Who's Got The Props?

Props are often the ugly step children of yoga classes. Students tend to avoid them, believing that they are only intended for beginners' use. But nothing could be further from the truth. Props can enhance your yoga practice regardless of your level of experience. They can help students avoid injury, maintain proper alignment and allow them to hold poses for a longer period of time, and therefore reap some of the therapeutic benefits of their asanas.  So don't be shy, grab that block, blanket or strap. You never know where it may take you!

Some props that can be used in your practice include:

Blocks - Yoga blocks can be found in a variety of colors and materials (wood, cork or foam). They come in handy when trying to maintain alignment in postures that require you to reach for the floor (including Extended Side Angle and Half Moon). Blocks can also be placed under hips to keep them level in various seated and supine postures.
Yoga Mommy Tip - When starting to work with arm balances such as Bakasana (Crow Pose), use a block under your feet, until you are comfortable supporting the weight of your body on your hands.

Straps - If you think only people with Gumby arms can pull off arm binds, the yoga strap can be your best friend, adding a little artificial length to your arms until you gain more flexibility. Generally found in cotton and nylon varieties, straps can also help to deepen your stretch in backward bends and forward folds.

The Wall - This is the one prop you're almost certain to have access to regardless of where you practice (indoors, that is), The wall can be used for support as you are finding your balance in postures such as Vrksasana (Tree) and Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III). It's also a great way to find integrity in hip opening postures such as Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle) and Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II). If you are properly aligned, both shoulders will make contact with the wall as you are open in the pose. You may be surprised at the small adjustments you may have to make to execute the pose properly. The wall does not lie!

Don't Skimp On Savasana

These days, we have very few excuses to do nothing. With computers and smart phones, we're expected to tune-in, be available and stay connected with the rest of the world at all times. Our packed schedules force us to account for every minute of the day, so it's no wonder that many people find it difficult to justify making time to lie still and do absolutely nothing - even if it is part of their yoga practice. 

I can't tell you how many times I've been in classes where students have walked out before Savasana (corpse pose) begins or somewhere in the middle. I've even been guilty of stopping a DVD during final relaxation in order to make sure dinner is on the table in time.  

While it may look like you're doing nothing, Savasana is one of the most important parts of your asana practice. The pose allows you to focus on your breath and truly bring your awareness inward. This is a great time to check in with the various parts of your body, and notice how things feel after all of the bending, stretching and twisting. It can be difficult to notice these sensations when you're busy doing other things. Lying in this restorative posture is also a wonderful stress reliever that can help with symptoms of mild depression, headache and fatigue. 

So do yourself a favor and stick around for final relaxation. You will be amazed by how much you can get out of even just a few minutes of allowing your body and breath to settle at the end of your practice. 

Yoga Mommy Tip: Try to include 5 minutes of Savasana for every 30 minutes of practice. If you feel any discomfort in your lower back, place a rolled mat or blanket under your knees. 

When you are ready to come out of the pose, roll over to your right side and press up slowly to a comfortable sitting position with your left hand. Your head should come up last.