The Best Yoga Wheel

Every yogi would naturally fall into the deepest backbends in an ideal world, showing their spine’s flexibility and ongoing development. But to master all yoga positions, a certain level of practice and preparation is necessary. Cue the yoga wheel, a hollow, circular object that helps open the chest while realigning spinal posture, developing muscular strength, massaging muscles or knots, and increasing flexibility. 

Should you want to delve deeper into your yoga practice possibilities, look at our lists of the best yoga chair and bench options. Alternatively, trying out a yoga swing is a challenging but fun alternative for the more adventurous yogi.

Our Winners:

UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel – Best Overall

Chirp Wheel+ Yoga Wheel – Most Durable

Aozora Yoga Wheel – Best Cork

Overmont 5-in-1 Yoga Wheel – Best Yoga Wheel Kit

Acumobility Yoga Wheel – Best Yoga Wheel for Deep Tissue Release

Why a Yoga Wheel?

There are many reasons to use a yoga wheel. The most obvious is to better your yoga capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or yoga practitioner, it has lots to offer. It is a vital tool for strengthening the back muscles, bettering posture, and massaging the body, but it can also be used to help alleviate back pain.

The yoga wheel can also benefit yoga practice. It can strengthen the body’s muscles depending on the targeted exercise. Over time, you will experience a broader range of movement, allowing you to easily transition from one position to another.

Benefits of a Yoga Wheel

Increased Mobility

Over time, the use of the yoga wheel will lead to greater strength and stability, which in turn contributes to improved mobility. In addition, more significant movement in the neck, spine, lower back, and an increased range of motion in the muscles lessen the susceptibility of injury during everyday life.

Increased Strength

Holding certain positions and poses with the yoga wheel will allow your muscles to develop progressively. This development, in turn, will lead to you becoming stronger. Unfortunately, it is commonplace for positions to progress, becoming increasingly complex over time.

Spinal Massage

For those experiencing ongoing back pain and/or musculoskeletal disorders, you may experience relief by increasing spinal flexibility using a yoga wheel. Start with a seated backbend before progressing to the more advanced lying backbend pose. Yoga wheels often have a spinal gap, allowing pressure to be applied on the surrounding muscles rather than the spine.

Spinal Posture

The position of your spine directly affects your posture. By regularly exercising the back muscles and increasing the flexibility of your spine, you will reap postural benefits. The yoga wheel strengthens and lengthens the vertebrae, increasing the spine’s elasticity and flexibility. 

Just 5 minutes every day will contribute to fantastic results.

Opens The Chest

This is perfect for assisting in chest opening poses and stretches. The Fish pose is especially excellent for those wanting to stretch their pectoral and shoulder muscles.

Achieve More Complex Yoga positions

To achieve a perfect backbend, you’ll need to practice, as it can be challenging to get your body into that position naturally. However, with the yoga wheel assisting you, you’ll be able to transition into more challenging positions.

Reduce Back Pain

Ruth McCaffrey & Juyong Park authored a systematic literature review surrounding the benefits of yoga for musculoskeletal disorders. Reviewing 31 separate academic studies, they found yoga intervention for those experiencing musculoskeletal disorders is equal or superior to generic methods of reducing back pain or using pain medication—an excellent finding for those seeking alternative remedies. 

Another study by the Universities of York and Manchester found that people partaking in a specially designed 12-week yoga program experienced more significant improvements in back function.

Increased Flexibility

The regular practice of progressions and positions will increase overall strength and flexibility.

Sleep

The regular use of a wheel will prepare the body for better sleep, whether used for massage or exercise. Serotonin is released during the process of both. This is great for avoiding the potentiality of low serotonin which can be linked to insomnia.

Ultimately, if you progress steadily, you will evolve your practice by developing the strength and stability to achieve advanced yoga positions and other fitness regimes. However, you may still need an adjustment period to get familiar with this wheel and become comfortable. The width, material, and durability can differ from one wheel to another.

The Best Yoga Wheels

If you’re looking for the ideal yoga wheel for yourself, examine this list and see which is best for you.

1. UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel

UpCircleSeven offers a multipurpose yoga wheel that was initially developed for those who suffer from chronic back pain. Still, it can also improve pose development, flexibility, and strength. Made to relieve pain and tension from the neck, along the spine, down to the lower back while preparing the body for backbends and inversions. 

