If you are in the realm of yoga, you probably know, that there are variations and modifications that exist in relation to poses. Not every pose is suitable for every individual. Adjustments are a part of yoga practice, that makes it all the universal. There is no fixed rule, as long as you are enjoying what you are doing. Props are also considered to be a yoga teacher’s favourite.
Here you will learn a few ways, by which you can adjust some of the poses for other practitioners or your own students.
Types of Adjustments in Yoga
- You can try out various adjustments through words. If you are communicative enough, and have a good rapport with your students, you will be able to make them understand, what you are trying to say. Some students are intelligent enough to understand, what the body wants.
- Secondly, you can also make adjustments in yoga poses, through the use of props. Some students may be unconscious about there body. So, it is up to the yoga teacher, to make them understand, that props are necessary. When you provide an adjustment to a student, and suggest a prop, the message gets across quite fast.
- Manual adjustments are also quite important in the yoga class. Now, this can be quite tricky. So, the teacher has to be fully informed about it. You can sit in a session with your student, if necessary. Explain the issues in his or her practice in complete detail. You can even do it hands-on, while the student is trying to attain the pose.
- Moreover, many people have an asymmetrical body. So, props can assist you in your adjustments.
Some yoga practitioners are there, who shy away from using props in the classroom. They think that it creates a bad impression on the other people involved. However, you should know, that the usage of props actually increases productivity of the yoga practice. It is especially true for a beginner. Moreover, it can provide a deeper sense of stability. It also tends to reduce too much muscle strain. Before, you start unearthing more about adjustments and props, you should find out what the different types of props are.
Different Types of Props In Yoga
The most common ones are listed here. So, you should go through them in detail.
- Blocks – These blocks are the most common props, that anybody would come across. They are generally made from thick and sturdy materials like wood and foam. They also come in a variety of dimensions. They are a boon for people who are less flexible with their poses. There are positions, that require one to perform a back-bend or a forward bend, and then touching the floor. However, the body may not be very flexible enough, and so blocks are placed, to raise the support level in either of the cases.
- Straps – They are also quite essential when it comes to yoga practice and productivity. You can use straps, when your joints are not loose enough. They are generally made from non-elastic materials. They can stretch quite a bit though, without tearing off. They can work to make your arms and legs long. Moreover, they also remove the discomfort that is associated with the practice of certain poses, where you need to stretch a lot.
- Cushions and Bolsters – They are also quite common today. You will find them in various shapes and sizes as well. You can use them in Yin yoga poses. These forms of yoga require you to hold a pose for longer duration than Yang yoga, so the necessity is profound. They can provide the practitioner, with a lot of mental and physical peace as well.
So, again we come to the point, where adjustments come in.
Benefits Of Using Props
The first benefit of using props in yoga, is that they ensure proper alignment. Good alignment in yoga is essential, if you want to gain all the benefits. Moreover, the pose can give you the maximum results, if you are doing it in the exact manner as mentioned in the ancient texts. Sometimes, you must have noticed that the poses are difficult, and so you may try to force yourself into the pose, resulting in improper alignment. Your body may develop postural issues, if you do the practice in the wrong manner. In the Triangle pose or Trikonasana, you can gain the best alignment, if you keep the hand on a block that is raised from the ground. As you get more comfortable, you can remove the block.
The usage of props allows you to relax further and rejuvenate as well. It can also bestow you with improved stability. When you are struggling with any pose, you cannot relax the mind. However, by using a prop, you can gain mental peace and practice breathing techniques in a better way. So, you get the best direction. Breath awareness is really important for your yoga practice.
Props also provide an individual with a lot of flexibility as well as freedom. It also helps in building strength. You should always use them to address issues such as stiffness. They are extremely helpful, when you are trying to open up chest muscles, groin area, and the hip area. When you utilize the props in a better way, you can open new possibilities. The flexibility and strength also increase.
You should always aim for the best and timely adjustments, if you want to gain all the benefits of the poses. Some of the most common poses, where you can use props are Downward facing dog pose and Child pose. In the former, when you use a strap to tie the legs to the wall, the flow of the body forward increases manifold. On the other hand, you can also place a folded blanket in front of you. Keep your hands on it. So, the height is raised. The pillow or cushion can be placed beneath the chest, in the Child pose. So, these are just a few possibilities.
