B.K.S. Iyengar introduced yoga prop as a means of supporting proper alignment of joints and bones during postures. Maintaining proper alignment is key to reducing possibility of injury and to allowing you to get deeper into poses. Props are especially useful for beginners, for people who do not have a great deal of flexibility, for those who are recovering from injuries, and for those with special physical needs.

Typical Yoga Props

Yoga Block – I use this yoga prop often, especially when I am doing a Forward Bend and my hamstrings are not yet flexible enough to allow me to comfortably touch my hands to floor. Yoga blocks are a great aid to help you maintain proper alignment in challenging poses. You can stack several blocks to gain height or use them to support you in certain poses.

Yoga Strap – Another yoga prop that I use often is a strap. Straps can help you reach limbs such as feet and hands during certain postures where you have limited flexibility. They help you maintain proper alignment and help you lengthen your body. I always use a strap for one of my favorite poses – Cow Pose – because I am not yet able to grasp my hands behind my back. The use of strap allows my arms to be comfortable so I can fully relax forward in pose.

A major benefit of yoga is physical.

Yoga improves your flexibility. – The stretching that you engage in during every practice helps lengthen and stretch muscles, which helps reduce risk of injuries.

It helps to improve your balance. – The majority of yoga practices include some type of balancing in poses. A significant number of people, especially as they began to get older, start to have problems with balance, which can lead to major injuries due to falls. By having a greater sense of balance, you are able to move more easily and safely.

Yoga can help reduce pain. - Tense muscles often contribute to pain. Relaxing muscles helps to minimize muscle tension and pain that is associated with it. Also, breathing deeply into muscles helps lessen pain by altering your perception of it.

It tones your muscles. – Yoga works all muscles in your body. It helps strengthen and tone them and also builds endurance and stamina.

It helps to increase your level of energy. . – Carrying tension in your body takes an enormous toll on your energy reserves. By learning how to relax through your yoga practice, you benefit by enjoying higher levels of energy so you can more thoroughly enjoy your daily activities.

Yoga helps promote a sense of relaxation. – Most people breathe high in their chests. This not only does not allow them to get sufficient oxygen, it also triggers stress response, which contributes to feelings of anxiety. Breathing deeply as practiced in yoga, helps relax your muscles and also brings much needed oxygen to your cells. The deep sense of relaxation also leads to better quality sleep.