Ahhh yes, do I hear BKS Iyengar chuckling??? Props are awesome – every body is different, especially if you have injuries or chronic issues or short arms or long waists… it all makes a difference and props even out the playing field! I’ve used them for 10 years and have a big assortment at home.
Blocks and Straps: Not Just for Yoga Beginners
How Basic Props Can Help Even Veterans Deepen Their Stretches and Maintain Alignment
Many who practice yoga see the foam blocks and straps used in classes as crutches that they discard once they achieve a measure of proficiency. But those props also can help intermediate and advanced practitioners deepen their stretches, maintain proper alignment and challenge themselves, yoga instructors say.
The best function of blocks and straps lies in helping people fit a pose to their body “like a fine, tailored suit,” says Bethany Lyons, founder of Lyons Den Power Yoga in New York City. People often are less flexible on one side of their body than the other, for instance.
Some yoga practices use props more often than others, but the tools are available for use without charge in most classes. Ms. Lyons (pictured) and Robin Armstrong, an instructor based in Vancouver, British Columbia, discuss several ways to benefit from props:
Read the full article: http://online.wsj.com/articles/blocks-and-straps-not-just-for-yoga-beginners-1415642392
Chez Froggie 