Although some students don’t like props
because they seem like such a hassle and maybe also because they’re seen by
some as a sign of ‘weakness’, props are essential.
You need to relax into yoga poses and you
can relax more effectively if your body is being fully supported, rather than
you having to use your muscles to support you.
But using props doesn’t mean you need to spend loads of money. For almost every prop we use in our poses, there is something in your house that you can use in its place.
Blocks. In most cases, you can use a book or a stack of books in place of a block. The only time you need to be careful about this is when you are placing both hands on a height (for example, in Downward-Facing Dog with hands on blocks). In this case, make sure the books are exactly the same height. And, of course, if you’re handy, there is no reason why you can’t make your own blocks out of pieces of wood you happen to have out in your garage. Just be sure to sand them well so you don’t get any splinters!
Straps. For a yoga strap substitute, look no further than your wardrobe. You can use a belt (leather or cloth), and the sash from a bathrobe works quite well. You could even use a tie. Although it’s sometimes useful to have the ability to make a loop, you could tie a knot in a belt for the same effect. Just make sure that the cloth isn’t stretchy, as it won’t provide the necessary support if there is a lot of give to it.
Bolsters. You can fake a bolster by rolling a couple of blankets into a firm roll. Start with one single blanket that is folded into quarters. Then, from the narrow side, roll the blanket into a tight, firm roll. Then fold your second blanket into quarters. Finally, place the rolled-up first blanket on top of the flat second blanket, lining up the edges of both at narrow end, and then roll the second blanket around the first. Another possibility is to use a sleeping bag that has been rolled up inside its bag for storage.
In many poses, the bolster doesn’t even need to be a round shape. In this case, you can fold some blankets into long, thin rectangles and stack them on top of each other.
But using props doesn’t mean you need to spend loads of money. For almost every prop we use in our poses, there is something in your house that you can use in its place.
Blocks. In most cases, you can use a book or a stack of books in place of a block. The only time you need to be careful about this is when you are placing both hands on a height (for example, in Downward-Facing Dog with hands on blocks). In this case, make sure the books are exactly the same height. And, of course, if you’re handy, there is no reason why you can’t make your own blocks out of pieces of wood you happen to have out in your garage. Just be sure to sand them well so you don’t get any splinters!
Straps. For a yoga strap substitute, look no further than your wardrobe. You can use a belt (leather or cloth), and the sash from a bathrobe works quite well. You could even use a tie. Although it’s sometimes useful to have the ability to make a loop, you could tie a knot in a belt for the same effect. Just make sure that the cloth isn’t stretchy, as it won’t provide the necessary support if there is a lot of give to it.
Bolsters. You can fake a bolster by rolling a couple of blankets into a firm roll. Start with one single blanket that is folded into quarters. Then, from the narrow side, roll the blanket into a tight, firm roll. Then fold your second blanket into quarters. Finally, place the rolled-up first blanket on top of the flat second blanket, lining up the edges of both at narrow end, and then roll the second blanket around the first. Another possibility is to use a sleeping bag that has been rolled up inside its bag for storage.
In many poses, the bolster doesn’t even need to be a round shape. In this case, you can fold some blankets into long, thin rectangles and stack them on top of each other.
Blankets. If you don’t use blankets at home, a stack of towels can do the trick. Because towels are thinner than wool blankets, you’ll have to use more to achieve the same height.
Yoga Mats. If you are practising in a room with a wooden or carpeted floor, you might not even need a yoga mat at all for your standing poses. Try it and see. If you are resting your head on the floor, and the floor is too hard, you can put a thin towel under your head. You can also use a towel for cushioning your knees or any other part of your body.
Eye Pillows. I don’t use them, but for those that do, an eye pillow has two functions. The first is to block out the light, which can also be achieved by draping a scarf or soft fabric over your eyes. The second purpose is to add a little weight to your eyelids, to enhance relaxation, so you could wrap the scarf around a folded flannel or a small bag filled with rice.
You can also be creative with furniture such as chairs, sofas, benches, ottomans, and coffee tables in a variety of poses.
These ideas are just for starters – I’m
sure you can find more of your own.
Enjoy!
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