Props can be an invaluable part of any yoga practice – from the beginner to the advanced practitioner. They can help make challenging poses more accessible, modify certain poses to support injuries, improve balance, flexibility, and range of motion. Using props can help your practice progress, as they allow you to stay longer in some poses, encouraging a deeper opening; they can help improve the quality of your practice in easing you into proper alignment and keeping you there. However, due to the nature of our mobile, come-to-you approach to yoga, we are not able to provide props to our corporate yoga clients. There are a number of ways you can make your own yoga props out of things you already have in your office or at home to support your yoga practice. Try these tips:
-A rolled up sweater or towel under sensitive knees in a low lunge
-A towel or thick blanket rolled under the knees or low back for a supported savasana
-Cut a tennis ball in half to use as wrist support in plank pose or downward dogs
-Tie two neckties together or use a strong cloth belt as a strap in any poses you can’t reach your feet
-An old phonebook (or two) as a block under the hips in pigeon or under the legs in a reclined twist
Yoga props are a great way to increase your strength and flexibility with minimal frustration, but they don’t need to cost a small fortune or fill a room. Get creative and try incorporating materials you already have into your yoga class for maximum benefit and comfort.