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Props Used in Various Yoga Formats

This is an excerpt from Complete Guide to Yoga Props, The by Jenny Clise.

As yoga has evolved over time, various practices have been developed to suit different formats and purposes, and some of them work best with the use of props. Within the realm of niche yoga styles, revolving around the creative use of props, you can find formats such as chair yoga, aerial yoga, prenatal yoga, and even acroyoga, which uses another human body as a structural support for your practice! In the case of chair yoga, having a yoga chair in class is essential, because it serves as the primary tool alongside your own body. Chair yoga is particularly beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to get up and down from the ground, struggle with balance, or rely on modified practices. However, this doesn’t mean that chair yoga is limited to specific individuals; it can cater to practitioners of all levels and body types. For example, chair yoga can be a great option for those who can’t spare the time for a full yoga class in their day but still want tools to stretch, release stress, and move their muscles at their office desk throughout the day. Moreover, chair yoga has the potential to be both challenging and intricate, making it suitable for a wide range of practitioners.

Certain yoga practices, such as restorative yoga, therapeutic yoga, or Iyengar yoga, heavily rely on the use of props to provide support for the body. In restorative yoga, the focus is on fully releasing into each asana, and props such as bolsters, blankets, and straps play a vital role in allowing the release of tension in the body by allowing the bones to feel heavy and the muscles to soften, as well as reducing stress on specific joints and connective tissue. This setup also facilitates a deeper meditative state and initiates the process of calming the nervous system.

While props may be used in similar ways in yin yoga, the intention behind the practice differs significantly. Some practitioners view props as a form of cheating, associating them with restorative yoga and believing they are unnecessary for achieving the aesthetic aspects of postures in yin. However, Bernie Clark (2015), an influential teacher in yin yoga, counters this perspective, highlighting the multiple benefits of props in yin yoga. They can help adjust stress levels in specific areas, create length and space, make challenging positions achievable, provide support for muscles to release, and increase overall comfort, enabling postures to be sustained for longer durations.

In yin yoga, the focus is on intentionally stressing the connective tissue, which leads to a deeper inner experience and exploration of our neuroanatomy during meditation. As the mind encounters stillness and occasional discomfort, props become essential for safely and effectively applying prolonged stress to the connective tissue. They offer support for joints on hard surfaces and prevent muscles from being overstretched, reducing the risk of harm or injury. Embracing props in yin yoga allows practitioners to delve into their inner experiences and navigate the journey with mindfulness and awareness.

For those seeking a more profound meditation or pranayama practice, incorporating props like a chair, a wall, or meditation bolsters can be highly beneficial during long periods of stillness while sitting or lying down. These props help alleviate any discomfort that may distract the mind and hinder the practice. Moreover, specific props can be employed to enhance the awareness of breath, like breathing into the belly while resting on the floor or using a weighted blanket to feel the release of the diaphragm muscle during each breath. Additionally, looping a strap around the ribs can accentuate the expansion of the rib cage with every breath, further deepening the connection with the breath during the practice. By using these props strategically, practitioners can cultivate a more profound and focused meditation or pranayama experience.

In some yoga practices, the use of props varies depending on the teacher’s approach. Personally, I incorporate yoga props into nearly all my classes as they serve specific functions within each session. As explained in the preface of this book, my intention is to empower students to use props effectively rather than simply having them nearby without much guidance. Often, students might feel hesitant or intimidated to use props when given the option to use them if they think they need them. This could be because they are unsure how to use the props correctly or they may not want to be perceived as needing additional support, because props are commonly associated with modifications or injury. I believe that some of the misconceptions surrounding props in more rigorous practices, such as vinyasa classes, might be due to a lack of resources or training for teachers on how to incorporate props effectively. By not intentionally guiding students on how to use props in class, we may unintentionally convey the message that props are only meant for modification until someone is capable enough to practice without them.

However, this does not have to be the case! Props can be incredibly versatile tools that can elevate the challenge of various postures and drills. Using props in this intentional manner not only enhances the overall yoga experience but also allows students to adapt and align to new meanings and perspectives. When props are essential to a particular aspect of our practice, they provide valuable opportunities for growth and exploration. Ultimately, using props strategically can enrich our yoga journey, and they should be seen as valuable allies in our practice rather than just aids for modification.

More Excerpts From Complete Guide to Yoga Props

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