Many of you who have been following my yoga journey, will know that earlier this year, I received my 50 hour Yin Yoga Teaching module. Yay! This means I’m now able to lead yin yoga classes in the Rugby area and this makes me so happy.
I realise that many of you will be brand new to yin so today’s blog post is all about yin and props and how they can support your practice.
While props are not essential for practising Yin yoga, they can greatly enhance your experience, making it more accessible and comfortable for yogis of all levels.
The Benefits of Using Props in Yin Yoga
- Increased Comfort and Relaxation: Props provide additional support, allowing you to relax and settle deeper into each pose. By using props like bolsters, blocks, blankets, and eye pillows, you can find a more comfortable position, releasing tension and promoting relaxation in both your body and mind.
- Improved Alignment and Stability: Props help you maintain proper alignment throughout the poses, reducing the risk of strain or injury. They provide stability and support, allowing you to focus on the deep stretch rather than worrying about balance or alignment.
- Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion: Props can assist in deepening your stretches and increasing your flexibility. They offer gentle support, enabling you to stay in a pose for a longer duration, gradually opening up tight areas of the body and improving your overall range of motion.
- Reduced Risk of Injury: Props act as a safety net, ensuring that you practice Yin yoga in a safe and mindful manner. They help you find the right amount of support and prevent overexertion, minimising the risk of strain or injury.
- Increased Accessibility: Props make Yin yoga more accessible for beginners and those with physical limitations. They offer modifications and variations that cater to individual needs, allowing everyone to experience the benefits of this calming practice.
Options Props for Yin Yoga
- Bolsters: Soft and supportive, bolsters are ideal for providing comfort and relaxation. They can be placed under the knees, back, or any other area that requires support, promoting deep release and soothing tension. (this is the one that I really like although there are lots of different shape ones so feel free to see what suits your body)
- Bricks/blocks: These are versatile props that assist in maintaining proper alignment and balance. They can be used under the hands, hips, or to support different parts of the body, ensuring stability and ease in various poses. Blocks are lower and wider than bricks and are useful for sitting on.
- Straps: Yoga straps aid in increasing flexibility and deepening stretches. They allow you to extend your reach and gently explore your edge in poses, providing support without strain.
- Blankets: Blankets offer extra cushioning and warmth during Yin yoga practice. They can be used to support the hips, knees, or head, creating a cozy and comforting environment for deep relaxation.
- Eye Pillows: Eye pillows are wonderful props that enhance relaxation and create a serene atmosphere during Yin yoga. Placing an eye pillow over your eyes helps to block out light, induce a sense of calm, and deepen your experience of inner stillness. I provide these in my yin classes so don’t’ feel that you have to bring your own with you!
Remember to Listen to Your Body
When incorporating props into your Yin yoga practice, it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Props should never cause pain or discomfort. If you experience any discomfort, modify the prop placement or remove them entirely. It’s crucial to honour your body’s limitations and find the balance between support and challenge.
Don’t have any props?
And if you don’t have any of these props for your first class, don’t worry, just come with you yoga mat and a big pillow and see how you get on! And, if you feel like yin is something that you’d like to do more often, then it might be worthwhile treating yourself to a few props.