Deepen Your Yoga Practice with Yoga Props

Feb. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- Most people do not use props in their yoga practice mainly because they do not understand how to use them.  Some people believe that the use of props somehow make one weak or less of a yoga practicioner than someone who does not use props.  The truth is that no matter how long or how experience one may be, the use of yoga props will make for a more enjoyable and accessible practice.  Props help reduce strain and increase the benefits of yoga.

Every person is different and the use of yoga props are useful tools to help suit a yoga practice to the needs of the individual.  One of the most important things to remember is that everyone has differing levels of flexibility and strength and the use of props ensure the safe movement from one pose to another without strain or injury.  The use of props makes it possible to find correct alignment within the pose, which over time, facilitates opening and strengthening of the body.  This gradual strengthening and opening of the body will eventually make it possible to enjoy the poses without the use of props.

Ok, so you have decided that the use of props may be for you, but what types are out there, when do you use them and how.  Let's answer these questions now.

Types of Yoga Props

The most typical yoga props include blocks, usually foam or wood, straps, blankets and pillows/bolsters.  A bolster is a thick, rectangular pillow typically used in restorative poses.  For some postures, the use of a wall or a folding chair may be appropriate.  If you are not at home and need a quick stretch, you can use a stack of books or anything to create height as a block or a belt, tie or anything else long and strong for a yoga strap.  

When to Use Yoga Props

So now that we know the types of yoga props that are available, when do we use them? Props are used so that individuals can meet their physical needs safely and effectively.  For example, when practicing a standing forward fold or triangle pose, if the fingertips do not reach the floor, place the hands on a block instead.  For seated postures or leg stretches propping the hips up on blankets or wedge and looping a strap around the balls of the feet make these poses easily accessible to all flexibility types for a safer more stable stretch .  If there is pain or strain felt in any poses, it is imperative to come out of the pose and adjust, using props to effectively lengthen arms and legs to make the pose more comfortable.  A feeling of mild resistance while performing a pose is expected, however, the old saying "no pain, no gain" has no place in yoga.  Visit http://www.yogastuffplus.com/page/page/7665358.htm for links to all of these type yoga props and more.

How Props Help to Deepen a Yoga Practice

When the body is tight and forced to move into a certain pose or posture, strain is created and the body is being set up for injury.  The use of props when needed eliminates the strain placed on the body and risk of injury.  Using props also aids in finding one proper alignment in poses, opening and strengthening the muscles of the body in a healthy and safe manner.  Without proper alignment in postures, the body tends to take the path of least resistance, moving the stretch of the posture into areas that are already flexible and avoiding the areas that are tight.  In postures, such as a seated forward fold, the hamstrings are not long enough for some people to  touch their toes, therefore the stretch tends to move into the lower back, causing strain.  By holding a strap around the ball of the foot, it is easier to keep the lower back long and move deeper into the hamstrings where the stretch belongs.

The most important thing to remember is that everyone, every body, is different with different strength and flexibility levels.  Yoga is not a competition, when moving through yoga poses it is important to work at a level that is appropriate for you and the use of props will allow you to move into and out of poses safely without the risk of strain or injury.

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