Use Yoga Props to Deepen Your Practice

When you think of Yoga Class, you might imagine people engaging in graceful postures that seem to flow effortlessly from one to the next. But inherent in every pose is a foundation of awareness, alignment, and support - this is where Yoga props come in. Some Yogis are hesitant to use props because they feel that it makes them appear less able. Far from being a crutch, props are actually extremely useful tools that help Yogis of all levels access the true benefits of their practice.

We are blessed to have many different kinds of props at Yoga Haven. I deeply believe that Yoga is for everybody and Every Body. And some of those bodies need a little help to find a stable sense of comfort in certain postures, myself included. One of my teachers says “We are all equal, but we are not all the same.” Truer words were never spoken. While we all come equipped with a human body, some people have long arms while others have short arms, some people have bodies with a lot of stretch and others have bodies with a lot of strength. You get the idea. Yet, we are all moving through the same postures during Yoga class.

I am a petite woman which means my torso is about average length, but my arms and legs are a bit shorter than average. So, Yoga props became my friends many years ago. For example, I aways use a block when practicing Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon balance) to extend the length of my balancing arm. Then the posture becomes comfortable, my body naturally comes into good alignment and the Pranic life force energy has a chance to flow through my body properly and enliven my awareness and presence.

Props Invite Presence

Props aren’t a sign of weakness - they’re a sign of wisdom. Using props is not about doing “less” or making a pose easier. It’s about doing things with more awareness, more presence. When you're properly supported, you may feel a sense of freedom to more deeply explore your breath, sensations in the body, and engage subtle alignment cues without straining.

Here are Some of the Benefits of Using Yoga Props

Simply put, props are not just for beginners or those with limited mobility. They can:

· Enhance alignment

· Make poses more accessible

· Help build strength safely

· Deepen flexibility and relaxation

· Encourage mindfulness and patience

Whether you’re working toward your first supported shoulder stand or enjoying a restorative Savasana, props meet you exactly where you are, giving the support you need.

Here are a Few Suggestions on Yoga Props and How to Use Them

Yoga Blocks

· Use for support in standing poses like Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) to avoid losing that beautiful flat, almost two-dimensional alignment. With your hand on the block, you may find stability and maintain the correct posture by eliminating the tendency to hunch forward as you reach toward the floor.

· Sit on a block in Sukhasana (Easy Crossed-Legged Pose) to elevate the hips and lengthen the spine. When the hips are elevated higher than the knees by sitting on a block (or two), this pose feels much more comfortable and stable, thus arriving at “Sukha” or a pleasant, comfortable seat.

· Place a block under the sacrum in Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) for a supported backbend. With 3 levels to the block, you can always adjust up or down to accommodate what your body is able to do that day. Consider starting low and gradually increasing the height of the block as your comfort level grows.

Yoga Strap

· Place the strap around the bottom of both feet in Paschimottanasana (seated forward fold) and, with a long spine, slowly fold the torso forward while you reach your hands towards your toes to gently lengthen the hamstrings.

· Place the strap around the ball of one foot (and then the other foot for the second side) in Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose). The strap around the foot helps you extend your leg up toward the ceiling while keeping the spine grounded.

· Put the strap in one hand above and in the other hand below, with both hands behind your back in Gomukhasana (Cow Faced Pose) to gently allow a stable connection of the hands.

Bolsters and Blankets

· Bolsters and blankets are perfect for Restorative Yoga – they are used liberally in many restorative postures to support the spine, hips, or knees for total release.

· Lie down placing your back on a bolster in Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Butterfly Pose) for a gentle heart-opener. Try different sizes of bolsters and be sure to align the longest part of the bolster in the same direction as your spine.

· Place a folded blanket under the knees to help relieve pressure while in poses on all fours as well as other poses such as Parighasana (Gate Pose) that put pressure on the knees. We love our knees and need to protect them by using a blanket as a cushion during practice.

Wall Space

· The biggest and most available prop! The wall is a great prop to enhance alignment for poses like Trikonasana (Triangle) and to feel more secure while balancing in poses like Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon). For these two poses, simply position yourself so that you can slightly lean against the wall and then come into the pose. With the support of the wall, you will naturally achieve better alignment and stability.

· Using the wall for Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall) is a favorite for calming the nervous system. It really refreshes the body and rejuvenates the legs especially after spending a lot of time standing, walking or running. It is also a great way to gently open the hamstrings thus reducing the potential for over-stretching.

Final Thoughts

Next time you step on your mat, consider reaching for a prop or several! Think of them as compassionate friends who offer you the stability you need when things feel shaky and provide gentle nudges when you're ready to go beyond what you have done before.