Unlike cheaper manufactured wheels, this one will not bend when used. The UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel has a circumference of 12” x 5” and a comfortable 8mm outer padding. In addition, this wheel can bear weight up to 550lbs. Manufactured with ABS material, a sweat-resistant thermoplastic non-flexing material, makes the wheel structurally sturdy and unlikely to crack, chip, or be squashed.

Why Should I Buy The UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel?

• It is comfortable – With a 8mm padding.
• Very durable, it can bear weight up to 550lbs.
• Sweat-resistant technology – ABS material, a sweat-resistant thermoplastic non-flexing material.

2. Overmont 5-in-1 Yoga Wheel Kit

Yoga kits are assembled for beginners as an ideal starting point for any yoga journey. They save consumers time and money by combining bestselling items into one kit at a discount. This kit comes complete with a yoga wheel (13” x 5”), two eco-friendly EVA foam yoga blocks, a 6ft yoga stretch band, a yoga ring, all within a beautiful storage box. The Overmont 5-in-1 Yoga Wheel Kit is an excellent set for those lacking a few unique props. As far as design goes, you have the choice to opt between a purple or black set. 

All the Overmont yoga equipment is high density and waterproof. The yoga wheel stretches and prepares the spine and back muscles for more challenging poses. At the same time, the other equipment will aid with full yogi development. For example, yoga blocks allow for difficult-to-reach positions to become more accessible. For yogi’s who are more advanced, the blocks can increase the pose’s difficulty, allowing for more remarkable development. In addition, the 6ft yoga stretch band will increase the range of motion over time but add tension and resistance to traditional yoga stretches. 

Finally, the yoga ring, designed to complement the body’s curvature, serves a similar function to the stretch band, strengthening muscles allowing you to get deeper into poses and positions. 

Manufactured with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ASB), a sweat-resistant non-flexing thermoplastic and weighs only 6.6lbs, with a maximum weight of 550lbs, it can be used by and bear the weight of many. 

Why Should I Buy The Overmont 5-in-1 Yoga Wheel Kit?

• Combination of best-selling yoga equipment all in one kit.
• Very durable, it can bear weight up to 550lbs.
• Sweat-resistant technology – ABS material, a sweat-resistant thermoplastic non-flexing material.

3. Acumobility Yoga Wheel

The Acumobility Yoga Wheel (11.3”x 7.48”) features a notably different design to the first two wheels covered. It features a spine gap and a patented therapeutic bump pattern. 

The spine gap reduces the likelihood of injury along the curvature of the spine by providing a space that protects plates and ridges. With its ridges and bumps, the therapeutic bump pattern allows for even pressure across the back muscles, leading to a safe deep tissue release massage that can ease muscle pain. Unlike the yoga wheels that sport a smooth design pattern, these bumps are designed to dig deep into the back and release muscle tension.

The deep tissue release is achieved through the therapeutic bump pattern reaching the deepest tissue layers releases tight muscles, easing pain by getting deep into the body breaking down scar tissue. Over time the relaxing process will alleviate anxiety and pain. The Acumobility Yoga Wheel ultimate back roller is a multipurpose prop. It can be used for myofascial release, like a foam roller and a back roller to increase back mobility. 

Myofascial release is a type of physical therapy whereby an individual uses low-load stretches to release tightness. Therefore, the Acumobility Yoga Wheel is an excellent option for back pain. 

The Acumobility Yoga Wheel is made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a stress-resistant durable plastic. This wheel can support weights up to 1000lbs. 

Why Should I Buy The Acumobility Yoga Wheel?

• High quality material, made from durable EVA foam.
• Extremely durable, it can support weight up to 1000lbs.
• Design with a spine gap to prevent pressure being placed on the spine.

4. Aozora Yoga Wheel

The 3.6lbs Aozora Yoga Wheel (13” x 5”) is an excellent option for those who prefer opting for eco-friendly options. With a ¼inch padded cushion and a sturdy, beautiful design, this wheel made from cork provides a durable, lightweight, renewable raw material with a water repellent layer that won’t become slippery with use. 

Rather than a choice of color, this wheel comes complete with a selection of 3 beautiful designs engraved onto the cork surface, each unique with individual meanings. 

One design is the Mandala, a circle around a center representing the sacred environment and dwelling place of a buddha, bodhisattva. 

Next, the Chakra Aozora Yoga Wheel departs from Indian philosophy, which believes that chakras exist in the body and oversees the physical and mental operations. The image engraved highlights the sacred Sanskrit symbol of the word Aum/Arja encompassed in a circle.

