10 Essential Yoga Poses Which are Enhanced with Bolsters

Woman lying on patterned yoga bolster during relaxation exercise with bolsters

Last Updated on August 25, 2025

Yoga offers a host of health benefits. It can increase flexibility, augment muscular strength, and help you maintain a balanced metabolism. However, some poses can be more difficult to execute when compared to others. This is when the use of quality yoga bolsters comes into play. Let’s take a look at ten exercises that can be enhanced with the help of these clever cushions. 

The Child’s Pose

Woman in childโ€™s pose with arms extended, resting on gray yoga bolster with bolsters
Childโ€™s pose feels softer with bolsters.

When kneeling and leaning forward, yoga bolsters can be present if you feel that your lower back requires a bit of extra support.

The Reclined Bound Angle Pose

Pregnant woman reclining on blue bolster during prenatal yoga with bolsters
Prenatal comfort is supported by bolsters.

After bringing the soles of your feet together and lying back, the bolsters can be placed beneath your spinal erectors to provide your lumbar region with a greater stretch.

Back Bends

Woman practicing gentle backbend on gray yoga bolster for support with bolsters
Gentle backbend made easy with bolsters.

Back bends can be challenging, particularly if the associated muscle groups are stiff. The bolsters found at Yoga Studio Store can be placed beneath your upper back to ease any perceived tension.

Vertical Leg Extensions

Woman practicing vertical leg extension with white bolster beside her yoga mat with bolsters
Vertical stretches enhanced by bolsters.

Bolsters can also be employed when placing your legs vertically against a wall. Their presence beneath your lower back (just above the buttocks) will offer stability and help to ease any tension. This is also a great strategy if you happen to suffer from sciatica. 

Seated Forward Folds

Woman in seated forward fold resting on red yoga bolster for support with bolsters
Forward folds feel better with bolsters.

Seated forward folds primarily stretch the hamstrings and the spinal erectors. As this position may take some time to perfect, bolsters can be used to maintain the correct form and to avoid curving the spine. 

Wide-Legged Bends

Woman in wide-legged forward bend resting on white yoga bolster with bolsters
Forward bends made easier with bolsters.

Similar to seated forward folds, wide-legged bends require a fair amount of dexterity. Placing bolsters beneath your chest will provide your upper body with a greater degree of support when leaning forward. 

The Reclined Hero Pose

Woman in supported twist pose lying on lilac yoga bolster with bolsters
Supported twists feel softer with bolsters.

The reclined hero pose is an excellent movement if you wish to develop core flexibility (especially within the abdominal region). As this article notes, such a cushion can be placed below the lower back for additional lumbar support. 

Supported Twists

Woman practicing reclined hero pose supported by patterned yoga bolster with bolsters
Deep rest in reclined poses with bolsters.

Supported twists are often used when warming up, as these will help to loosen up the muscles found within your midsection. Bolsters can be placed directly below your upper body, helping you to twist without tensing nearby muscles. 

Reclined Twists

Woman lying on pink bolster in supported yoga twist pose with bolsters

Woman lying on pink bolster in supported yoga twist pose with bolsters
Rest deeply in supported twists with bolsters.

When performing the reclined twist, a bolster can be located beneath the bent knee for additional support. Once you have obtained the necessary degree of flexibility, the bolsters can simply be removed. 

The Savasana

Woman lying in savasana with legs resting on white bolster with bolsters
Relax fully in savasana with bolsters.

Performing the Savasana is one of the best ways to release tension that may be present within the lower back. Placing bolsters beneath the knees will help to reduce any pressure that might otherwise be present within your lower lumbar region.

Final Words…

These are ten of the many yoga exercises that can benefit from the use of bolsters. Of course, feel free to research each suggestion in more detail to better appreciate the amazing advantages of each.

10 Essential Yoga Poses Which are Enhanced with Bolsters
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Meet Kourtney, a writer specializing in sex and relationships. Known for her honest and insightful approach, she explores themes of intimacy and personal growth. Her work combines personal anecdotes, expert opinions, and practical advice, helping readers navigate the complexities of modern relationships and embrace their desires. Kourtney's writing serves as a guide for those seeking authentic and fulfilling connections.

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