TOP 5 Props for Your Practice
/When I started practicing yoga I couldn’t touch my toes. No matter how hard a tried to muscle into poses I would hit a wall of stiffness. But then again - why did I need to? Touching my toes was a means to stretching my hamstrings and grounding. Working with the function of the pose over the form allows us to change both physically and energetically. When I finally did begin to incorporate props my practice opened up. I was able to move through the stiffness and blocked energy within the body.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
The next time you practice consider where you need help. Blocks helped bring the floor up to me in forward folds, a strap offered the extension required to maintain good posture, a bolster provided the support I needed to be able to surrender into stillness.
Add props into your practice and bring the poses to YOU.
1. BLOCKS
Make transitions and poses more accessible with the help of blocks. I always recommend purchasing 2 so they can be under the hands in down dog to more easily step the foot through to warrior 2 or placed beneath sacrum in a restorative bridge pose.
MY PICK :
The Manduka Cork blocks (4" x 6" x 9")
$20 / block
Household swap // books
2. YOGA MAT
Provide cushion + grip for yoga asana practice. Things to consider when purchasing the right mat for you - length + thickness + travel.
MY PICK:
lululemon The Reversible BIG Mat 5mm (84")
$98
$80
Household swap // Blanket, towel, floor
3. STRAP
Straps are commonly used as an extension of the body - making poses more accessible while maintaining alignment that supports the function of a pose. A strap with a buckle is ideal as it can also be used to support you in restorative poses.
MY PICK:
Manduka AligN Strap (10’)
$20
Household swap // towel, belt
4. BOLSTER
Bolsters provide support in restorative postures that allow you to completely surrender into stillness + deep relaxation.
MY PICK:
Manduka Enlight Rectangular Bolster
$70
$45
Household swap // pillows, folded / rolled blankets
5. BLANKET
From keeping you warm in savasana to providing extra comfort for the knees in child’s pose, blankets add an extra layer of comfort to your practice,
MY PICK:
$50
Household swap // the blanket(s) you already have!