A yoga wheel can be a wonderful prop to help improve flexibility and strength. Here’s how to use one…

There are lots of yoga props out there, and today we’re discussing one of the lesser-known props, but it’s one that can really help you in your yoga practice – especially if you aren’t very flexible. You are probably familiar with yoga blocks, yoga straps, yoga bolsters, and of course, the ubiquitous yoga mat, but what about the yoga wheel?

I will admit I had never even heard of a yoga wheel until I saw this video! It is similar to a foam roller in some aspects, but much larger so it can be used to assist in backbends as well as other exercises such as inversions and arm balance poses.

According to reviews from users, using a yoga wheel can be a little difficult and even somewhat painful at first if you are very stiff and have lots of tight muscles. However, with regular use, users reported not only increased flexibility, but also less pain and stiffness throughout the body.

Here are just a few ways to use a yoga wheel:

• Roll on the wheel up and down the length of your spine as a gentle massage to help release and relax tight muscles, and improve flexibility.
• Relax into a supported backbend to stretch and relax your back and shoulders and open your chest and heart center.
• Improve balance and posture as you stretch and strengthen your entire body.
• Use the wheel to modify poses that you find too difficult, such as Reclined Hero Pose.
• Practice inversion poses or arm balance poses to build strength and stability in the upper body.

Here is a quick demonstration of a few ways that you can use a yoga wheel to increase both flexibility and strength:

Here is a link to the yoga wheel used in the video – but there are many other options as well:
Yoloha Cork Yoga Wheel

Would you be interested in a yoga wheel workout? Let me know, and I will post one soon if there is enough interest!