I recently taught a restorative yoga class to my clients who have never used a prop before for their yoga practice. I let them know a week in advance to be prepared for a different experience – one that might actually take them deeper into their poses. The day after the classes were over I received several emails – all with a very similar theme – “Wow, you somehow found muscles I didn’t even know I was working.”

There are many reasons to consider giving and receiving props this holiday season to your favorite yogi or yogini or perhaps, even you. Props allow the practitioner to safely stretch further and work deeper muscles of the body –muscles they may never have experienced before in their practice. Contrary to the belief that props are for those individuals who can’t do a pose, they actually make some poses more challenging. Even the most ardent yoga student will open up to a whole new experience.

Props also allow for imprinting of a pose. A student can learn proper technique or the essence of how a pose should feel and once they remove the prop, they can help guide their body back into the experience. There are many other benefits to props in yoga, including conserving energy, allowing the nervous system to relax, making difficult movements easier, aiding in balance, and improving breath capacity.

So, if you are still looking for some last minute stocking stuffers consider yoga props. A simple prop package can consist of a yoga blanket, block, strap, and eye pillow. Many of these items retail for under ten dollars. And, if they haven’t tried yoga yet, consider giving the gift of Yoga.

©NamasteWorks Yoga + Wellness, LLC, http://www.namasteworksyoga.com, by: Nancy Levenson