How to use a yoga balance pad & why

Five years ago I did a review of a fun new yoga prop. Five years later I am still using this prop and decided it was time for an update! If you’re looking for a change from the usual yoga props, then maybe challenge yourself with a yoga balance pad.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary yoga balance pad from Clever Yoga. However, all opinions are my own and I only recommend products I truly love and use. Links in this post may be affiliate links.

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What is a yoga balance pad?

The Clever Yoga Balance Pad is a foam pad measuring 20″x16″, a little over 2″ thick. And it comes in three colors: blue, purple and black. So there is something for all. The foam pad is dense, yet soft and squishy when force is applied.

The great thing is that investing in a balance pad is just that, an investment. After five years mine still looks as good as the day I first got it, and hasn’t lost it’s density. It will be useful throughout your yoga practice, from beginning to advanced as I show below.

Using a yoga balance pad for support

As I mentioned, I’ve been using the balance pad by Clever Yoga for a five years and I love it. How do I use it? First let’s talk about support. Beginners can sometimes need a little cushioning. Under knees when on all fours for example, or cushioning the knee when doing a lunge.

If you have some boney areas that need a little extra padding then the yoga pad really helps. Perhaps this is boat pose. For many this can be an uncomfortable position due to tailbone alignment so support if you need to. Comfiest boat pose ever!

Another way I like to support is in chaturanga through to upward facing dog. Placing the pad under the hips/upper thighs allows you feel supported in the back bend without loading all your weight through the shoulders and back. Bliss!

Accessibility of poses

Similarly to support is accessibility. Sometimes a pose isn’t available without support, and often it’s a pain in the rear to get TONS of props out. One prop, the yoga balance pad, and I’m good to go for shoulder stands.

Elevating the shoulders/upper back in halasana (plough pose) really allows the full expression of the pose. Plus it doesn’t crank into the neck. The cervical spine isn’t anatomically made to bend past 55° so elevate to stay safe. Thanks to the yoga pad, I can do plough pose quick and easy, no fuss no muss.

Balance, Strength & Stability

Props like the yoga balance pad can increase the challenge of your  workout by activity the stability muscles. Standing on the pad during Warrior or lunges or doing balance poses like tree can be made much more challenging. Plus, you feel the work because the muscles in your leg start twitching. Including ones you didn’t even know you had!

Standing on the pad makes balance postures on one leg super challenging! This is where Yoga practice props can either assist or challenge you further, and the balance pad definitely falls into the second category for balance poses! Tree pose is a popular standing balance posture and is certainly taken to the next level using the balance pad!

Using the pad can be an eye opening experience. Even though we know our strength, flexibility and balance are different right to left, the pad really brings that difference to light. Definitely more work to do for this yogi in the future in regarding balance, and you can bet I’ll be using my Clever Yoga Balance Pad!

Questions

• How is your balance?
• Do you use yoga props?
• Have you used a balance pad?