Sandbag, fitness sandbag, weight for yoga

A small sandbag, fitness sandbag, a weight for yoga is an excellent prop for restorative yoga. The weight of it activates the relaxation response in the body, allowing you to sink deeper into the pose and find deep relaxation.

An additional pressure can help to ease feelings of anxiety and sensory overload.

Sandbag, fitness sandbag, weight for yoga

• calming weighted pressure in various poses for restorative yoga, yin yoga, and hatha yoga or as weights to increase your strength
• the weight bag is made of 100% cotton
• the filling - sand (gravel) - is of the right granulation to allow excellent weight distribution
• the bag has a zipper on the top and is washable
• the zipper on the bag is sewn on the inside, preventing it from digging into the skin during use
• the bag is lined so that the sand does not escape from the bag
• there is a handle on the top of the bag for easier carrying
• weight: 2.5 kg
• dimensions: 38 x 15 cm

How to use sandbags for yoga?

Sandbags are "strong" yoga props. In restorative and yin yoga, sandbags help you feel more supported and grounded. With their weight, firmness, and yet gentle nature, they soften tight muscles, "smooth" energy, and open the way for emotions to a sense of safety. The weight of the bag relieves physical tension.

Why does the weight of the bag work this way? Think about how you feel in the firm embrace of a loved one. Usually, it’s a comforting, calming, and pleasant feeling! And what about when we swaddle a restless baby in a blanket? Most often, the gentle squeeze from a friendly embrace or swaddling has a calming effect, helping us to feel safe and relaxed. Sandbags work on the same principle. Deep pressure is directly connected to the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotions, survival, memory, and sensory processing. The pressure of the yoga bag on the body helps to calm and dissolve feelings of anxiety and sensory overload.

Try using a sandbag and surrender yourself to the soothing practice. Stay in each pose for 5 minutes or more, switching sides as needed. Enjoy the relaxing effect of each pose as you surrender to gravity and gradually unwind.

Some suggestions for using the sandbag:

• Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Place the bag on the sacrum area. The additional weight gently extends the spine and provides a pleasant stretch to the hips. Settle into the pose and have a friend place the sandbag over your sacrum.

• Supta Padangustasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose)

In this position, the thigh of the extended leg on the floor often wants to pop up - use the sandbag as a stable anchor. Place the sandbag on the top of the thigh and slightly higher, towards the abdominal area. Bend both legs and wrap a yoga strap over the toes of the lifted leg. If you want to open the hips more, take the strap in one hand and extend the lifted leg to the side. The sandbag will remind you to keep the pelvis steady.

• Jathara Parivatanasana (Revolved Abdomen Pose)

The sandbag is useful in this twist to encourage the lowering of the lifted shoulders. Place the bag on the biceps area, one for each arm. If desired, add an additional sandbag on the upper thigh for more grounding through the legs.

• Supta Baddha Konasana

Nurture your feet with the warmth and weight of the sandbag. Place the bag (or two) on the "open" ankles. For additional support, add other props like blankets or blocks under the knees.

• Savasana

Place the sandbag on your pelvis to soften the hips and lower back. Place an eye pillow in the palm of each hand for an extra special touch.