I wrote about the basics of yoga props about a year ago and think it is a topic worth revisiting. If you are new to yoga check out my previous post first. It goes over common props, how they are used, and how the can benefit your practice.
I love props. I've used them ever since I took my first BKS Iyengar class over a decade ago. And I rarely practice half moon without a block to this day. Iyengar can be credited with popularizing yoga props and thus making yoga accessible to anybody (any body).
With the right props, poses that otherwise are uncomfortable or not possible for a particular body become spacious and full of possibility.
The most common props you see in yoga classes are blocks, straps, and blankets. Hugger Mugger, maker of all things yoga, came out with an awesome infographic demonstrating how each of these props and a few others can be used. You can check out a larger version on their site here.
One of the things I like about Hugger Mugger's article accompanying this graphic, is that they mention the mat as a prop. Putting the sticky mat in the prop category re-frames how props are categorized.
Props are often shunned by yogis who think of them as crutches but who also wouldn't imagine practicing yoga without their beloved sticky mat.
I don't agree that props are crutches.
Props help us find healthy alignment in the body while we practice asana (physical yoga poses). It is commonly accepted that mats do this by ensuring our feet stay firmly in place so we don't fall when practicing standing poses.
With enough practice, even downward facing dog can be practiced on a sheet of ice. However, the mat provides the needed friction for somebody (most bodies) who hasn't quite mastered the ability to distribute their weight evenly between the hands and feet so that neither slides forward or back. The mat prop is essential to the safety and proper alignment of the yoga practitioner
Other props allow for healthy alignment as well, as I discuss in my yoga props basics post. Blocks bring the floor to the dangling hand allowing the body to find spaciousness in half moon pose; straps connect the hands to the foot in a seated forward fold so the spine can lengthen rather than round; and blankets protect the neck during shoulder stand.
Next time you are in a yoga class and the teacher offers a prop during a pose, why not give it a try? Or maybe you already use props. I'd love to know, what's your opinion on the benefit of props? Do you use them in class?
Namaste,
Katie
