Why Using Yoga Props is an Act of Self Love

Many yogis have a complicated relationship with using yoga props (blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters...). Some yogis have realized the benefit of props and use them freely and judiciously (yay!), but some people feel like the props are a crutch, or using them means we are weak, "not good enough" or "less than" in some way. In this blog post, I am mostly writing to anyone who finds themselves in the latter category. I am here to tell you that all of those feelings are based on stories in your head that aren't true.

The main purpose of props is to support us during our practice so that we can experience the poses without unnecessary struggle or strain (props aren't judging you and neither is anyone else in your yoga class, in case you were wondering...). If certain muscles are tighter, or weaker, we may lack the range of motion or stability that allows us to create poses in our body that look like the teacher. First and foremost, looking like anyone else in the class should not be your goal when practicing yoga. Props allow us to experience the pose in OUR body, just as we are, as we start to cultivate strength and mobility. Whether we ever look like anyone else in our yoga practice doesn't matter; what matters is how we FEEL in the yoga poses. The beauty of practicing yoga is that it is accessible to everyone, it just may look different between practitioners. A specific hip stretch may look differently in different bodies, but the sensation is the same. 

The "no pain, no gain" mentality from the 80s does not apply to the yoga practice. When pushing or forcing ourselves into a pose, we are often met with resistance, both mentally and physically. I often refer to the body as a rebellious teenager: when we force our body to do something it pushes back or resists; when you give it a little space and a little room to breathe, it will eventually cooperate with you. When you give your body the support that it needs, you will receive more of the benefits of the yoga poses, as you are cultivating more ease and acceptance in the body and mind. Additionally, many of us commonly struggle with receiving support. Some of us struggle to ask for help, or receive help when it's offered. It's easy to see props as unnecessary when you "don't need help" and are "just fine." You are just fine. You may also benefit from support in your poses.

Yoga is a loving practice; you are moving your body to feel stronger, more flexible, and more peaceful when you move off the mat back into your life. Taking care of your body in this way can be seen as an act of self care and self love. Using props in your yoga practice only enhances this sensibility because you are meeting yourself where you are. Just because someone else in the class can touch their toes and you can't, doesn't mean that you are not "as good" at yoga. Everyone has a body and is on their own journey, and if you allow yourself to use props on that journey, you will find more ease and comfort in your practice.

The balance of Strength and Ease is an important aspect of the yoga practice. If your hamstrings are tight (for example), using a strap or scarf to help you reach your foot can help improve your ability to stretch the hamstrings, rather than struggling and straining and forcing yourself forward; whenever you force the body into any pose, you increase the risk of injury. 


If you plan to practice yoga forever (like I do), mindful attention to how you practice is essential. Injuries often happen when the mind or ego is running the show:  Do more! Go further! Push harder! She can do that, so can I! Etcetera...Listening to your body and honoring what it can do makes for a safer and more beneficial practice. Respect your body and use props when you need them. Over time, you may need them less or more, and that may change, even day to day. Give your body the support it deserves and you will feel the difference.

That was the "why" of props. If you are interested in the "how," check out this short YouTube video for more guidance!

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments! I'd love to hear how you benefit from the use of yoga props! Comment below or email me at purpleroomyoga@gmail.com!

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