Why should you use props when doing yoga

Yoga is being practiced by people of all ages. As you grow older it would be difficult to do yoga on a hard surface, it would also be difficult for you to stretch your arms and legs due to ailments like rheumatism and arthritis. Even for others who are young, there could be issues like tight hips, flat feet, a bulging abdomen, etc, which would prevent you from doing yoga effectively.

In such cases you can ease the difficulty by using yoga props. Yoga props also make it comfortable for you when you do exercises from a supine position. There are different yoga props you can use to add to your comfort while doing exercises. These are yoga bolsters, blankets, mats, pillows, towels, etc. These apart you can use yoga props as extensions for your body. These props include yoga mats, straps, ropes, belts, etc.

A yoga bolster makes it easy for you to support your back when you are doing supine poses and need to arch your back. You can also use a bolster to rest your head on, instead of using a pillow.

When doing back bend poses like the Pigeon pose, if it is difficult for you to bend enough to reach the floor you can use a yoga block and rest your hand(s) on a block. Poses that require you to bend backwards and hold your foot with your hands can be made easier, if you tie a strap to your foot and hold the strap, instead of your foot.

You can use pillows, blankets towels to rest you head on, and also place them in between your knees to prevent friction and make it comfortable for you when doing side lying poses. This way, using different yoga props makes doing yoga possible for the elderly and also for those who suffer from ailments like rheumatism and arthritis or find it difficult to bend enough due to stiff joints, tight hips. Props also add to your comfort as you do supine poses.

Sources:

Restorative Yoga : Using Yoga Props

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFH9GNDddgw&feature=related

How to do Yoga with Props

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_0YnwTGDUg

How To Use Props

http://www.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1120632/content_113930112644

How to Use Props in Ivengar Yoga

http://www.ehow.com/how_2290808_use-props-ivengar-yoga.html

Why Use Yoga Props?

http://www.eldr.com/article/fitness/why-use-yoga-props