The final engrave design is the Hamsa hand (Arabic) or hamesh hand (Hebrew). This is an old and still popular apotropaic amulet for magical protection from the envious or evil eye. The words hamsa and hamesh mean “five” and refer to the digits on the hand. Your Aozora Yoga Wheel with the Hamsa hand design features a signature hand design that is striking to all who view it.

The cork frame is padded with a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) foam layer. This is a non-toxic, biodegradable, plasticizer-free material designed to decompose in a landfill. It can also safely support a max weight of up to 500lbs.

This wheel comes complete with a step-by-step booklet on using the wheel and achieving 30+ challenging poses. Perfect for those unfamiliar with using a yoga wheel and who may need extra guidance.

Why Should I Buy The Aozora Yoga Wheel?

• Beautifully designed. A selection of 3 beautiful designs engraved onto the cork surface of the yoga wheel.
• Very durable, it can support weight up to 500lbs.
• Eco-friendly design – The cork frame is padded with a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) foam layer.

5. URBNFit Yoga Wheel

With a padded black outer layer and colorful blue inner lining, the URBNFit Yoga Wheel is a beautiful choice for those familiar with yoga practice. At 13.6” x 5.6”, this wheel is suited for those seeking greater flexibility, deepening back and forearm bends, and bettering inversions (positions where the heart is higher than the head). 

This yoga wheel is available in two shapes, full moon, and half-moon. The full moon shape is best for those looking for deep back stretches. It is common for yogis to work their way up in size. Therefore, the half-moon shape will be easier for beginners who may not have as much back flexibility. In comparison, the full moon wheel is better for those familiar with yoga practice. 

Furthermore, this yoga wheel supports body weight of up to 1000lbs. 

Additionally, it also comes with complimentary yoga straps, an e-guide, and paper, and accessibility to an online workout guide. A simple prop, yoga straps help beginners access poses that initially may be too challenging to achieve by pulling gently on the flexor and extensor muscles, increasing their range of motion. The e-guide walks you through using your yoga wheel and the steps to achieve several poses. Finally, the workout guides outline how to use your wheel in a sequence perfect for a beginner, which will lead to full-body results. 

Why Should I Buy The URBNFit Yoga Wheel?

• Available in two shapes, full moon, and half-moon.
• Extremely durable, it can support weight up to 1000lbs.
• Extra accesories. Ths yoga wheel comes with complimentary yoga straps, an e-guide.

6. Ativafit Sports Yoga Wheel Set

The Ativafit Sports Yoga Wheel Set, available in blue/grey or purple, is the perfect kit for comfortable and safe yogi progression. This set was made for beginners as an ideal starting point for the meditative yogi journey. Moreover, buying this kit saves the consumer researching, time, and money by combining bestselling items with one kit at a discount. 

This yoga wheel’s design builds on a progressive overload perspective. Progressive overload is when you gradually increase your training routine’s weight, size, frequency, or the number of repetitions—applying progressive overload to the practice of yoga with yoga wheels. For example, it is common for any yogi to begin with a smaller circumference wheel, slowly working up to larger-sized wheels. This will increase your strength and flexibility over time and challenge your muscles and body by gradually increasing the workout’s difficulty.

This set allows for ideal progressive overload. The ASB manufactured yoga wheel kit comes complete with three color-coordinated wheels, which increase in size from the most miniature (5inch) to medium (10inch) to the most prominent wheel (15inches). The largest being able to support weights up to 220lbs. 

A beginner can start with the 5inch yoga wheel, gradually working their way up. At the same time, the more advanced yoga practitioner may prefer to utilize the most miniature wheel for massages. The 15inch wheel should be gradually worked up to, but if you want to begin with this wheel, proceed slowly.

This product comes with a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with your product. 

Why Should I Buy The Ativafit Sports Yoga Wheel Set?

• Three different yoga wheel sizes within the kit.
• Made from TPE foam and ABS inner tube.
• Foam padding is sweat resistant.

7. Florensi Yoga Wheel

The Florensi Yoga Wheel (3-Pack), is great for those not only on a budget but seeking to advance their practice. Each wheel is beautifully manufactured, with the Florensis logo being featured prominently, and is ideal for progressive overload. Progressive overload is when you gradually increase your training routine’s weight, size, frequency, or number of repetitions. This set can support heavier body weights, prioritizing the Florensi mission of providing relaxation and peace to everybody regardless of the level needed. 

