Quick Fix Corner: Use the Proper Props

If you’re anything like me, you look for the little tricks that make your every day more manageable. Greasy hair after a midday C2? Spray some dry shampoo on your mop to freshen up. Gum on your yoga pants? (Don’t ask me how that happened!) Rub peanut butter onto the spot, wash and voila! Yoga bag starting to show evidence of your 5-class-a-week routine? Remember the four lines of defense: baking soda, essential oils, vinegar and dryer sheets.

As I’ve grown in my practice, I’ve learned a few tricks on my mat too—pointers that have helped me see a posture in a different way or find a fuller expression of a pose. In this new blog series, I’ll be sharing some of those tips! Just think of it like a Tide to Go pen for your practice.

Try these tips for props to help you get into new postures, or even find new layers of postures already in your practice. What are you waiting for?

1. Core with block passes

Begin with a block between your feet and reach up with your hands to capture the block. Extend your legs to the mat and your arms overhead with the block. Then crunch up again and replace the block between your feet. Continue until your core is on fire!

2. Big Toe pose with a strap

Try a strap around your lifted foot in this posture to find more extension through your lifted hamstring and make your hips more square to the front of the room.

3. Dolphin pose and Forearm Stand with a block

Practice these postures with a block in between your forearms. This helps your balance and foundation for these postures. You can also use the wall to help build strength!