Article from a company that makes Exercise Balls

Stretching Peripherals: Working to Achieve Balance
Yoga practices require intensive manipulation of the body into a variety of forms, which gives those who are most flexible the best shot at achieving the body formation being sought. For those who are considering joining a yoga class that's beyond the beginner's level and without novice-level help, one must first have his or her body ready and prepared for more extensive yoga stretching routines. If you have trouble barely touching your toes, you may find you have plenty of stretching hurdles to overcome. To whip your body into shape in time for your new class, so you can stretch as effectively as others sharing the same space, you can rely on some stretching peripherals that are good training tools. After all, once you're in the class, you won't be able to rely on a ball or bar to help you.

One of the best stretching peripherals to take advantage of is an exercise ball. Also commonly known as Swiss balls, exercise balls are designed to have optimal give when leaned into or pressed down upon, while not having too much give that you are basically sucked into the ball. This balance allows you to use the ball for a variety of exercises and stretches, particularly ones that work on your abdominal muscles. Crunches, for instance, do more for your body when you can lean back farther than you could on a flat surface, which makes a Swiss ball the perfect contraption for using in this instance. Because exercise balls come in so many different sizes, finding the right ball for your build and for the particular stretch you're attempting is rarely an issue.

Another peripheral that may be helpful is a grab handle. The handle is useful when attached to a wall or another sturdy surface at a height where it is easy to grab by hand. For stretches when you must stand on a single leg for long periods of time, a grab handle can provide you with that support you need to remain in balance, until you are practiced enough to find that balance without the assistance of the grab handle. If you need a lot of help with balance at first, you can rely on the handle quite a bit, and then slowly release the handle when you have found your center of gravity. The more you use the handle will actually result in the less you need it in the end.

These two peripherals are the most useful and common peripherals, but also don't forget that a stretching partner may actually be best of all if you have a friend or acquaintance willing to help you out. Another person can be a strategic motivator and a helping hand all at once, and he/she can remove the need for a grab handle if you're about to tip over.