Accessible Ashtanga: Mastering Poses with Props
Props aren't a crutch; they're the bridge to better form. Whether you're working through stiffness or building strength for your first handstand, we use blocks, straps, and wall bars to keep your practice safe, aligned, and effective.
Who says leg day is only for the gym? Here we are using the wall and yoga blocks to build serious strength and endurance in our legs.
Using blocks for support in Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose). Props help students of all levels to sit with a straight spine and work on opening their hips.
Let's try! Using blocks under the hands to practice the jump-throughs and lift-ups that are characteristic of the Ashtanga style.
A fun challenge using blocks to build core and arm strength in L-sit (Brahmacharyasana). We welcome students of all ages, including children.
99% of people can't lift their own body weight. Here, a student uses blocks to practice Tolasana (Scale Pose), building incredible arm and core strength.
Using blocks for support in Ardha Hanumanasana (Half Splits) to work on hamstring flexibility. This is a great core exercise as well.
No more knee pain! This simple wall-sit exercise is excellent for strengthening the quadriceps muscles, which provides better support for the knee joints.
An advanced forward bend technique using a chair to elevate the feet, which allows for a deeper hamstring and lower back stretch.
Another student attempting the forward bend from a chair. With guidance and props, everyone can work towards their flexibility goals.
This student shows great progress in the chair-assisted forward bend, followed by a jump-forward, demonstrating improved flexibility and control.
About Accessible Yoga: Props for Every Body
Think props are only for beginners? Think again. In our Dwarka and Vikaspuri shalas, even advanced students reach for a block or a wall to deepen a stretch or find the correct alignment. Using a chair for forward bends or blocks for Tolasana (Scale Pose) allows you to focus on the breath and the posture rather than fighting your own anatomy. It’s about building a sustainable practice that serves your body, not forcing it into a shape it isn't ready for yet.
Many people think yoga is all about touching your toes on day one. But the real goal is consistency. When you use a prop, you’re not 'cheating'—you’re creating a safe space for your body to open up. In our Ashtanga sessions, we rely on props to make the traditional sequence accessible to everyone, from absolute beginners to those recovering from an injury.
How Props Transform Your Practice
- Blocks: Perfect for bringing the floor closer. You'll see us using them in Baddha Konasana or during jump-throughs to protect your wrists and lower back.
- Wall Bars & Ropes: We use these for structural alignment. If you're struggling with a side split or need to lengthen your spine in a forward bend, the wall provides the stability you need.
- Chairs: Excellent for modifying forward bends. It’s amazing how a simple chair can help you achieve a deeper, safer stretch without straining your lower back.
- Yoga Wheels: We bring these out for back bending. They help open the chest and thoracic spine in a way that feels supportive rather than sharp or painful.
Why We Emphasize Props
Yoga is aapka pehla kartavya (your first duty) to yourself. If you’re pushing too hard without support, you’re more likely to get injured. We focus on 'Ekam, dve, trini'—the flow and the rhythm. When you have the support of a block or a strap, you can maintain that flow without tension. Whether you're in our physical shala in Dwarka or joining us for a live online session, we’ll guide you on which props to use. Come for a trial, see how it feels, and remember: Yog se he hoga!
Ashtanga Yoga Shala
I believe yoga should fit the person, not the other way around. At our Delhi Ashtanga Yoga Shala, we use props to help everyone, from stiff bodies to those ready for advanced inversions, find their strength safely. Come as you are, and let’s work on your progress together.
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