Yoga Props: What is this wheel???

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So if you come to my classes, or attended classes at City Centre or Champions Life Time, then you may have heard about the yoga wheel. I get asked all the time what is a yoga wheel? Is it the pose? Is it a ride? Is it really a wheel?

Yoga has a lot of props. These can range from well known, think blocks and straps, to downright odd, what about those toe spacers?

A Yoga wheel is a circle made of plastic and sticky mat material looped around it. From what I could find it was developed by Sri Dharma Mittra and his son Yogi Varuna. There wheel is called Dharma Yoga Wheel (try googling DYW also). Since it's popularity there are many other brands on the market now. I prefer the Plexus wheel as it supports 250lbs of weight. They come in various sizes from 6" to 12". 

These wheels can be used for a variety benefits: back, shoulder, chest opening, quad/hip flexor stretch, balance enhancer.

I've had a blast playing with mine! 
And I'm so enthused I went and got certified to teach it and will be facilitating the first workshop in May. 

I found it best for inversions! I can't normally get into forearm balances, but I'm excited now that I don't fall out of them constantly. And it's nice not to have to be dependent on the wall. Here is a hint, hold on to the side closest to you and lightly place your head against the wheel. For me it was like a subconscious "I've got you". Engage your core muscles, walk your feet as close as you can, even if you bend your knees. Remember that it is just like any other inversion so you will want to use that cantilever method of getting your hips above your shoulders (this will make it easier to get up). Gentle lift one foot up, keeping the knee bent. Then lightly kick off the standing foot. 

And I mean LIGHTLY. Otherwise you'll just end up in a supported shoulderstand. Slowly straighten the opposite leg, keeping core pulled in and up as well as drawing the inner thighs together. 

My experience with backbends was a little different. I have a strong backbend practice, so I didn't necessarily find it beneficial there, but I could see where someone who was looking to build more there could. I loved having it for rolling along the spine, you take kind of a reverse table and walk your legs up and down to "roll" the wheel - and the plexus wheel fits perfectly in between your shoulder blades. I found it really accessible as a Yin prop as well, for supported backbends and shoulderstands. 

A stranger usage was the balance. Standing on the wheel is great! I haven't been able to do anything one legged yet, but Malasana to standing and back down is really challenging. I can feel my core, legs, glutes, and the soles of my feet engage. The higher end wheels can support your weight but the cheaper version can't always. So check the maximum weight from the manufacturer. I love PLEXUS, because it does support a LOT of weight and is super sturdy. They have a varity of sizes. Use my referral code and get $10 off your order of $80 or more. http://plexusco.refr.cc/aprilfort

Was it worth it?

They are a little impractical to carry around. Though I still think it is worth it! I love having this new toy that is improving my practice at a faster rate. 

And if all else fails the kids can race them across the living room floor. LOL!

Much love! 

p.s. the shirt is from www.yogaskinz.com