If you’re just learning about yoga wheels for the first time, your whole perspective on yoga is about to change! Yoga wheels are a quick and inexpensive way to increase your flexibility and be able to try new poses you otherwise would not be able to do. They are an easy way to enhance your yoga routines and reach your goals more quickly.
How do you find the best yoga wheel when they all look the same? What is it about a yoga ring that makes it so different from its competitors? And how do you find the one that’s best for your yoga practice?
In this article, we review the five best yoga wheels on the market. They each have their own strengths, whether it is a pliant foam cover, strong grip, or sturdy construction. They each excel in at least one area in a way that elevates them above other low-cost yoga wheels.
Top 5 Yoga Wheels – Comparison Chart
Product Reviews
REEHUT Yoga Wheel for Back Pain
The Reehut yoga wheel is the best all-purpose yoga wheel for people who use their wheels for stretches primarily, and its cleverly developed grip means it will not start slipping if you are sweaty. It is 12.6″ x 5″ and fairly durable.
It is a strong and sturdy yoga accessory that will enable you to do new poses. People on social media are bending over backwards (literally) to show themselves using this yoga wheel. And, the most common factor is that people of most sizes can use it. Those with very little body fat may find it uncomfortable, but bigger people can use this wheel with ease. The wheel can support 330 lbs., although most people will never put their full weight on this wheel.
Despite being a fairly good yoga wheel, it does have its faults, and the biggest is the industrial glue used to hold the foam onto the wheel. The glue has been reported by some users to be too rigid. This seems like a good thing, and it generally is, but over time the wheel starts to warp because you have repeatedly put pressure on it. As it warps, the rigid glue doesn’t have very much give, so it may start to crack.
Pros
- Suitable for most
- Relatively sturdy
- great grip which allows for precise placement
- Available in 3 finishes
- Antibacterial & Sweat Resistant
- Comes with an ebook with specific poses to use it with
Cons
- The foam doesn’t go edge to edge
- other wheels below can handle more weight and you should consider those if you are overweight
URBNFit Yoga Wheel & Strap Set
The UrbnFit yoga wheel has somehow managed to find the perfect balance of comfort and usability. It has a 12-inch diameter and offers a high degree of comfort while allowing you to maintain control and grip during stretches.
The foam that surrounds this wheel is just thick enough to be comfortable. There is always a fine line between having enough grip, offering enough comfort, and not being too soft. Some may say that this yoga wheel’s foam is too thick, but it is sturdy, almost like car tire rubber. As a result, it offers grip and comfort without being too soft when you use it. It looks like the foam surrounding the wheel has a lot of give, but it is firmer than it appears. It doesn’t move much at all unless you put a lot of pressure on it.
The box says that this yoga wheel can support 440 lbs., but the fact is it can hold about half of that. Nobody expects a yoga wheel to support 200+ pounds, but this wheel claimed it can be used by very heavy people and from user reviewers, they appear to question this statement by the manufacturer. Even if you are just stretching your back, and you are over 200 lbs., you run the risk of this wheel breaking.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Anti-flex PVC
- Yoga strap included
Cons
- Doesn’t come close to the 440 lb. rating
Pete’s Choice Dharma Yoga Wheel
With a clever use of more sophisticated materials, the Pete’s choice yoga wheel is of far better quality than you would think based purely on price. It is the sort of disposable wheel that you would feel comfortable kicking around the gym. It does its job, and it doesn’t ask a lot of money for the privilege.
It is an economy model that will do an okay job. You can tell it is not an expensive product by the weight and feel, but the wheel has plenty of grip, and the foam padding isn’t uncomfortable. Customer support response time and professionalism is great. It is an economy wheel for people who are not looking to spend a lot of money, and want to start incorporating new poses into their practice they can only do with a yoga wheel.
