1. UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel Set – Dharma Yoga Prop Wheel
2. pete’s choice Dharma Yoga Wheel with Bonus eBook & Free Yoga Strap
3. Risefit Yoga Wheel – Strongest Most Comfortable Dharma Yoga Prop Wheel
4. Elevens Yoga Wheel Set of 3, Dharma Yoga Prop Wheel
5. Realign Back Wheel: Back Pain Relief, Foam Roller
6. Shogun Sports Yoga Wheel
Yoga Wheel Buying Guide And FAQ
Features To Look For In A Yoga Wheel
When you look at seasoned yogis working their backs over a yoga wheel, it can look extremely challenging and even painful. Many people do feel some discomfort when they first start using a yoga wheel, but with the right technique and frequent practice, the pain quickly subsides, and using a yoga wheel becomes a pleasure rather than a pain. To ensure a smooth transition from regular yoga to yoga with a wheel, look at some of the features before choosing the right yoga wheel for you.
Size – Yoga wheels come in a variety of different sizes, but they are generally referred to as small, medium, or large. The larger yoga wheels are good for backbends and achieving deeper poses, as well as assisting you for beginner poses and even some advanced asanas. Medium yoga wheels are ideal for smaller people and for getting into deeper backbends and the smaller yoga wheels are perfect for stretching and balancing poses as well as reaching and massaging sore muscles.
Comfort – Most people new to using a yoga wheel can expect some discomfort when they first start exercising with one, but the pain shouldn’t be severe. Many yoga wheels have a decent level of padding on the outer layer so if you are just starting out or if you are recovering from injury, look for a yoga wheel with a decent amount of padding that will make using one a lot easier with less discomfort.
Materials – Part of the appeal of exercising with a yoga wheel is that it minimizes the risk of injury. With this in mind, you really need to be selective when it comes to choosing a yoga wheel made of the right materials. The core should be very sturdy and rigid so that it does not bend or warp while you are transitioning from one pose to another. This aspect of the yoga wheel is crucial to ensure you will not suddenly fall off or the wheel loses its integrity.
Quality – Considering the positions you can expect to put yourself in on a yoga wheel, quality is of the utmost importance. One false move when you are in such a compromised pose can result in serious injury. You can get away with cheaper products for use during your yoga workouts, but a yoga wheel isn’t one of them. Look for the best quality yoga wheel you can afford to keep you safe and stable while you exercise and to ensure you’ll be using your wheel for a decent amount of time.
Weight Capacity – Pay attention to the weight your yoga wheel can take. While they are quite strong and rigid, they do have their limits. If you are of a heavier build and are using a yoga wheel that is not suitable for your weight, the wheel can buckle or break beneath you and this can result in serious injury. If you are in doubt, it’s always better to choose a yoga wheel that can take a much higher weight capacity.
Yoga Wheel FAQ
Q: What is a Yoga Wheel?
A: A yoga wheel is a hard cylinder-shaped wheel with a softer padded exterior. It is used by yoga enthusiasts to assist them in those challenging yoga poses that are especially difficult to achieve. The main purpose of a yoga wheel is to open up your shoulders and chest while supporting the curvature of your spine. It is also a great tool for massaging aching back muscles while releasing stress and tension along the spine.
Q: Who should use a Yoga Wheel?
A: The good news is, anyone can use a yoga wheel and it can be a fantastic tool for anyone not yet comfortable with trying to complete backbends or those especially challenging poses. A yoga wheel offers you better balance and support when trying those difficult poses which will help you get the most out of your yoga routine and perfect your poses a lot faster.
Q: What are the benefits of using a Yoga Wheel?
A: There are a number of benefits of using a yoga wheel and they don’t necessarily need to be used for yoga. While there is no doubt a yoga wheel is great for assisting you with the more challenging yoga poses, this versatile wheel can benefit you in other ways as well. It can help you achieve better balance and improve your core strength. We all know that strengthening your core is a great way of aligning your spine and enhancing your flexibility. A strong core has also shown to improve your overall health giving you even more reason to work on this vital muscle group.
