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Yoga props are an excellent way to increase resistance and, thus impact different yoga poses. These props are specially recommended if you are practicing B.K. Iyengar's Hatha yoga . As a matter of fact, Iyengar yoga was distinguished from other types of yogas by its incorporation of props into the practice of yoga.
How to begin with use of props?
To begin with the use of props , it is essential that you begin only with elementary props. Examples of elementary yoga props are yoga block and yoga strap. These two props can be widely used to increase the resistance and effectiveness of yoga poses. They are discussed below:
Yoga blocks
Though this is the second most popular yoga prop, we will discuss it first. Read on to know more about this type of prop.
What are yoga blocks? Yoga blocks are rectangular pieces that measure nine inches in length, six inches in width, and three to four inches in height. These dimensions can be used to the advantage of the practitioner in different ways.
Are they strong enough to support the practitioner's body weight? These blocks are sturdy enough to support the weight of almost all types of adults. The material used to make them varies from foam, wood, cork or even bamboo. All of them are able to withstand the weights of adults. However, their cost is something which varies. Hence, buy any of them keeping in mind your budget.
Can I use anything else? Blocks made of foam, wood and other similar materials are good and assuring to use. However, these were not the original props used by B K Iyengar, the one who devised this type of yoga. He used props such as bricks and wooden blocks. You can use them too as there is no harm in using them. However, just be wary of the rough edges.
Yoga Straps
This is the most popular yoga prop as it is simple to use and quite easily available.
What is it made of? A Yoga strap can be either made of hemp or cotton. The strap is usually six to nine feet long and is provided with a buckle towards its end. This allows a yoga practitioner to slide into a pose and then lock him/herself in for the length of the pose.
How to use it? It is important that while you are using a strap to increase the effectiveness of a pose, you are moving into the position rather pulling your body part (like your legs in the Seated Forward Bend ) into position. And while you are looping it around your leg, it is important that you loop around the balls of your leg.
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