This wheel will only last around two years if you use it once per day. Plus, it cannot handle a lot of pressure. The advertised weight limit is reasonable, even if it is still unrealistic at 350 lbs, but to be honest the construction is not the same as luxury model. Let’s be clear, this is an economy model that makes good use of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, but there is just not enough of it in the actual wheel.
Pros
- Sophisticated look• Flexible
- Bonus strap and eBook
Cons
- Not the most durable
Mindful Yoga’s Yoga Wheel
This article had to feature at least one yoga wheel that was low-cost while still being very sturdy, and Mindful Yoga has just the thing. Overall, this wheel is the best happy medium of price plus quality. It may be a strong yoga wheel, but limited to 2 colors, purple and turquoise.
Thanks to the way the foam is placed, you may have a slightly harder time rolling it between your shoulder blades if you have a smaller body frame, but otherwise, the build is great for both beginners and intermediate users. It is sturdy, and the non-slip foam is above average.
When you create an economy yoga ring, you can focus on either a strong construction or comfort. This wheel is all about construction, which means it is not as comfortable as the others on this list.
With that said, this is one of the stronger wheels on this list, but it is harder with less cushioning, and you can feel it when you rest your back on it. If it were a bit heavier and had higher quality padding, it would probably be the best yoga rings on the market. It claims to support up to 500 lbs., and even though it is strong, it is not that strong.
Pros
- Proven non-slip
- 500 lb. max weight support
- Eco-friendly
- Best balance of price and quality
Cons
- Less cushioning – Feels on the harder side
Gaiam Yoga Wheel
Possibly one of the most underrated yoga wheels on this list, the manufacturer of the Gaiam Yoga Wheel tried something new. They tried coating their wheel with cork (also available with rubber or yoga mat cover), and the principle holds up rather well. This is a fine yoga ring that is 5” by 12” diameter.
Cork does make for an interesting wheel covering. It is tough, durable, and very sturdy. But, it also has that little bit of give while still being able to easily handle a lot of pressure (which is why cork is perfect for wine bottles!). It also offers a bit of grip, which is not as much as the rubber version, but what you lose in grip you make up for in sturdiness.
In general, this wheel is on the lower end of the economy model spectrum. It is rather low-cost, which is great for people who do not want to spend much, but this product probably will not last more than two years. Plus, there are some models leaving the factory where the glue coverage is not 100%, which means parts of the wheel can be rubbed off if put under enough pressure. One downside is that if you do need to return the item during it’s warranty, the company makes you pay for the return postage.
Pros
- Cork or rubber outer layer
- Tough and sturdy
- Odor control closed cell design
Cons
- Possible QC problems
Best Yoga Wheels Buying Guide
Choosing the best yoga wheel to meet your yogic or chiropractic needs can be challenging. With so many sizes, materials and designs to consider, you might be wondering how to ensure you make the best possible purchase to enhance your yoga practice.
This buyers guide will take you through everything you should consider before settling on new a yoga wheel.
Size
As you can see from the products reviewed above, yoga wheels come in a variety of heights and widths. Determining which measurements are right for you will depend on a combination of factors.
If you are a beginner, either to yoga itself or to using a yoga wheel, you may wish to opt for a slightly wider yoga wheel, as this will minimize the risk of the wheel overbalancing during use. In terms of height, a taller yoga wheel will enable greater extension and provide a lower level of pressure.
The smaller the wheel, the more pressure it will exert on your back or limbs, so bear this in mind as you make your selection.
If you’d like to be able to work with a variety of extensions and pressures during your yoga practice, you may wish to purchase a set of yoga wheels for a greater range of options.
Material
Different manufacturers incorporate different materials into their yoga wheels. Which material you select will ultimately come down to your priorities and preferences.
For strength and durability, look for materials such as ABS plastic in the frame and TPE foam padding, as these will withstand the most weight and most intensive use. TPE foam is also ideal if you want your yoga wheel to be environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable, non-toxic and made of recycled materials.
This material has the added benefit of being moisture and odor resistant, so you won’t have to worry about your yoga wheel absorbing sweat during more intense sessions.
