01.21.26 The Power of Props!
If you’ve seen my latest Instagram post, you probably already seen my post about using props in a yoga practice. If you’ve never used props in your practice before (GASP), you have been missing out, my friend. When I think about the Pros and Cons, the only negatives I can really think of would be cost and space.
I like to think of yoga props as being these wonderful tools you can put in your yoga toolbox! If you are brand new to yoga and want to start building your toolbox, I would recommend buying two blocks and a simple yoga blanket. Personally, I use cork blocks for my at home practice and I love them! For under $50 on Amazon, you can get a pair of Gaiam cork blocks and a handmade Mexican blanket. Trust me, I know what it’s like to pinch pennies and not have the funds to buy all the gadgets and gizmos but just know that it is OK to start small and take time to build up your toolbox.
Now, I do want to also bring up the potential “no space” issue. If you have been talking yourself out of getting a certain prop because you may not have the space, well, here’s what I say to that. I’m sure you have space but it may require cleaning out a closet you haven’t been wanting to do or organizing under your bed. Now before you start saying to yourself “well, I’ve done all of that”, go through your bedroom drawers (yours and your partners lol) and see if there are clothes you can donate. Maybe you can donate enough to clear half a drawer or even a full drawer. There’s your space! And it’s out of the way and nobody knows it’s there! ;-)
And if you are still reading, thank you for sticking with me during this rant because it’s gone much longer than I anticipated. I appreciate you! I’m being lovingly blunt about this because I care about you and your practice! The time you get on your mat is precious and I truly feel that adding props can elevate your practice and self-care.
Here are just some of the wonderful benefits to using props:
Enhance alignment & support
Creates accessibility for ALL bodies
Can spark creativity and exploration in your practice
Increase stability & strength
Improves flexibility without meeting your full range of motion
Allows you to soften, release, and relief tension
To FINALLY wrap this up, here are the props I use in my personal practice… a strap, blanket(s), medium bolster, blocks, myofascial release balls, and fascial roller.
Until next time…
With love,
Alesia