Using a Yoga Prop in Your Yoga Practice

The different types of yoga props and how you use them.

B.K.S. Iyengar introduced the yoga prop as a means of supporting proper alignment of the joints and bones during postures. Maintaining proper alignment is key to preventing injuries. Props can also help you to get deeper into the poses.

Anyone doing yoga can incorporate props. But props are especially useful for beginners, for people who do not have a great deal of flexibility, for anyone recovering from injuries, and for those with special physical needs.

Typical Yoga Props

The Yoga Block - The yoga block often is useful when doing a Forward Bend and your hamstrings are not yet flexible enough to allow one to comfortably touch the hands to the floor. Yoga blocks are a great aid to help you maintain proper alignment in many challenging poses. Stack up several blocks to gain height and as a support in certain poses.

75 cm Blue Anti-Burst Yoga Ball with Free Pump "Our yoga balls are made from a durable vinyl, and are designed to support up to 600 pounds of pressure. The balls are shipped uninflated, and can be inflated quickly and easily with a ball pump. Each ball comes with a free pump. Physical therapists and dancers use physio exercise balls in a variety of movements. In yoga, these air-filled balls give support in poses such as backbends, hip openers and restorative poses."

The Yoga Strap - Here is another yoga prop that is very useful. Straps can help you reach or interact with your limbs such as feet and hands during certain postures. This will help those who have limited flexibility. With straps you can maintain proper alignment and lengthen your body. For example, use a strap in the Cow Pose when you are not yet able to grasp your hands behind your back. The use of the strap allows one's arms to be comfortable, so you can fully relax forward in the pose.

Yoga Ball - This yoga prop is extremely versatile. It is one that you might end up employing in your yoga routine several times each week. The yoga ball is an excellent prop for developing core strength. You will build up significant muscle fibers when doing postures, keeping the ball from rolling and yourself from falling. Beginners will find it useful as well as those recovering from injuries. It helps with support and alignment. A yoga ball is also great for stretching. You can get an extended range of motion with the ball.

Blankets - Blankets can offer many benefits. They can help support you in poses, they provide padding, and they also provide warmth - making you more comfortable in restorative poses.

Less Common Yoga Props

Backbend Benches - These help to support you during backbends. They reduce straining and allow your spine to maintain proper alignment while increasing flexibility in your shoulders, chest and the front of your body.

Eye Pillows - Eye Pillows are soft cushions that you place on your eyes. This helps you to focus inward and achieve a greater sense of peace and calmness during relaxation poses.

There are times when using a yoga prop can deepen your practice. At other times, you may feel that you do not need to use them. The important thing is to pay attention to your body. Respond to what it needs, each time you practice.

About the Author:  Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches, Harvest The Sun | Renewable Energy, Dieting Help, Organic Dark Chocolate, and Samurai Weapons.

News about Yoga Props

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