To prop or not?

Today I had a bit of a revelation! It’s not that I’d avoided thinking about this, but it wasn’t really front of mind.

I don’t know if I could actually practice Yoga Asana without the use of props – over and above my mat of course!

When I first started on my Yoga journey about 18 years ago, I didn’t know that props existed. I took classes at a gym and they didn’t have any props there so it never occurred to me to investigate them.

During my teacher training they insisted that we use props – although it was only mentioned in terms of “less able” students. Once I discovered them, I found myself constantly using blocks for sitting poses and belts for anything where I had to bind my arms behind me.

However, due to the way their use was explained, it also reinforced to me that I must be a “less able” student as I had to use them so much. Of course that term itself doesn’t actually mean anything as it could refer to any aspect of practice. Even so, the way it was spoken about didn’t help my confidence in myself and my abilities to be a teacher.

I teach at the same gym I started classes at. They still don’t have any props, so I bring my own. Post-COVID, I no longer bring belts as they are difficult to clean between classes. I do still bring blocks though.

Many of my students who have been practising and learning with me for years, automatically get their blocks every lesson or do so when invited to.

There are also many who will never use the props – even when I’ve suggested that they may benefit from their use. I would never insist anyone uses them but I do wonder if some students believe the use of props reflects their experience or level in a negative context, rather something that can enhance and grow their practice. Maybe this will change over time as props become a more acceptable part of Asana practice.

As for me – I’ll continue to use a block under my left knee in Janu Sirsasana, and use a belt to bind in Gomukhasana. Props allow me to overcome my own physical limitations (some of which can’t be changed due to my anatomy) and practice poses that would otherwise be unattainable. 

In addition to accessing the inaccessible, the use of props make your experience of a pose feel different.

For example, using a block in Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon pose) can allow you to stabilise enough to open your body fully. Half Moon against a wall (walls are also props!) is actually one of my all-time favourite poses. It feels amazing – like the freedom that comes with doing cartwheels as a child!

So if you’re wondering whether to use props – don’t be ashamed, go for it, try them out and take your practice to another level!