Using props in your yoga practice is not a necessity, but there are ways to incorporate accessories like blocks, straps, bolsters and wedges to help support your practice.
Myth: Props are for wimps.
Fact: Props can often prevent injury by providing stability throughout the evolution of our yoga practice. Plus, many props can actually help us get deeper into postures, and alleviate unnecessary stress on joints.
This awesome chart from Fit Blogger shows a variety of ways to work props into your regular practice. I’m a bit of a prop-a-holic myself. They came in particularly handy after an injury, and allowed me to re-learn my practice using better body mechanics.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all of the props picture here. If you don’t have a strap, you can improvise using the belt of your robe. And if you don’t have a ‘yoga bolster’ you can stack up a few blankets.
I would recommend investing in some blocks, though. You can experiment with the ones you like, but I prefer cork. They’re heavy like wooden blocks so you feel supported, but they’re a little softer so they’re more comfortable like foam.
If you don’t use props, why not give them a try. You may find poses that were once intimidating or inaccessible are become your favorites.
Let me know how you use props!
Namaste.
– Your Charmed Yogi
(Chart: Fit Blogger / Photo: Yoga Lifestyle)
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A Charmed Yogi 
Very useful, thank you! I will print this and hang it in my spare room, at least I can remind myself to use those straps and blocks that I have lying around the house. 🙂
Glad you found it useful. I forget just how many ways we can use props. Enjoy and keep me posted!
Reblogged this on yogini next door and commented:
Great guide to using yoga props! My teacher trainer always used to say, if you can’t reach the floor, bring the floor to you! Enjoy the post!
I’m a fan of props and always have been. There is definitely a “wimpy stigma” associated with them, which is absurd, but hey…it’s out there. Love that prop usage chart!
Thanks Britt. I’ve learned to love props more as my yoga practice evolves!