How To Use A Yoga Wheel For beginners:
New to the practice of yoga? If the answer is yes, maybe you’ve never heard of a yoga wheel. Today, we’re going to fix that, with a post all about how to use a yoga wheel for beginners. We’ll present you with just the right amount of information for you to decide if the yoga wheel, is right for you.
Firstly, it’s important to have a basic understanding of yoga. Furthermore, having a grasp on your own abilities both physically, and mentally. Starting something new can always be a challenge, so knowing your limits is an important part of not just fitness, but the yoga process as well.
Like anything, learning postures and positioning with a yoga wheel comes with practice and time. The yoga wheel is also a prop, relatively new to the practice (compared to others, such as a yoga mat, block, or yoga straps).
Some individuals already deeply engaged in the practice of yoga, may have a more linear learning curve to the yoga wheel, as a prop. Hence, may have an easier time adjusting to the wheel because they indeed are more familiar with the craft in general, and their bodies capabilities. However, that doesn’t mean a beginner, cannot embark on their own journey.
What Is a Yoga Wheel?
Before engaging in the process of using the yoga wheel in practice, it’s helpful to understand the tool in it’s entirely, as well as it’s purpose.
The yoga wheel is shaped like a circular ring (see video above). Like many yoga props, it comes in a variety of sizes and shapes (small, medium and large). Generally, you’ll find these made of plastic, wood, cork or other combinations of materials, that measure approximately 12 inches in diameter, and weight just a few pounds.
So what can this seemingly simple looking tool provide to the user, is the question?
In general, this tool is geared towards building emphasis on stretching, support, and flexibility. If a beginner yogi, you may want to focus on the “support” part of the equation first. As such, safety is always your highest priority. Using it for support as you go through your poses, will seamlessly incorporate other aspects of yoga, such as balance, and your ability to deepen your stretch.
Oftentimes, you’ll find smaller wheels used to target specific areas, whereas larger wheels help the user focus more on balance.
Like the foam roller, it can also help with releasing tension from the muscles. It’s often scene used in backbend-type maneuvers or other poses that place emphasis on the back region. However, certainly is not limited to these types of ananas. For example, it can be easily used in maneuvers like the Lizard lunge, Garland pose, even Warrior I & Warrior II poses.
Multiple sizes of yoga wheels are available for purchasing to fit different sized individuals, and many want to accomplish different things as a result of using them. Some use yoga wheels for an array of yoga exercises, while other people use it for support only.
What Is the Best Yoga Wheel for Beginners?
Before buying any yoga supplies (yoga foam blocks, wheels, yoga mats, and/or yoga clothing), it’s important to research and understand what you are trying to accomplish. This is especially true if you are either a novice yogi or new to using props like the yoga wheel.
For some novices, a smaller wheel may be easier to handle, and then gradually work there way up. However, this certaintly isn’t the case for everyone.
Large yoga wheels (like mentioned previously) or full-sized yoga wheels provide the most amount of support. In theory, it’s best to ease your way into deeper poses, and curving your body. Having said that, a larger yoga wheel may challenge someone new to the practice slightly to much, for certain poses.
So as you can see, choosing the best yoga wheel for beginners, or more seasoned yogi’s, depends on a lot of variables.
Tips to Using a Yoga Wheel:
- Understand your body. Depending on the size and shape of your wheel, it’s very easy as a beginner to lose your balance. Know your capabilities.
- Sometimes it’s best to practice basic yoga poses and postures before entering in the field of “props”, however this is very individually based.
- Educate yourself on yoga wheels and their variety (dimensions, material, support etc.)
- Develop a routine and consistency. This is key to exercising in general so you don’t hurt yourself. Gradually increase you abilities, stretches, & advanced maneuvers
- Attend a yoga class where yoga wheels are used. It’s always best to hear instructions, see maneuvers carried out, and then practice with an instructor present.
Some Exercises for Beginners:
The following are some basic yoga exercises that you can perform with the yoga wheel for both beginners, and more advanced yogis!
Spinal Stretch:
One of the most common uses of the yoga wheel for beginners is the spinal stretch. In this exercise, the practitioner places the wheel under the spine and rolls over it focusing on arching the back.
Plank Pose:
In this pose, the practitioner adopts the plank position by placing one foot on the wheel. The individual then lifts one leg and brings it towards his/her elbow.
Final Thoughts On How To Use A Yoga Wheel For Beginners!
Hopefully this post, has given you a general sense of the yoga wheel, and how even a beginner can use one when the time is right.
Remember, knowledge is key. Having the right knowledge about your yoga tools will lead to a safer more effective practice, both as a novice, and well experienced yogi!
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