Home Yoga Glossary: 23 Terms Explained
The words that show up in home yoga specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon. Open any term for the full explanation and what to look for when buying.
- Acupressure mat
- A mat covered in small plastic points that create firm, distributed pressure across the back or feet.
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- Balance pad
- A soft, unstable foam pad placed underfoot to add a proprioception challenge to standing poses.
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- Bolster
- A firm, oblong cushion used to fully support the body in restorative and gentle seated poses.
- Read more about bolsterRelated: The Best Yoga Bolsters
- Closed-cell mat
- A mat surface with sealed pores that repels moisture instead of soaking it in, easier to wipe clean.
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- Cork mat
- A mat topped with a cork layer that grips better as it gets damp and naturally resists odor.
- Read more about cork matRelated: The Best Cork Yoga Mats
- Eye pillow
- A small, weighted pillow placed over closed eyes to block light and add gentle pressure during rest.
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- Grip
- How well a mat surface resists slipping under hands and feet, especially once it gets sweaty.
- Read more about gripRelated: The Best Yoga Mats for Home Practice
- Grip pad
- A small, sticky pad placed under hands or feet on a mat for extra traction in sweaty spots.
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- Hot yoga
- Yoga practised in a heated room, which increases sweat and calls for grippy mats, towels and socks.
- Read more about hot yogaRelated: The Best Hot Yoga Mats for Sweaty Practice
- Knee pad
- An extra-cushioned pad or mat insert placed under the knees for comfort in kneeling poses.
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- Mat thickness
- The depth of a yoga mat in millimeters, trading joint cushioning against balance and floor connection.
- Read more about mat thicknessRelated: The Best Thick Yoga Mats for Sensitive Knees and Hard Floors
- Mat towel
- A thin, absorbent towel laid over a mat to soak up sweat and keep grip from breaking down.
- Read more about mat towelRelated: The Best Yoga Mat Towels for Grip and Sweat
- Meditation bench
- A low, angled bench that supports a kneeling seated posture as an alternative to floor cushions.
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- Open-cell mat
- A mat with an absorbent surface structure that soaks up moisture, boosting grip during sweaty practice.
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- Restorative yoga
- A slow practice using props to fully support the body in relaxing poses held for several minutes.
- Read more about restorative yogaRelated: The Best Restorative Yoga Kits
- Singing bowl
- A metal or crystal bowl that produces a sustained resonant tone, often used to open or close practice.
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- Yin yoga
- A slow practice of long, passive floor poses held for minutes at a time, targeting connective tissue.
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- Yoga blanket
- A firmly woven blanket folded for extra padding, warmth or elevation under the hips or knees.
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- Yoga block
- A foam, cork or wood block that brings the floor closer to the body to support proper alignment.
- Read more about yoga blockRelated: The Best Yoga Blocks
- Yoga sandbag
- A weighted bag placed on the body in restorative poses to add gentle, even downward pressure.
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- Yoga strap
- A cotton or nylon strap that extends the arms' reach so stretches happen with a straight spine.
- Read more about yoga strapRelated: The Best Yoga Straps
- Yoga wheel
- A circular prop, typically 12-13 inches wide, used to support backbends, stretches and balance work.
- Read more about yoga wheelRelated: The Best Yoga Wheels for Backbends and Release
- Zafu
- A round, firm meditation cushion that raises and tilts the hips forward for comfortable seated posture.
- Read more about zafuRelated: The Best Zafu and Zabuton Sets