One reason yoga is said to be a good fitness option for everyone is that the poses are easily adaptable to different ability levels. Yoga props such as blankets, straps and blocks are used to modify poses, making them easier for beginners or people with physical limitations. Don't be afraid to ask your yoga teacher for extra props or assistance.
Considerations
Although props can help you feel more stable or get a deeper stretch the first few times you do a pose, relying on them too heavily can stunt your practice over time. You shouldn't do any pose that feels unsafe or hurts you, but at least trying a pose prop-free is worth doing. You may surprise yourself. Yoga is not competitive, but it does encourage you to push your limits occasionally, so avoid over-reliance on props.
Blocks
A yoga block is usually made of foam and is about 1 inch high, 4 inches deep and 6 inches wide, according to Gaiam.com. You can set the block on any of its sides to adjust the height based on your needs, or use several blocks stacked on top of each other. Blocks are useful for poses such as Triangle, Half moon and Extended Side-angle, in which you place one hand on the ground while standing. Using a block in these poses helps you maintain stability while reducing some back strain. You can also set your head on a block in forward folds to add stability.
Straps
You can use a strap to give you extra extension in poses in which your hands grab your feet. These include Dancer, Reclining Big Toe and Bow. Hold the strap in one or both hands and wrap it around your feet, effectively extending your arms to accomplish the pose. You can also use the strap to stretch your arms. While standing with feet together, step on the middle of the strap and hold it out to both sides.
Blankets
You can use a blanket to support the lower back in supine poses such as Corpse, the shins in kneeling poses such as Child's Pose, or the head and neck in inversions such as Shoulder Stand. The size and type of blankets available varies. Many studios use large, Mexican-style wool blankets. You may prefer a cotton or microfiber blanket if you're not used to the wool blankets' texture.
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