Buying A Yoga Wheel
Yoga wheels are one of my favorite tools to use for flexibility and strength training. If you’re considering adding one to your Flexyfit toolkit, here’s some things you should know to help you with your purchase decision.
First, yoga wheels are a fantastic and versatile tool that can help you:
* Stretch
* Strengthen
* Deepen poses
* Relax and relieve muscle tension
* Challenge
* Improve balance and coordination
Second, not all yoga wheels are made equal. Here’s the key things to consider before you purchase:
Size:
Yoga wheels come in sizes ranging from 6 to 15 inches in diameter and about 5 (standard) to 7 inches in width.
* Micro: 5-6” Great for balance/flexibility, use as a foam roller replacement. It’s also easily transportable.
* Mini: 10” perfect for kids, those under 5ft, and the super tight/inflexible. People under 5’3″ might also find this size more comfortable to work with.
* Basic: 12” – 13” standard sizes made for those around above 5ft, but especially 5’4”-5’10”
* Plus: 15” Ideal for those 6ft or taller and the super duper flexy. These wheels position the body higher up in poses, giving you more intensit.
Cost:
* Cheap $15-$40
* Costly $40+
Cheaper wheels are perfectly acceptable and still highly useful. More expensive wheels tend to be heavier and more durable in quality. So if you plan to do any full-weight balances (standing, crow, etc..) on the wheel then a Dharma, Plexus or other elite brand is highly recommended. Cheaper wheels are typically advertised to hold approximately 250lbs, whereas the more elite brands are advertised to hold approximately 500lbs.
There’s also a super duper fancy (and costly) Yoga Pro Wheel which comes with a wedges (a base) that helps stabilize the wheel to keep it from rolling and also a Release Bar (handle bars) to help with alignment and getting deeper into poses. Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary, but if the price doesn’t bother you then go all in! For those that prefer to save a buck or two, I have plenty of hacks using ab wheels, walls/corners, yoga blocks, yoga mats and yoga straps to help you achieve the same results 😉
Material:
The outside of yoga wheels are lined. Typically with Yoga mat material or Cork, both which are designed to be waterproof and non-slip/skid resistant, so you can safely grip as you move in and out of poses. Cork specifically, is eco-friendly, sweat resistant/wicking, doesn’t retain odors.
Safety:
Regardless of the size, yoga wheels should be used with care as they can be dangerous. Take it slow and be safe. It is easy to fall off the wheel, the wheel roll away or lose control of and it move further than the body is ready for. Working on a yoga mat or using grippy yoga socks can be a huge help!
Need Yoga Wheel Training? Join me for an upcoming Yoga Wheel workshop!
