How to Use Yoga Props

Let's talk about props, shall we? On a day-to-day basis I don't find myself reaching for props but they definitely have their place and can support you in your practice. I chose three common props and broke down what they're used for and then gave some visuals on how you can incorporate them into your poses. I loved putting this one together for you all so I hope you enjoy it!

Block/Brick

Blocks are a great way to “raise the floor” and can be used lengthways or on the shorter edge, depending on what you might need it for.  If you are in a pose where you can’t quite reach the ground, sliding a block or two underneath your hand(s) can be a great and safe way to ensure you are getting the most out of a pose.

If you find yourself rounding your back in a standing forward band, use one block under each hand to give yourself extra support to keep the spine long as you bend forward.

For a more restorative Legs Up the Wall, you can support your pelvis by placing the block under your sacrum (right above your tailbone) on the flat/lowest side. Raise your legs up to the sky.

Place a block underneath you while you are in a seated pose to assist in helping you sit up straighter. It does this by tilting the pelvis forward, thus, lengthening the spine.

Blocks are also great for supporting alignment in hip opening poses such as Pigeon. To modify Pigeon, bring the edge of the block directly underneath the butt of the bent leg. This elevates the side of the hip to bring more stability to the pose.

Advance your heart openers using two blocks to recline onto. Place one block between your shoulder blades and another under your head for support. Bring the soles of your feet together and allow your knees to open up to the side. Adjust block height according to your needs.

Yoga Strap
(Can be substituted for a scarf, necktie, belt, or something similar)

Yoga straps are awesome for getting some help within yoga poses or they can be used to simply get some extra oomph in a basic stretch. Straps can help with support, alignment, and posturing.

A great way to help open your hamstrings and keep a straight back within a seated forward bend is to place the middle of the strap around the balls of your feet. Hold onto the ends of the strap and straighten out your legs. GENTLY pull yourself forward.

If keeping the spine long is a struggle in half bow pose, a strap is a great way to stabilize and help out your core. Bend your legs and place the strap around your feet, holding the ends of the strap with both hands. Slowly lift your legs keeping the spine long. You can keep the legs bent or straighten them.

 Yoga Bolster
(can also be substituted with a pillow, cushion, blanket)

Bolsters are fantastic props that are very supportive and can help create relaxation, help soften postures, and aid in opening the body.Child’s pose is a very comfy resting pose but you can make it even more lovely by placing a bolster between your knees and resting your upper body and head on the bolster.

If you want extra support in a reclined twist, placing a bolster under the bent knee is great.

Placing a bolster underneath the knees relieves tension in the lower back so it’s  fantastic for anyone who experiences lower back issues.

Supported backbends/heart openers are great for allowing the shoulders, chest and abdomen to open and relax - giving you a wonderful stretch. This is especially great for those of us who spend a lot of time looking down at our phones or typing on computers. This pose can be done by placing a bolster behind you vertically and lining up the shorter end of it directly with the low back. Once you have it snugly situated, slowly lay back on it. Let your arms drape out to each side of the bolster.

Blocks, straps and bolsters are three of the most common props so if you use them in your practice, or want to give them a go, hopefully this was helpful for ya! Do you guys like these more technical blog posts? Let me know! And of course you can always find more guidance in my app!