Yoga Props

Yoga props are simply devices used by Yoga teachers to help their students achieve proper alignment during yoga postures. Depending on their training or on whatever style of yoga they follow, some teachers may regularly employ the use of props while others actually eschew their use and swear that the have never used yoga props. A well placed yoga prop might make all of the difference in helping a student achieve the proper alignment on a particular pose.

Some styles of yoga incorporate the use of props in their style including Iyengar, prenatal yoga, and chair yoga. Because proper alignment is so crucial to yoga, teachers should remain flexible about the use of props. Some students might need them at first until they increase enough strength, balance or flexibility to perform the posture without props. Some students may have physical limitations such as an old injury, or even pregnancy. Props should be freely used in prenatal yoga so as not to cause moms-to-be to strain themselves in any way while trying to achieve proper alignment for a pose.

Here are some examples of various yoga props that can be used to ensure the best alignment and to provide support to student who are gaining strength as they learn new poses.

Yoga mat: a yoga mat is a prop that is designed to stick to the floor to keep feet that can get moist from perspiration from slipping and causing the person to lose their balance.

Yoga blocks: provide support under your hands, heels, or hips to help you gain the strength to perform difficult poses

Yoga straps: allow you to grab hold of feet, hands, legs or arms that might at first be out of reach. Using straps will help you to develop the flexibility necessary for binds so that they can be held for a period of time.

Yoga sandbags: these can weigh up to ten pounds and they are designed to help you stabilize certain poses and intensify stretches

Yoga inversion sling: this yoga prop helps to relieve back strain by aiding low back muscles and provide additional traction

Yoga head stander: helps to distribute your body's weight throughout your shoulders and palms while inverted in a headstand while keeping your hands at floor level in proper position

You can find yoga equipment, supplies, props, mats and clothing at sporting goods stores, yoga studios and at many online shops. There are also lots of wholesale yoga props for studio and shop owners, discount yoga mat and props, and discount yoga props for those yogis who love to find a bargain.

Props do not always need to be purchased because teachers can learn to be creative and use what is on hand such as towels, folded up mats, or even the wall.