Best Yoga Props
If you are new to yoga, you may be confused about whether you need yoga props or not. Many experienced practitioners too have certain misconceptions about these accessories. Some feel that they are a modern innovation, designed to make the practice easier, and that they prevent you from experiencing the full benefits of yoga.
Others assume that these are only for beginners, and if you’re an experienced practitioner, you don’t need them.
Some people argue that if the sadhus and yogis of yore didn’t use props, modern practitioners should shun them.
History shows us that the use of props is in fact quite an ancient practice. Old temple sculptures in India, where yoga originated, depict the use of accessories that appear to resemble yoga straps, belts and special crutches that help to maintain the correct posture.
Common yoga props include chairs, bolsters, cushions, mats and blankets, blocks, wheels, knee and elbow pads and more. Props were introduced in the modern era by the famous yoga practitioner BKS Iyengar.
Benefits of Yoga Blocks
One of the important benefits of using a prop while practicing yoga is that it makes it much more accessible. Older or new practitioners, those with restricted mobility, health issues, those who have suffered an injury, or are recovering from surgery, or have physical restrictions can safely practice yoga by using the right props.
Using props like yoga blocks can extend your range of motion and the alignment, so that you get to enjoy more complex poses correctly and in a deeper way. Props improve flexibility so that you can extend the duration of each pose. This helps you to derive the full benefits of each pose.
One of the advantages of this is that it leads to a more meditative, mindful and introspective style of yoga. Instead of simply rushing through the poses in a mechanical way, in a slower and more relaxed way, you can understand how your own body responds.
In practical terms, props provide safety and comfort. You don’t have to worry about straining muscles or ligaments, or be concerned about jerky movements or slipping.
Choosing The Best Yoga Block
Many yoga studios provide their own props, but in the interests of hygiene, it’s always a good idea to have some of your own such as yoga mats and straps. You can purchase other props such as bolsters, blankets, blocks and cushions for your personal use at the studio if you like.
When you decide to use props, the first thing to keep in mind is that it should be done under supervision of an experienced yoga teacher. It’s also important that the teacher is trained in the use of props, because not all trainers follow the same school of yoga.
The kind of props you choose are based on your own requirements for comfort, versatility, safety, health status and support.
Yoga Mats and Blankets: Mats are an essential accessory for any yoga practitioner. No matter what school of yoga you practice, how old you are and whatever your physical condition, the yoga mat is a staple. They provide stability by gripping the floor, offer comfort and cushioning and prevent a range of allergies or other harmful microbes present on the floor from entering your body. Yoga blankets serve the same purpose, but with the added benefit of warmth and extra padding for painful joints.
While choosing them, pick the best quality within your budget, and ensure that they’re manufactured from natural materials rather than synthetic. Mats and blankets are portable, so you can carry them to your yoga class quite easily.
Straps, Belts and Ropes: Made of nylon, cotton or hemp, yoga straps and belts offer support during stretching. This prevents muscle strain. In some asanas you have to extend your limbs to the maximum extent, and the yoga strap or belt allows you to extend your range. Yoga ropes are simple accessories that allow you to remain stable while practicing complex asanas. They help you to avoid back strain and give maximum support during inverted poses.
Blocks and Wedges: These are solid accessories usually made from good quality wood, foam, bamboo or cork. For more information about yoga props including yoga blocks and stretch straps visit, https://restanddigest.com.au/products/yoga-block
They can be placed under the head, back, arms, hips or feet. They ensure that your range gets extended in certain stretching poses and asanas where your head and neck need extra support. Blocks and dowels take the pressure off your back and ankles in sitting poses and bring the floor within closer range in standing and bending poses. Yoga wedges are other props that can be included in this category.
Yoga chairs and Bench: They were originally designed by BKS Iyengar to provide support and comfort during practice. They are versatile, and can be moved around the studio according to your need. Using a yoga chair helps you to get a wider and deeper yoga experience without the anxiety of strain and slippage. Wooden yoga benches are made in a curved design. They help to open the chest and get complete spine support.
Dowels: They are long wooden rods that can be held either in front or at the back of the body during practice. They help with maintaining upper body flexibility, more open breathing and improving shoulder and chest movement.
Pillows and Bolsters: If you need support for your back, shoulders and chest, using good quality yoga pillows and bolsters that are specially designed for yoga practice is a great idea. They take the strain off your lower back and knees in supine and sitting poses. Placing a bolster below your back in lying down poses helps to open the chest and facilitate breathing.
Choosing the right prop makes your practice more enjoyable, comfortable and challenging. Ensure that they are placed correctly, stable and are kept clean.
