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Props For the Win

Writer's picture: Tracey L. KelleyTracey L. Kelley

B.K.S. Iyengar was a preeminent yoga teacher and philosopher. Much of what we know and understand about modern yoga—especially the foundational Hatha discipline and his namesake, Iyengar Yoga—he created and introduced to the world.


He was quite sickly as a child, but through yoga, he was able to make an amazing transformation, which really influenced his teaching.


Britannica notes that "he used a personal approach characterized by sensitivity to his students’ physiques.



His method took into account how difficult it is for students to meditate, relax, and control their breathing while being twisted into unnatural postures. He introduced the use of various props—for example, blocks, chairs, and blankets—to make yoga less daunting, especially to Westerners."


I'm a big fan of props, and know what a difference they can make in how you feel, where you can best settle into a pose, and even as offer subtle benchmarks into how you're progressing in practice (no longer need a block to reach for in a Forward Bend because your fingertips touch the floor? Hooray!) So I frequently encourage students to use them whenever necessary.


However, I also don't want anyone to feel they need a closet full of props in order to practice efficiently, and how items you have around the house are often great substitutes—or just arranging your body differently can help. For example, in Forward Bend, while the reach is great, it's the spinal extension that matters most.


So if you've been in class with me enough, you've heard cues like:


  • Use a folded blanket, pillow, or couch cushion if you don't have a block.

  • Bend your knees to elongate the spine.

  • Touch your fingertips to your shin, ankle, or tops of your feet.

  • Do Half-Fold instead of Forward Bend earlier in the session, then advance to Forward Bend as you warm up.


While yoga postures present interesting, aspirational challenges, they should also help you relieve stress and move—or sit—with ease. This allows for more focused breath, which signals your nervous system to calm down, and you feel better. Iynegar gave us a real gift with the use of props—and especially the permission to make our practice more accessible, regardless of what might be happening on any given day. If you'd like more ideas on how to structure your practice with aids, please ask me.



(Photo by Carl Barcelo on Unsplash)

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