Design
Not all yoga wheels are designed in the same way, so you should take specific elements of the design into consideration when choosing your wheel. For example, some yoga wheels are made with a thicker layer of padding than others. If you’re new to using a yoga wheel, or suffer from back pain, thicker padding will make the wheel more comfortable to use.
An embossed design on the padding can also help with maintaining grip, which is useful for stability and safety. If you want your yoga wheel to provide a more intense massaging effect, consider a chiropractic design with raised bumps and/or spinal gap to relieve tension in your muscles and pressure on your spine.
On the subject of design, yoga wheels are also manufactured in a wide variety of colors. Because yoga as a discipline is closely linked to your mental state, choosing a yoga wheel in a color that you like could be beneficial to your practice. Certain colors have actually been shown to promote relaxation.
Light shades of blue, green, gray, and lavender, for example, may help to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calm. Blues and greens are also thought to help induce sleep.
Because many people choose to practice yoga before bed to calm the mind and relax the body before sleep, it may be a good idea to select a yoga wheel in a sleep-inducing color.
Weight Limitations
An important factor to consider before you purchase your yoga wheel is weight limitation. Yoga wheels come with different weight limitations, ranging from only being suitable for weights up to 220 lbs to being able to support up to 1000 lbs, so there’s something for everyone.
Be sure to check these limitations before purchase, as using the wrong yoga wheel for your weight can result in breakages which, in turn, can lead to accident or injury.
Portability
If you plan on taking your yoga wheel with you to the gym or to a yoga class, you’ll want to consider the portability of your wheel, which will depend on both size and weight.
Most larger yoga wheels measure between 12 and 13 inches in diameter, meaning they should fit in a good-sized backpack for ease of transport. For a yoga wheel that you can carry around without difficulty, choose a lightweight design (in the region of 3 lbs).
Additional Features
Some yoga wheels include useful additional features to help you get the most out of your yoga sessions, so look out for these added bonuses. For example, if you are unsure of how to use your yoga wheel, purchasing a wheel that includes a yoga guide may help you.
If you’re looking to improve your flexibility or get a little bit of extra help with your stretches, a complimentary yoga strap with your wheel could be a great addition to your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a yoga wheel?
There are many benefits to using a yoga wheel. A wheel can help you to achieve difficult yoga poses such as backbends, which are notoriously challenging and can be dangerous without support. They also help to increase flexibility, which in turn can reduce the risk of injury during exercise.
A yoga wheel can also be used to provide therapeutic massages for the back, shoulders, neck and limbs. Doing this can encourage your connective tissues to repair and regenerate, and can alleviate spinal or muscular pain.
How do I use my yoga wheel?
How you use your yoga wheel will depend on which benefits you are hoping to get from it. As outlined above, it can be used to support yoga poses and perform tissue massages, but it can also be used for a variety of other strength-building exercises.
Many people purchase a yoga wheel with the intention of finally achieving advanced backbend yoga poses, and this is definitely feasible, but it will take practice.
Getting used to your yoga wheel is a process, and beginners often find themselves struggling to maintain their balance at first. Rushing into complicated yoga poses straight away may result in falls or pulled muscles.
To start with, you might want to use your yoga wheel to gradually extend and strengthen your muscles through stretches such as seated leg lifts and rolling bridges (you’ll easily find tutorials for these and many other yoga wheel stretches online). You could then progress to using your yoga wheel for spinal massage.
To begin with, simply sit on the floor with your legs crossed and the yoga wheel aligned directly down the middle of your spine. Inhale, and as you do so, gently roll your spine over the wheel.
When you have mastered this, you can progress to other forms of massage (tutorials for which are also widely available) and, eventually, tackle more advanced yoga poses.
Are yoga wheels safe?
Having read the above, you might be concerned about the safety of using a yoga wheel. Don’t be! The primary function of a yoga wheel is to minimize the risk of injury by providing you with added spinal support and helping you to strengthen, elongate and repair your muscles.
