Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher Kathy Cook demonstrate a Yoga pose

Iyengar Yoga without Props

20 Mins Practice

This short active practice is done without props. For the balancing postures, use what you need to stay stable, adjusting as you go.

Some of you are just starting your practice and are new to the idea of prop support. Others may not have access to props at home and rely on those at the studio. We are fortunate that most props can be ordered and delivered.

If you don’t have access to props at the moment, using household items becomes necessary for balance, going deeper, holding longer, and calming our nervous system to focus on certain aspects of our yoga asana practice. This is a great opportunity to rely on yourself and your creativity to develop a sustainable home practice.

Begin a daily ritual and stick to it. If our goal is to progress, sooner or later we must start a home practice. It is the only way to truly understand our own bodies and create lasting change.

Here are a few suggestions for home props:

Belt: The strap from a robe, a belt, or a stretchy exercise band

Block: A stack of books or a six-pack of anything—soft drink or beer (this will help you not drink them!)

Blankets: Folded towels, folded sheets, a firm pillow, or bolster

Bolster: 2-3 rolled blankets or towels depending on the density

Chair: Any chair will work. Best if you have a stable folding chair or sturdy wooden chair.

Remember to be curious! Observe the sensations with the additional support and longer timings. Embrace the new dimension to your practice.

Enjoy your practice.

Namaste

This sequence includes:

Vajarasana

BaddhaGulliyasana

Arms to side

Namaskarasana

Forward Virasana

Adho Mukha Svanasana

Parsvottasana

Adho Mukha Svanasana

Virhabadrasana 1

Virhabdrasana III

Resting Uttanasana

Uttanasana

Urdhva Hastasana in Tadasana

Prassarita Paddottasana

Adho Mukha Svanasana

Upa Vista Konasana

Parsva Upa Vista Konasana

Chatuspadasana

Supta Swastikasana

Savasana