Applying progressive overload to the practice of yoga with yoga wheels is commonplace. The most miniature wheel is 6in, the medium-sized wheel is 10in, and the largest is 13in. The gradual process of working your way up (progressive overload) in size is ideal for reducing the likelihood of injury. 

Florensis a brand that prioritizes relaxing exercise and a reusing philosophy. Therefore, the Florensi Yoga Wheel (3-Pack) is multifunctional; you can work your way up as the progressive overload philosophy stipulates or utilize a wheel for a different function such as massaging. This yoga wheel is available in two materials; premium and eco-friendly Thermoplastic Elastomer or cork. Both products are environmentally friendly and built to last. However, the Cork version of the Florensi Yoga Wheel does not feature any padding.

Why Should I Buy The Florensi Yoga Wheel?

• Available in two materials; premium and eco-friendly Thermoplastic Elastomer or cork.
• Perfect option for those on a budget.
• The Florensi Yoga Wheel is ideal for progressive overload.

8. Nature’s Integrity Yoga Wheel

The 13in elite Nature’s Integrity Yoga Wheel is available in two striking colors, pink and purple. It has a maximum weight capacity of 650lbs, making it one of the most durable and strongest wheels with a 100% lifetime warranty.

It has extra padding making training more comfortable when moving into difficult backbend positions. Perfect for relieving upper-body tightness, improving posture, and strengthening spinal muscles.

Thick padding offers a more comfortable workout experience than many other yoga wheels, that lack proper protection. Additionally, Nature’s Integrity is completely eco-friendly, a definite plus for all environmentally conscious yogis, plus it is non-slip and sweat-resistant.

The 13in select series yoga wheel is an outstanding choice for those on a budget still hoping to progress.

Why Should I Buy The Nature’s Integrity Yoga Wheel?

• Available in two materials; premium and eco-friendly Thermoplastic Elastomer or cork.
• Perfect option for those on a budget.
• This product is ideal for progressive overload.

9. Seven Sparta Yoga Wheel

An ideal yoga prop to increase flexibility and stability. The Seven Sparta Yoga Wheel is perfect for beginners who need to practice working on challenging poses or looking to alleviate chronic back pain or sciatica pain.

The smallest yoga wheel comes in at 6.5in, the medium-sized wheel 10.5in, and the largest wheel is 13in. Once again, this pack of 3 allows for progressive overload. The three different sizes allow for individual adjustment to your ideal level of bodyweight difficulty, as well as back muscles to fully engage, preparing the spine for backbend asanas. 

The 13″ wheel is a perfect fit for most adults, while the 10.5″ wheel offers a massaging sensation of medium pressure while also giving your back and hips a good stretch. If you’re looking for a more focused experience, the 6.5″ wheel is best for deep tissue massage in your neck, legs, or back.

When it comes to quality and durability the Seven Sparta yoga wheel doesn’t shy away. Made from a thermoplastic polymer called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, this wheel is solid and durable. The material on the outer layer is made from a non-slip, sweat-resistant TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) material, offering extra support while performing poses and stretches.

It can also comfortably support weight up to 550lbs.

Additionally, the Seven Sparta yoga wheel comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, should you feel unsatisfied with the product, or its quality.

Why Should I Buy The Seven Sparta Yoga Wheel?

• High-quality material; A durable termoplastic polymer called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
• Very durable with a maximum weight of 550lbs.
• It comes in a set of 3 yoga wheels for a more in-depth workout variation.

10. Chirp Wheel+ Yoga Wheel

The Chirp Wheel+ Yoga Wheel was made specifically for back issues such as herniated disks, osteoporosis, and arthritis. It stretches and massages the thoracic and lumbar region muscles between the neck and the lower back. The muscles in this region largely support posture and stability, and when deprived of regular exercise, it may lead to back pain. In addition, regular messaging of the back muscles can prevent arthritis, bulging discs, and sprained backs. The Chirp Wheel+ Yoga Wheel is available in several sizes, 4in, 6in, 10in, and 12. You can choose the perfect size to best target your back pain. 

This wheel uses trigger point technology to break down knots and tight muscle fibers in hard-to-reach back muscles. It also features a spinal groove or gap, which massages and protects the spine during exercise by redistributing pressure to the appropriate muscles. If you’re a yogi who experiences back pain, this wheel can be used in a multipurpose function. While the primary function of this wheel is easing back pain, it can still be used as a traditional yoga wheel for practicing stretching and preparing the spine for backbends and inversions.