When used carefully and properly, a yoga wheel is a safe and beneficial way to add to your yoga session or stretching routine.
Most yoga-wheel-related accidents happen as a result of the wheel overbalancing, usually whilst the user is getting accustomed to it. To reduce the potential for injury, always use your yoga wheel on a safe, level surface and position a good-quality yoga mat underneath you.
Always ensure that your spine is perfectly aligned with the centre of the wheel and never push yourself to achieve a stretch or pose beyond what feels comfortable.
If you are considering using a yoga wheel to help with existing muscular or spinal pain, be sure to consult your primary care physician beforehand.
Are yoga wheels worth the money?
A yoga wheel can seem like an expensive purchase, but when you consider all the benefits that can be derived from using one, it can be a great investment.
If you want to advance in your yoga practice, strengthen your core, elongate your muscles, alleviate back pain and regenerate your connective tissues, a yoga wheel will probably be a worthwhile purchase for you!
Whilst there are definitely some expensive yoga wheels out there, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options on the market, so you don’t have to spend a fortune.
What is a Yoga Wheel?
A yoga wheel is a plastic circular accessory that helps you increase your flexibility and try other yoga poses you would not be able to do without the wheel. Yoga wheels are typically made from wood but typically plastic. Because they are so simple in design, they are usually relatively inexpensive. The yoga wheel or ring is wide enough that you can rest a foot, a limb, or your back on it.
Yoga wheels are fairly new to yoga and didn’t exist when yoga was started. The concept was created by Dharma Mittra who has been a well known yogi for many decades.
How to Use a Yoga Wheel
Yoga wheels will help you enhance your flexibility and ability to do new yoga poses. You can use the wheel to add it an existing pose you can already do, or place it under a limb to allow you to:
- Open up a body part (e.g. your back)
- Advance a movement (e.g a back bend)
- Improve your overall balance
- Stretch a limb or body part
- Improve flexibility by changing the position of certain muscles
One of the biggest benefits that many yogis report is that adding a yoga wheel helps their back pain vanish! The wheel can help you experience pain relief in only a few weeks through enhanced stretching and increased strength.
Of course it all depends on our own individual bodies, but that is what you will usually hear if you talk to experienced yoga practitioners.
How to Use a Yoga Wheel
Here is a good video overview.
What To Look for When Buying A Yoga Wheel
There are three elements to buying a yoga wheel. There is how strong and sturdy it is, how well it grips, and how well the foam works.
Sturdiness – The yoga wheel needs to be sturdy. Cheaper models will skimp on materials (amount and quality), and you end up with a wheel that breaks after several uses. If you are looking to use this ring for stretches and poses, rather than just for poses, then a strong and sturdy ring is required.
Grip – Try to avoid rings that have no grip at all. Many poses and stretches rely on you putting pressure on the ring, and if you put pressure on a round object that has no grip, then your body may slip off the wheel and you could get hurt!
The foam – needs to be sturdy so that it repels the pressure you put onto it. Yet, a wheel just made of solid plastic is uncomfortable, so you need to balance comfort with the ability to apply pressure without too much give. If the foam gives way too much, then the ring becomes useless, and maybe even dangerous when being used for balance exercises.
All These Yoga Wheels are Solid Options
Despite the complaint that some of these are economy models, and it shows through their less-than-perfect construction, the fact is that making a yoga wheel is not very difficult. It is not like they are building spacecraft. It is true that there are plenty of yoga wheels that are terrible, and it is true that these five stand out through their ability to function without costing a fortune.
You could pick any of these five yoga wheels at random, and you are still sure to get a good wheel when the parcel arrives at your door. The Mindful Yoga’s Yoga wheel is the best combination of quality plus price. But if your’e new to using a yoga wheel and don’t have one, even a low cost option will get you started with new poses. Even if the wheel only lasts a couple of years, the cost is relatively low relative to the new poses you will be able to add to your yoga practice.
