Yoga accessories
Amidst this bustling life, finding time for self-workouts has become challenging. Mastering a new workout almost seems impossible, but yoga can be an exception. The possibility of incorporating yoga into one’s fitness regime has become higher with the introduction of yoga props.

Yoga props:
Yoga props are tools used to perform yoga poses with more ease and comfort. All types of poses become accessible to all kinds of individuals with the help of yoga props. They provide additional support to achieve proper alignment and enhanced flexibility.

Benefits of Yoga Props:
For most white-collar professionals in the “9 to 5 job” line, life has become sedentary. Yoga props serve as a remedy to such individuals who have surrendered themselves to inflexibility. Yoga props are for different purposes and offer unique benefits. While everyone is aware of the benefits of props to some extent, they are better known to people who practice Iyengar yoga than the rest as they are the ones to use yoga props on a full scale.

A few of the benefits of using yoga props are listed below:

*Props help attain proper alignment in yoga poses. 
*They provide support and assistance to perform difficult yoga poses. 
*People with physical limitations can also practice yoga with the help of yoga accessories. 
*All kinds of people regardless of age can undertake yoga using yoga props. 
*The practitioner can maintain stability using props. 
*Yoga props provide balance thereby the user need not overexert.
*The deepening of yoga poses can be done with the help of yoga props. 
*Practitioners can gradually increase flexibility by deepening stretches. 
*A few props can provide a comfortable space to relax. 
*Yoga props help practitioners align their body and mind. 
*Customization is possible, as poses can be performed based on the individuals needs 
*Even those with health conditions or injuries can still perform yoga with the assistance of props 
*People with muscle or flexibility issues can also use props to improve their performance in poses 
*Yoga props give a sense of awareness, as practitioners are more mindful of their senses and alignment while using props. 
*Most of the props are mobile and can be carried from place to place.

Misconceptions & Myths around yoga props
There are many misconceptions about Iyengar yoga and the use of yoga props. While people are beginning to research and clear these misconceptions, there are still many that blindly believe them. Having such myths is not good, not just for themselves but for those others around them. We would like to address a few of these myths and misconceptions surrounding the use of yoga props.

Yoga props are for beginners:
It is true that beginners face difficulties in performing some yoga poses and using yoga props can help them achieve those poses with ease. However, props are not just for them. People who are more experienced in yoga can also use props to attain perfect posture. As mentioned in the benefits of using yoga props, they can bring many advantages and enhance the practice for all levels of practitioners.

Why use Yoga props, when traditional sadhus don't use them? 
This is yet another misconception that persists in almost everything. Life is all about transforming ourselves to become better day by day, and this necessitates a mind-level transformation. Practicing and perfecting yoga can help you realize that both the body and mind are in sync. These yoga props help to expedite your body-mind transformation.

Sadhus could have performed without props because they weren’t aware that it was possible or that such a transformation existed. So, when something better is provided and can enhance our practice why not utilize it? Contrary to the saying “Ignorance is bliss,” it is important to upgrade ourselves and adapt to changes that bring us more benefits.

Yoga props are only for people with physical limitations: 
It is not necessary that only people with physical limitations use yoga props, as everyone can also benefit from them. Yoga props offer numerous benefits to all individuals, regardless of age or physical constraints.

Yoga props are for physical support 
Yoga props indeed provide physical support when performing yoga poses. It doesn’t stop there. They also offer comfort and space to relax during certain poses, which allows the user to connect with their mind.

What props are commonly used in Iyengar yoga? 
Some of the commonly used yoga props are listed below:  

Yoga Blocks 
Yoga Ropes 
Yoga Belts 
Yoga Blanket 
Yoga Trestlers  
Yoga Straps 
Yoga Wedges 
Yoga Stools 
Yoga bolster/pillow 
Yoga Benches 
Yoga Chairs 
Yoga Mat 
Yoga Planks  

5 Best Yoga Props that you will need in 2024 
Yoga Blanket:
**When to use blankets?
Yoga blankets are made of wool/recycled wool, cotton, and other materials. They are used on the floor/ground for poses that require the user to be in a restorative position. They can also be used in poses where the user should be on all fours.

**Benefits of Yoga Blankets:
Yoga blankets provide warmth to users when they lie down or sit to perform poses on flat ground. They also provide cushions for the knees and wrists when the user is on all fours.

Yoga Strap:
**When to use straps?
Yoga straps are belts primarily used for stretching. Like blankets, these straps are typically made of cotton, nylon, or hemp. Yoga straps are used in poses that require heavy stretching and to align the spine, feet, or other parts of the body.

**Benefits of Yoga Straps
When performing forward fold poses, individuals trying hard asanas may have to bend their back to hold the pose for longer periods, which can be challenging. To assist with this, straps can be used. They can be worn around the feet and stretched out using the palms, ensuring that the back and spine are straight.

Yoga Block:
**When to use blocks?
Yoga blocks are used for asanas that require additional height. Made of various materials such as rubber cork, foam (soft materials), or wood (hard material), they can be placed under a user’s arms, back, hips, or feet elevating your level of comfort. Blocks made of soft materials and hard materials can be used under the hip while lying down and under the feet while standing, respectively.

**Benefits of Yoga Blocks
The foremost benefit of using yoga blocks is to provide the necessary height to perform certain asanas. Yoga blocks also offer support for the lower body, spine, and neck.

Yoga Mat:
**When to use yoga mats?
Yoga mats can be used anywhere and anytime, even when the floor, ground, or surface is not suitable for performing asanas. These mats are typically made of rubber, plastic, or other materials like cork.

**Benefits of Yoga Mats
Yoga mats provide a grip for hands and feet, preventing the user from falling over. This is especially helpful in floor-based asanas, providing a comfortable surface for the user to perform without falling or getting hurt.

Yoga Bolster/ Pillow:
**When to use pillows and bolsters?
Yoga bolsters/pillows are used in exercises that involve stretching the chest, abdomen, and shoulders. They are used to provide comfort and support during asanas that are strenuous for users.

**Benefits of Yoga Bolster/Pillow
Using a yoga bolster/pillow keeps you away from swellings and helps while performing difficult asanas. However, some users may experience severe pain while stretching their body parts beyond their ability. Bolsters/pillows are the only props, making a huge positive impact to user’s lives.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it would be an understatement to say that yoga props have changed the way yoga works. Yoga props enhance the overall experience for users of all levels, offering them comfort, support, and a safe space to practice. Yoga props offer countless benefits, and not having them in your yoga routine will stop you from having the most enriched, soul-satisfying experience.