If you've ever gone to a yoga class at a yoga studio, no doubt you've seen a multitude of props and equipment throughout the studio. These props are generally there to enhance your practice in some way, such as help you master the pose, deepen the pose, support your body or modify the posture in some way that is more beneficial to you. "Yoga Journal" recommends always using props in a mindful manner and to make sure that the props are actually helping to further and deepen your practice rather than using them simply as reliance or a matter of habit.
Step 1
Create a calm space. For the most part, yoga props include mats, blocks, straps and blankets. Since props are designed to deepen your yoga practice, they should be organized as such in the yoga facility. Yoga helps to create a clean, clear and uncluttered state of mind, but that is difficult to do if the studio walls are cluttered with disorganized piles or mats, blankets and straps. Arrange the props in such a way that they lend to the practice rather than disturb it; go for a creative look that is organized and easy to maintain.
Step 2
Make mats available. Yoga mats are the one prop that absolutely everyone who takes a class at your studio will need to use. Though many people who regularly practice on their own yoga mat, there will always be some students who need to borrow or rent one from the studio. Due to their odd size and shape, the mats can be the most difficult of all of the props to keep organized and looking nice. It is advisable to have yoga mats folded and stacked in a clean, dry space, which is easily accessible to either the students or the studio personnel. Studio-owned yoga mats should be cleaned after each use, and the studio should designate a place and method for accomplishing this.
Step 3
Focus on the blocks. After mats, yoga blocks are probably the most-used prop during class. Props have many beneficial uses during a yoga practice, including helping you reach the ground during standing poses, such as Triangle or Half-Moon pose. They are helpful in restorative poses, including supported Bridge or supported Fish pose. And they can make seated poses more comfortable and accessible. Blocks should be stacked in the studio for easy access by the students before, during and after class. Neatly stack the blocks in a particular space on the floor, so that they are aesthetically pleasing rather than being cluttered.
Things You'll Need
- Yoga mats
- Yoga blocks
- Yoga straps
- Yoga blankets
- Cleaning supplies
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