Give ‘em their props.
I never understood why props felt like a weakness in a power class and a godsend in a soft class. As students we often like to make things more challenging. We think we’re proving just how strong we really are. When in reality… it’s wiser to accept where we are on our own unique journey and we should use every tool we have.
Blocks:
can create stability in the shakiest of practitioners. Bringing the floor closer to you or creating support structure beneath you. They can allow you to find a expression of openness never before reached. Accepting blocks as buddies, rather than the pool floaties you loathed as a child, will take your practice to the next level. In the event you suffer from any wrist injuries or Arthritis consider different styles of blocks.
Bolsters:
it’s comfy, it’s cozy, it’s the hug you need after a long day. The bolster is there to provide support comfort. The pillow like form encourages you to relax and unwind. If you’re practicing in a hot yoga studio it’s highly unlikely you’ll be exposed to bolsters as it serves in the softer styles of yoga. If you find yourself gravitating to softer styles of yoga then I would encourage you to buy your own bolster before purchasing your own mat.
Straps:
can be a point of contention for some practitioners as you should never push or pull yourself into a posture. Rather you should be able to find each posture on your own and use the props to provide stability. That being said, I love to use the strap to shoulder floss but have begun discouraging students from using it to hoist their leg up into Nataranjasana (Dancer Pose). However, the strap is a wonderful tool with limitless potential and I am always amazed by how teachers utilize it, from head hammocks to hip slings. The limit does not exist.
Blankets:
I think any yogi can agree once you’ve been practicing for awhile you just start accumulating yoga blankets like parking tickets in college. But maybe its just me. The yoga blanket is a cure all for most ailments in yoga. Boney knees and butts beware. Sore wrists a thing of the past. Just grab a blanket and add support or comfort whenever you need. Again, not often will you find blankets utilized in a heated space. If so, do yourself a favor, ask about the cleaning cycle.
Sand Bags
Leave them to the professionals folks. I’m only half kidding, adding unnecessary weight to any posture could be problematic. As much as you may want to purchase your own sand bags take a few classes from a teacher who utilizes them first. Its a chef’s kiss to any yin or restorative class. Sure you can get creative with how you use any prop but I encourage you to keep the sand bags in the comfort category.
Eye Pillows:
The perfect accessory to any meditation or yoga class in general. Although you can always toss a towel over your face to help settle into savasana. Nothing quite compares to the soft weight pressing against your eyelids that proper eye pillow provides. Although it can be used in any practice you’ll typically encounter these in meditation classes or even in a sound healing session. If you are using these after a hot practice I encourage you to wrap it in a towel or have washable coverings that you can rotate. Unless you enjoy them in your own meditation practice its not supper necessary, just nice.
Yoga Wheel:
I like leaving the hype items for last. Don’t get me wrong the yoga wheel is fun and a great tool for exploration. So keeping that in mind I think its incredibly unhelpful to the beginner level student. Once your confident with most postures and your alignment, go for it. It’s fun I get it, be playful. Maintain your balance and approach with an open heart.
Hopefully now you feel a bit more confident when selecting your props for class and have a better idea of how that item can serve you and your practice. If there are any props I haven’t mentioned that you would like to hear more about please feel free to leave a message. I would love to expand on this article in the future. Cheers.
XOXO
Ken
