A bolster is a long pillow used in yoga. It is generally sturdier than normal pillows (for sleeping/furniture) due to its purpose. In yoga, the bolster provides support, it can be used to lift the body or soften the feeling on the ground. Like many other equipment in yoga, the bolster is an aid to help you move towards more challenging asanas.
The movements performed with Bolsteril are relaxing and it is commonly used in Yin yoga. The bolster provides support in asanas where the muscles can passively relax. In movements performed in sitting and lying positions, the bolster helps to relieve tension, and the bolster helps to get deeper into the asana. The bolster can also be used to support the spine and enhance the opening of the chest.
The cover of a good bolster should be durable. It should not remove the color during use and it should be easily removable and preferably machine washable. The exercises performed with Bolster are calm, deepening and long, but even the bolster sometimes gets hard between the sweaty trainee and the floor. Sweat and dirt stick to the bolster cover and it's only fair that it's easy to clean. The fabric should withstand washing without losing color and be long-lasting in use. A good cover is tight and follows the shape of the bolster without hanging. The bolster cover is usually closed with a zipper.
The interior of the bolster can be filled with many different fillings. The filling can be, for example, buckwheat, spelled pods, fiber or cotton. The difference between these is in the sturdiness and how the bolster molds to the user's body. Among these alternatives, buckwheat and spelled pods are the sturdiest. Fiber and cotton are softer, but still provide support for exercises - by no means is it a matter of cotton-like fluff. In several bolsters, the amount of padding can be adjusted. You can reduce or increase the interior according to your preference. Not all bolsters have this possibility, so take that into account when making a purchase decision if you feel that the possibility of adjustment brings added value.
By reducing the amount of bolster filling, the bolster becomes more flat. A lower bolster may be easier to use if you are a beginner or have significant body stiffness. There are bolster models that are already low or have a shape other than round - these models can be an excellent purchase if you know you need low-level relief for asanas. Even a sturdy bolster – such as buckwheat-filled bolsters – adapts to the user's needs. The material is harder, but it is like sand; buckwheat moves and finds its place with each use, unlike, for example, cotton.
Bolsters are rather bulky products that you often don't need to carry with you to, for example, yoga studios. Bolsters are among the basic accessories of a well-equipped yoga studio. However, if there is a need to transport the bolster, many bolsters are equipped with a discreet carrying handle. Usually the handle is at the end of the bolster. Alternatively, you can get a yoga accessory bag for the bolster and other aids.
In short, three things should be taken into account when purchasing a bolster:
- Padding: is there a possibility of adding/padding and thus more power to adjust the bolster to your skill level? Padding material: do you want a bolster that conforms or keeps its shape?
- Cover: must be easy to maintain, i.e. removable and machine washable.
- Shape: traditional round or a more special model that better matches your level and skills?
You can ask your yoga instructor, yogi friends or our customer service for more advice and tips on purchasing a bolster. Our customer service is available on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm on 050 466 7269 or at kaspalvelupa@treenikamat.fi.