Contributing writer for Yoga Journal and yoga instructor Claudia Cummins says that yoga props such as straps and blocks should be used mindfully and with purpose. Typically, props help you stretch deeper, modify a pose to make it more accessible, or support you in a pose so it produces a more relaxing experience. According to the official site of world-renowned yoga master, B.K.S. Iyengar, props help you reach perfection in each pose. Above all, be open both to using straps and blocks in creative ways to help you practice yoga, as well as to trying poses without them occasionally.
Straps
Step 1
Wrap central spot of the strap around the bottom of one foot, or both feet, for seated poses such as heron, seated forward bend or boat pose. By holding the ends of the strap with your hands and pulling gently, you both deepen the stretch and make the poses more accessible. Make sure that in poses where one or both legs are straight that you avoid locking your knees.
Step 2
Hold one end of the strap in each hand for any bound poses, so your fingers do not have to clasp together. For example, in bound side angle with your right knee bent, reach your right hand under your right thigh with one end of the strap in your right hand. Reach your left arm behind your back, grab the other end, and then pull your chest and shoulder back so you stay in line with your lower body.
Step 3
Make standing balance poses easier with a strap. For extended hand-to-big-toe pose, wrap the center of the strap around the bottom of one foot. Hold the ends of the strap and raise your leg up. Challenge yourself by winding the strap around your hands until you can eventually do the pose without it.
Blocks
Step 1
Use your strap as a floor raise for standing poses such as side angle, triangle, revolved triangle or balanced half moon. Instead of trying to bring your hand all the way to the floor, the block helps the floor come to you. Use two blocks in warrior three if you don't want to float your arms above the floor -- just put a block under each hand.
Step 2
Isolate your muscles and keep your knees parallel in chair pose, supine twist, or bridge. Place the block between your thighs and squeeze your inner leg muscles together. Maintain the contraction while you hold your pose.
Step 3
Raise your hips up for floor poses. You can sit on your block during easy seated pose and meditation. Also, try placing the block under your hips during child' or hero pose. This modification is helpful for tight hip, back and leg muscles.
Tips and Warnings
- When in doubt, ask your yoga instructor for advice on using a strap or block to modify poses. You can find registered yoga instructors through Yoga Alliance. Experiment with using different sides of your block.
- Avoid bringing poses to the point of physical pain.
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