You can also use a yoga wheel to give yourself a deep tissue massage. Some of the yoga wheels included in our selection feature acupressure bumps that penetrate deep into the muscles giving you instant relief. You can also use a smaller yoga wheel to massage those hard to reach areas such as in between your shoulders.
Finally, we can’t discuss the benefits of a yoga wheel without delving into yoga poses. Use the yoga wheel to give you support and stability when trying to complete some of the more difficult poses such as the inverted ones.
Q: What is the best way to incorporate a Yoga Wheel into your regular routine?
A: There are a number of ways you can work a yoga wheel to improve your usual workout and they include:
- Lengthening and stretching your body over the yoga wheel. You can do this by lying over the wheel and stretching your arms over your head as comfortably as you can. Once you are stable, you can also stretch your feet in front of you to maximize the stretch.
- Fully tone your body by using your yoga wheel. The different positions you can put yourself in on a yoga wheel are almost limitless so check some online videos or ask someone who has already been using a yoga wheel for the best exercises to perform for full-body toning.
- Massage your spine and improve your mobility. A stiff back is no laughing matter and a yoga wheel can do much to improve your mobility. You can gently massage your spine and improve your flexibility. With regular use, a yoga wheel is certain to improve your flexibility and mobility while easing any aches and pains you may be experiencing.
- Enjoy improved stability. If you find yourself teetering about and having to constantly watch your step, a yoga wheel can help improve your core balance which will in turn improve your overall stability. With regular practice with a yoga wheel, you will start to see a marked improvement in your overall agility, balance, and stability.
Q: What types of exercises can you do with a Yoga Wheel?
A: If you’re new to working out with a yoga wheel, it’s important to start with simple exercises and remember that you only need to stretch to a limit that is comfortable for you. You can start with some of these simple exercises:
- Yoga Wheel Plank – This is similar to a regular plank but your arms need to be straight and in line with your shoulders. Rest the arch of your feet on the yoga wheel for balance and hold the poison for as long as you can, building up to 30 seconds or more.
- The Plow Pose – The ordinary plow is a favorite with yoga enthusiasts but you can elevate this great pose with your yoga wheel. Lie on your back and lift your legs straight up in the air. You can then position your yoga wheel directly behind your buttocks. You can then gradually lower your legs over your head, keeping them straight. Hold the pose for as long as it is comfortable.
- Back & Spine Extension – It’s quite challenging to fully extend your back and spine, but yoga is a great exercise to do this. You can elevate this great extension and extend your chest, as well as your back and spine. Start this pose by sitting in front of your yoga wheel. Lean back over the wheel, extending your arms over your head while also extending your feet and legs in front of you. Stay in this position as long as you feel comfortable.
- Open Shoulder Extension – For an intense stretch for the often-tight spot between your shoulders, this one is a real winner. Lay over the wheel and carefully slide your body over the wheel, extending your arms in front of you as you move forward. Once your chest is comfortable on the yoga mat, extend your legs in the air, while supporting the front of your thighs on the yoga wheel. Hold this position, inhaling and exhaling deeply 8 to 10 times.
- Quad Stretch – This one is not for the faint-hearted and may be best left until you’re certain you can do so without losing your balance. Hold the wheel in your left hand and bend your left knee until you can hook your left foot inside the wheel. Move your torso forward, lifting your foot higher until you can rest your fingertips on the mat. Repeat with your right side.
- The Pidgeon Pose – This is a really challenging pose but one that is worth you working towards. Kneel in front of your yoga wheel and position your back over the wheel. Reach your arms over the wheel as far as you can and then bring them forward until you have a firm hole of your yoga wheel. You’ll definitely feel your chest and shoulders open up with this one.
If you’ve become bored with your usual yoga routine, a yoga wheel can certainly spice up your workout and help you stretch in ways you never thought possible. If you’re a newbie with yoga or a yoga wheel, take it slowly. Rushing into the different poses before your body is ready can result in injury and put you out of commission for weeks, if not months. Start with some of the easier poses and work towards the more challenging ones and you’ll reap the benefits of incorporating this great piece of equipment into your daily workout.
