From Blocks to Bolsters: Yoga Props Deciphered

Blocks offer the stability needed for ideal alignment, deeper poses, and increased strength. If seated poses make you cringe, employing a block can take some of the edge off your hamstrings or lower back. If you're unable to touch the ground in standing poses, bring the ground closer to you by balancing your hand on a block instead of the floor! You'll get the same benefits of the full posture without the risk of pushing yourself too far.

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When you walk into a yoga studio, chances are you'll see big stack of woven blankets. These guys are wonderful to sit on at the start of class to get your back in comfortable, seated alignment. One of my favorite ways to use a blanket is in Pigeon. For a little extra help, I love rolling a blanket up and threading it under my bent leg for support. They're also awesome for Savasana: roll up a blanket and place it under your knees, or cover your body if it feels chilly in the room. Even if a teacher doesn't request it, if they're available, it's a great idea to grab one. You never know when they'll come in handy.

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Straps are one of the most underutilized props for beginners. A lot of times people are afraid of not looking flexible enough so they don't go to grab one. Big mistake! Straps help you grasp limbs and deepen stretches so you really get a feel for the posture. They're also wonderful for people with an intermediate or advanced practice that are trying to perfect bound poses.

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Sitting on a yoga bolster gives your back a much-needed break. When you're first starting out, a bolster can help prop you up when you're trying to go for deep spinal stretches. They're also an amazing tool to help enhance your breath. With the proper vertebrae alignment a bolster offers, you'll be able to take fuller and deeper yoga breaths. My favorite use of a bolster? Placing one under my back to prop my chest up and open up my heart. If you sit at a computer all day, trust me when I say your bod will thank you for this.

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Sandbags are widely employed to enhance restorative postures. Their most common use is to deepen stretches by adding extra weight (typically 10 pounds) to a particular area and help bring awareness to it. For example, if you place a sandbag on your stomach or chest, you'll bring more attention to the rise and fall of your breath. Getting set up on bolsters and having sandbags placed all over your body can ease you into truly delicious relaxation.

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If your mind races and calculates during Savasana, grab an eye pillow. They're amazing to help you chill and zone out at the end of your practice!

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