Yoga Tools

A few fun Yoga facts:

• There are 195 yoga sutras in the ancient text, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali; which is like the manual for yoga.

• Only two if those yoga sutras relate to asana or the postures of Hatha yoga. 

• The first of the two sutras says that the physical postures should be steady and comfortable. 

But on some days and with some bodies achieving steadiness and comfort can be best achieved with a little assistance. This is where yoga props come in handy.

Some of the more common tools we use in yoga to create space in the body for easier access to yoga poses are:

• Blankets - I always recommend you use a blanket under your knees when we are doing poses on all 4s. Trust me, your future self will thank you. If you have tight hamstrings, sitting on a stack of blankets or placing your blanket over a pair of blocks can raise your hips above your knees in sitting pose.

• Blocks raise the floor; which can be helpful (in poses like Forward Fold or Triangle pose) for people with shorter arms or torsos. Placing your toes on a block can provide a sense of steadiness when you’re learning tree pose.

• Straps can be used to lengthen our arms in some poses like Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose

These are just a few examples. Sometimes, I use blocks in class or in my practice to deepen my experience of steadiness or to better sense my body’s alignment in my poses.

It’s not really necessary to purchase these tools for yourself. You can find things around the house to substitute like books (for blocks) or towels (for a strap). But if you’re practicing in a studio, more often than not, the props will be there for you.

I hope this brief introduction to the tools of yoga inspires you to give them a try. If you have questions about yoga props or how to use them, DM or email me and I’ll be happy to chat with you more.