The Chirp Wheel+ Yoga Wheel supports weights up to 500lbs and due to its injection-molded core, it will not bend under pressure and offers extra strength and durability during workout sessions. This yoga wheel is built to last and made from skid-resistant material combined with comfortable, eco-friendly padding material that is soft on your back, and comfortable to workout with; regardless of how you choose to use the Chirp Wheel+, know the use will allow for peace of mind while exercising.

Why Should I Buy The Chirp Wheel+ Yoga Wheel?

• Has a spinal gap to massage and protect the spine during exercise.
• Very durable with a maximum weight of 500lbs.
• The Chirp Wheel+ is made from a high quality ABS, odor-free and skid-resistant material.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Should I Use My Yoga Wheel?

It would help if you began by becoming familiar with your wheel. How firm is it? Roll it over your body before usage to get used to the feel of the yoga wheel. 

Frequent use will help you become more advanced over time once you’re familiarized with the feel of the wheel. You can begin with a leg stretch for those who have never used a yoga wheel before. 

Next, lie on your back and place the wheel under your feet. Slowly roll the wheel towards your hips with your feet, and then slowly move back to the start position. Repeat a few times. If the wheel rolls away or topples, you need to develop more stability in this movement before advancing to a back wheel or more advanced position. 

If the leg roll is easily achievable, you may want to progress into a reclining sitting backbend pose. To begin, sit on the mat or floor with your legs crossed. Next, place the wheel behind you and slowly ease back, allowing your back to follow the curvature of the wheel. You will develop greater flexibility as time progresses, allowing for a more significant backbend. 

You can also use your yoga wheel for back pain. Whether you’re experiencing an ongoing musculoskeletal disorder, issues with your sciatic nerve, or experiencing back pains ever so often. The massaging of the back muscles can ease the discomfort that may be prevalent daily.

What Is The Difference Between A Foam Roller And A Yoga Wheel?

There are several differences between foam rollers and yoga wheels. Foam rollers tend to be smaller in width, in some cases up to half the size of a regular wheel. This difference in size means you cannot achieve the same depth into backbends. Yoga wheels are also hollow, while foam rollers are medium density. 

Ultimately, to develop best and ensure safety while using. It is best to choose the wheel which best suits you.

What Are the Best Beginner yoga wheel Poses?

Reclining Pose

If you’re new to backbends and want to ease your way in slowly, you could benefit from practicing the reclining pose. To begin, sit on the mat or floor with your legs crossed. Next, place the yoga wheel behind you and slowly ease back, allowing your back to follow the curvature of the wheel. As time progresses, you will develop greater flexibility allowing for a more significant bend.

Fish Pose

A more advanced version of the reclining pose, the fish pose relies on you having more stability and flexibility in the spine and back muscles. To begin, place your body on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you. Place the yoga wheel behind your back, aligning with your spine. Control your breathing and then extend your spine along with the wheel. Go as far as is comfortable and hold the position. If you want to deepen the bend, lift your hips.

Half Pyramid Pose

This pose will help if you have tight hamstrings. You’ll start this position on your knees, extend one leg before you and place the yoga wheel underneath your buttocks. This will create a wonderful stretch of the hamstrings, thighs, and calves.

Can Children Use a Yoga Wheel?

When it comes to children using a yoga wheel, it will depend on their athletic ability.

Which Other Products Can I Use In Combination With My Yoga Wheel Workouts?

There are many products that you may find complementing your yoga wheel. Yoga blocks can help an individual move into initially tricky positions. For example, those uncomfortable attempting head balances on the floor may want to begin with a block. Coming in a range of lengths and widths, you can choose the yoga block which best suits your long-term needs. 

A simple prop, yoga straps help beginners access poses initially challenging to achieve. This is done by pulling gently on a flexor to increase its range of motion. Slow and steady wins the race when using yoga straps. 

The yoga ring, designed to suit the body’s curvature, strengthens muscles, allowing you to get deeper into poses or positions.

Who Should Not Be Using A Yoga Wheel?

If you have any back issues or have undergone back surgery in the last two years, you should consult your doctor or chiropractor. If your doctor has advised you to avoid exercises, lifting heavy loads, or any strain on the back/spinal cord. Avoid this product as it’s unsuited for you. 

Children should not use the yoga wheel alone and, if you require any further clarification, do not hesitate to email us any questions.