Imagine feeling completely weightless and light in Sirsasana/Headstand, or have balance and openness in Trikonasana/Triangle Pose. These are just some of the poses that can benefit from props. Things like wooden blocks, foam bricks, straps, bolsters, blankets, even chairs can change the way you practice. Allowing you to experience poses in a completely different way.
Some yoga traditions, such as Iyengar, heavily rely on props to enhance the practice. Whereas others - Ashtanga or Anusara for example- tend to be light on the props, with the exception of a block or strap here and there.
Why would I Use Props?
A yoga prop is not a crutch. When used correctly, props can allow us to experience the true essence of a pose, actively recruiting the correct musculature, and relieving strain in other areas.
Props also allow us to practice OUR yoga for our own bodies. We do not all have the same length of torso, shape of our humerus/arm bone, or length of femur/thigh bone. When we use a
prop to modify a pose we can often feel lightness, stability, and access our strength in a very individual way.Often deciding to use a prop, especially if you do not typically use one, can be a battle with our ego. Maybe our teacher only suggests props for beginners or people with inflexibility. A prop can be a way to advance your practice, not simply slow it down. When we back off of our edge, we can often gain new insight into how the pose "should" feel in our body.
Prop This
Ardha Chandrasana / Half Moon Pose
Props: Wooden or foam rectangular block
Place the block at the top of your mat, on the floor about a foot in front. From Tadasana/Mountain pose, step back into Virabhadrasana II/Warrior 2. Your back foot is parallel to the end of the mat, and your two hip points/iliac spines are facing the side of the mat, as we lunge into the front knee.
From here, place your back hand on your hip, slowly begin to shift your weight into your front leg, allowing your front hand to float towards the block in front of you. You may be able to reach the floor, but experiment with a block. Remember, the block has three heights, find the one that works for you. Press the hand into the block allowing your chest to expand and open to the side of the mat. The back foot is flexed, toes pointing towards the side wall. Taking your time, raise your top hand up towards the sky, maybe eventually shift your gaze up towards your palm.
Exit the way you entered, and switch sides.
Setu Bhandasana / Bridge Pose
Props: Wooden or foam rectangular block, strap/belt/tie
Set up your strap so that it makes a loop. Place it around your elbows with arms in front of you, the loop should be only as wide as your arms are firmly by your sides. Remove the strap and put it aside for a moment.
Lie on your back with feet hip width apart, parallel to each other. Place the block between your thighs (keeping the legs hip width) approximately one inch above your pubic bone. Press into the feet, lifting your hips up off the floor. Reach for your strap and place it around your arms, just above the elbows, with your arms behind your back. Bend the elbows so that your humerus/arm bone is on the floor, and your hands are pointing up towards the sky. Press your arms into the floor and feel the expansion of your chest. Notice the connection of the shoulder blades on the back. Squeeze the block and feel the release in the sides of the hips. Lift your hips a little higher and open your chest more, sending the heart up and back. Before lowering, remove your strap, then lower the hips to the earth.
These are just two examples of how props can enhance your practice, allowing you to experience a deeper version of the pose.
To learn more about Dr. Robin visit stayactive.ca
Posts
