Begin to build Strength at Home and increase your flexibility with the use of yoga props or items you may already have at home!

Props?

Eh! Who needs them?

Technically, you do not have to use props to practice yoga. However, you may be missing out by not using them.

Whether you have been a dancer all of your life or are trying yoga for the first time, incorporating props can reduce the distance between you and the ground (in the forward fold pose), open the hips (in the bound angle), and provide support for standing postures.

As someone who has practiced without props for a long time, I would not recommend that you rush to buy up ALL of the props. Instead, you may integrate props with items you already have and invest in props at your own pace.

Below are a few props (and substitutes) that will amplify the benefits of your at-home practice.

• Yoga mat (or a bath towel)

  • If standing on a bath towel is too slippery, I would recommend using the ground or grippy socks to feel rooted in your practice.

• Yoga blocks (or large books)

  • Using blocks or books is especially great for reaching down if your arms are significantly shorter than your legs (like me).

Strap (or a rolled beach towel)

• This is great for shoulder and hip openers. If you have ever tried Humble Warrior with tight shoulders, you know what I’m saying!

Though this list is not exhaustive, these props are a good set of items to build Strength at Home.

Namaste