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Showing posts with the label Using props in yoga classes

To Prop Or Not To Prop

To prop or not to prop... That is the question. Many schools of yoga believe you should not use props in yoga poses, whereas followers of BKS Iyengar are great advocates of using them. When he first started writing about yoga in 1958, Iyengar said all that was needed to practice was a mat and a space free from the elements and insects. The Iyengar style of teaching now uses props more than any other school of yoga. Props include blocks, bricks, belts, wall ropes, folded blankets and even chairs. This makes me think that Mr Iyengar has given a lot of thought to the use of props since starting yoga in 1934 and now believes it is necessary for some people to have extra help in some poses. My own thoughts on this subject is that propping is a good thing. I have yet to find a “one-size-fits-all” school of yoga. Our bodies are so different, yet we are all trying to do the same poses. Sometimes boobs, bums and bellies get in the way; but other common problems such as short hamstrings, bac