such as allergies or sensitivities. Experimenting with different filling materials can help you find the one that best suits your yoga practice. We personally think that buckwheat hulls are the best option! not only are they eco-friendly but create comfort and relaxation in your yoga practise.
what can't a yoga bolster do?
While yoga bolsters are incredibly versatile props that can enhance your yoga practice in numerous ways, there are certain limitations to what they can do:
Replace Proper Technique: Yoga bolsters are excellent for providing support and alignment assistance, but they cannot replace the need for proper technique and alignment in yoga poses. It's important to use bolsters as aids rather than relying on them to compensate for poor form.
Guarantee Safety in Advanced Poses: While bolsters can provide support and stability, they may not always guarantee safety, especially in advanced or challenging yoga poses. Use caution and only attempt poses within your skill level and physical capabilities.
Instantly Improve Flexibility or Strength: While bolsters can facilitate deeper stretching and relaxation, they cannot instantly improve flexibility or strength on their own. Consistent practice, proper technique, and gradual progression are necessary to see improvements in these areas.
Cure Injuries or Medical Conditions: While yoga practice, including the use of bolsters, can be beneficial for overall health and well-being, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Bolsters cannot cure injuries or medical conditions on their own, and individuals with specific health concerns should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.
want a yoga bolster for yourself?
Whether you're a seasoned yogi looking to deepen your practice or someone seeking comfort and support in everyday life, bolsters offer a wealth of possibilities. As always go with the sustainable option! Explore our range of Australia's best yoga bolsters and discover the perfect companion for your practice. Enhance your comfort, support your body, and elevate your well-being with MOBECO's collection of yoga bolsters.
