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!