Thursday, April 2, 2009

Leading a Class - Part 4

Set-up for Reclining Bound Angle
Setting up for Reclining Bound Angle

The more props the better

Like I said in some of my previous Leading a Class segments, I set up my open/public classes for 20 people: 5 stations of 4 set-ups each.


To set up for Supta Baddha Konasana the more props you have the better. This is one of the more prop-heavy poses in restorative yoga. It is also one of the most luxurious. It seems that in my open classes it is also just about everyone's favorite so I include it every time.


My set up has varied as different props became available at the studio. At first I was using 2 Zafu's end to end, then placing folded blankets on top of that, then adding a pillow for extra head and neck support.


Now we have a few long bolsters plus some foam physical therapy rollers. Now I use the foam rollers as my base, set up the bolsters across the rollers (up against a wall), then add a folded blanket on top of that. I use a block for each knee and set up a belt at the front of the station (as seen above in the image).


When I practice at home I use anything available: bed pillows, couch cushions, random blankets, etc. As long as you are completely supported it doesn't really matter if you use "sanctioned" yoga props. I'd use anything you have at hand. Stay as long as you want and enjoy!