By Bronwyn Ison
From mats to straps, blankets and blocks, bolsters and eye pillows. Props help ensure support to deepen your practice. Greater support means heightened awareness, greater movement and an increased flow of energy in your practice. Sometimes we need a little extra help and props enable us achieve our overall goal or end result. Those new to yoga may ponder why all the gear?
The first yoga prop you will need to acquire is a yoga mat often referred to as a “sticky mat.” I adopted my mat fourteen years ago and use the same one to this day. I without remorse love my mat. Or, perhaps I should reference my mat as my magic carpet. Abundant magic has happened on my mat the past fourteen years. Owning a mat is important. Your mat will give you stability, traction and support.
Yoga blocks are essential to your yoga practice. Yoga blocks come in different shapes, sizes, colors and firmness. They are ideal for beginners. The block can help support the student in numerous postures. The block allows the student to experiment at different levels in standing or seated postures. A block can also be useful for restorative postures.
Bolsters come in different sizes and shapes. A bolster provides support especially in restorative yoga classes. They are also wonderful for deep stretching and helpful with supporting your back, belly, hamstrings and chest. Typically they are firm and dense, lending exceptional support.
Straps come in different lengths. The strap allows you to facilitate your goal. Imagine you are seated on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. You are precluded from touching your toes. Wrap the strap around the bottom of your feet, hold onto the strap, and lengthen your chest towards the top of your thighs. The strap simply gives you the confidence that you can reach and extend a little more.
Blankets are exceptionally helpful for your yoga practice. Many students shy away from using blankets simply because they do not know what to do with them. A blanket can be of help to anyone’s practice to get grounded, offer support and much more. Using a blanket is helpful for a seated meditation. While seated on the blanket your hips can release and relax as well help extend your spine. Seated on the blanket prevents rounding in the back. Blankets support you in challenging postures such as pigeon (a hip opener). Threading a blanket under the hip eases any sensations of pain, pressure or pulling in pigeon posture. Plus, blankets are comforting. Placing the blanket under your knees in savasana supports the lower back.
If you are new to yoga, props may be an essential component to your practice. I love the support that props lend to the practice. Join a yoga class near you and experience the joy of the practice.
Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga in La Quinta. www.e-volveyoga.com
(760) 564-YOGA ~ 50-991 Washington Street, La Quinta
