Resources
To cultivate a strong movement practice, it always helps to have resources! I have collected some of mine here. See a list of my favorite props below, or follow me on Spotify for playlists of all kinds. This includes kids yoga, mat Pilates, restorative yoga, and more. I have eliminated songs with lyrics and extra distractions whenever possible. Please note that the style of music in my yoga playlists is not traditional.
As a white fitness instructor and student, it is my responsibility to help dismantle white supremacy, especially in the health and wellness industry. Below are a few of the organizations and people I follow in order to uplift and donate to BIPOC voices, as well as work to honor the roots of yoga. Websites are linked to the headings. This list is in no way meant to be exhaustive, but can be used as a starting point.
Social Justice
Tools
Speaker, author, teacher trainer, and yoga culture advocate. Their mission is to "work together to honor yoga and create a fully inclusive and diverse yoga community."
Podcast by Indian American hosts, Tejal Patel & Jesal Parikh. Their mission is to explore "power, privilege, fair pay, harassment, race, cultural appropriation and capitalism in the yoga and wellness worlds."
A "revolutionary all South Asian teacher-led yoga community focused on social justice actions and authentic, culturally-rooted spiritual practices." Created by Tejal, a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer.
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit who has been defending and preserving "the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country" for over 100 years.
Nonprofit started by Rachel Cargle that provides therapy and support to communities of color. "Black women and girls deserve access to healing, and that healing will impact generations."
Black trans-led nonprofit that protects and defends the rights of Black transgender people through "creating intentional community to heal, developing transformative leadership, and promoting collective power."
Props
Props can be a great way to elevate your yoga or Pilates practice. Product images are linked to Amazon for convenience, but feel free to shop locally or purchase directly from the source whenever you can.
For each prop, I have also listed a great alternative that can be done or found at home. Health and wellness classes can be expensive: there are fun ways to be creative.
Magic Circle - Pilates
An amazing toning and alignment tool. I use it to keep hip/knee/ankle alignment in bridges, standing work, ab exercises, etc. Alternative: a theraband or belt looped together into a circle.
Bubble Timers - Kids Yoga
Fun and perfect for helping kids practice mindfulness. I encourage them to focus and describe what they are seeing inside. Alternative: a mason jar with some glitter and water.
Mini Exercise Ball - Pilates
Small exercise balls are great for supporting the head, lower back, upper back, and more. The ball should be halfway deflated. Alternative: a small pillow or any kind of soft ball lying around.
Breathing Ball - Kids Yoga
Great for learning breath work. Inhale when opening the ball, exhale when closing it. Alternative: put fingertips together and move in and out like the sphere.
Blocks - Yoga
Awesome for support, assistance in balance, and deeper stretching. Can also be used in Pilates work for the same things. Alternative: small pillows for stretching, books or soup cans for balancing.
Singing Bowl - Kids Yoga
These vibrational Tibetan bowls are often used in adult yoga classes, but for children, I use it as a listening tool. Alternative: running a wet finger along a wine glass rim.