The use of props in yoga can completely transform the practice, and opens up an almost infinite range of possibilities. They can make poses more accessible, help you target specific muscle groups or sections of movement, or even make a pose more challenging.
And they don’t have to cost the earth. We’ll be adding a resources section soon that will include a list of props and other equipment that we recommend. Having spent a lot of money on various items that turned out to be not fit for purpose, hopefully we can help guide you towards quality, affordable products that will do just what you need them for!
In the meantime, not having props doesn’t mean you can’t still do yoga. Here are some ideas for simple substitutions you can make using common household items:
- For blocks – books
- For bolsters – cushions, pillows, rolled blankets or towels
- For straps – dressing gown or similar belt, skipping rope
- For sandbags – sealed food bags filled with rice and wrapped in a pillowcase
- For a yoga chair – any stable chair, preferably with back support but without arms
Some examples of where props can be really helpful include using:
- a chair to adapt standing poses
- sandbags to add weight for an enhanced passive stretch
- blocks for stability when you can’t otherwise reach the floor
- bolsters or straps for support to avoid over-stretching
- sandbags for grounding in relaxation (particularly helpful for anxiety)
- straps for controlling movements when you can’t comfortably reach, such as in a supine hamstring stretch
The only limitation is your imagination, so get creative!
Thanks for reading
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