If you are new to yoga and yoga props, let me introduce you to three magic pieces of equipment that are a part of my personal practice and yoga teaching toolkit. On inspection, they might just look like an odd piece of cork or foam in the shape of a rectangular prism. Others might resemble a rather lengthy piece of material – like an oversized material belt – with a buckle attached that is adjustable. It could also look like a firm and fancy cylindrical pillow or cushion. These are now totally embellished as yoga props to support your practice and all have different purposes and price points, depending on the quality.
Adding these pieces of equipment, popularly known as yoga props – to your newly established practice – adds value, support and so many more opportunities to create space and support where you need it most. Props can open the pathway to exploring a pose or a part of your practice that is providing you with some challenge and you are feeling frustratingly restricted by that.
Understanding how to use and where to implement yoga props to support your yoga practice, can add a whole new dimension and level of confidence. Props allow you to move your practice towards a more sustainable experience…AND…open avenues to a whole new platform of body sensations; for both the beginner and advanced yogi.
With countless variations to the ways in which you can introduce a prop (or many) to your practice, it seems a no brainer not to pick one up and play around. If the limitation in this area looks like a lack of knowledge and experience and some creative thinking, then stick with me.
My top three props?
Not necessarily in any particular order of priority, props are simply put a clever way to enhance your yoga experience and provide support, space and comfort to your burgeoning practice.
1. Yoga Blocks and how to choose the right one for you
Yoga blocks come in a variety of materials and it requires some personal research to come to your own conclusion on the type of block that resonates with you.
Cork Blocks: The benefit of a cork block is the sturdy support they provide; there is absolutely no give in them. This means that you can move in the direction of where you want to head with a greater sense of trust and confidence that you will be supported.
Solid Foam Blocks: These are similar in characteristics to the cork blocks (bar the material) and will provide you with sturdy support. Being foam there is some give; however, it does not compromise the stability you are seeking.
Spongy Foam Blocks: These are spongy and do not offer the same stability and support that a cork or solid foam block does. However, where they do accommodate you in a way that the other blocks most certainly don’t – is their ability to gently cushion those parts of your body that require a touch more softness and tenderness while supporting and creating space and openness.
Regardless of your personal preference the rectangular shape of the block can be positioned to a low, medium or higher setting, offering a great gauge to the progression of your practice in some poses.
A yoga block can support your practice by:
- Shortening the distance of your reach (where you are limited by flexibility or just very limited space to move due to skin meeting skin or bone meeting bone). If your hands won’t make it to the ground in a forward fold, make the ground come to you by setting your blocks to a level that accommodates you the best.
2. Yoga Straps make your practice playful and fun
A yoga strap comes equipped with a non-slip buckle which allows you to create a loop as large or as small as you need to accommodate an individual pose or purpose. Similar to a block, they make a reach towards a body part more accessible by bringing it to you, instead of you sometimes awkwardly meeting that part.
Straps: Come in a range of materials and lengths but an ideal one should include a buckle that either clips up or locks in with some type of shackle to create a loop.
A yoga strap can support your practice by:
- Making your reach for a limb more accessible (that is if you are seated with your legs extended and can’t quite reach your toes, your strap loops around the inner arch of your feet, in effect the strap becomes an extension of your arms and moves you in the direction of your feet).
3. Yoga Bolsters support Your Way to Restoring and Renewing
A bolster is quite often associated with yogic rest at the end of a practice but can also popularly support the duration of a yin / restorative class. It is used to prop up and support your practice with ease and comfort in mind.
Again, there is a minefield of choices available and it can be just as overwhelming as looking at a menu feeling pressured into choosing your meal because everyone is ravenous and waiting for you. Take your time and if you are without a real prop, improvise by using a rolled-up towel or blanket as support.
A Yoga bolster can support your practice by:
- Cushioning any part of your body where you choose to experience some rest and relaxation. (That could look and feel like elevating your bolster with your block on a low to medium setting (like building a ramp). Lay your spine down, up the length of the ramp and settle your legs where they are comfortable. Let your hands rest by your side and gently close down your eyes. Allow yourself the luxury of rest and renewal and notice what you notice).
Have fun exploring and if you are after more ways to integrate props into your practice, then pop on over to my Pose Library to find some inspiration. Remember to keep your practice light, fun and make it an explorational journey.
Namaste
