Why We Use Props at Yoga Pod Tucson and Why We Need Amazing Karma Yogis Like You
If you’ve taken a class at Yoga Pod Tucson, you’ve likely seen the beautiful variety of yoga props lining our studio walls. From bolsters and blocks to resistance bands and core balls, some of these may be familiar and some a mystery. But did you know that every single one of those props is carefully cleaned and reset between classes thanks to the help of our Karma Yogi team?
Whether you’re curious about becoming a Karma Yogi, or just wondering what all those props are for, we’d love to take you behind the scenes of how we use props at YPT, and why our Karma Yogis are the heart of it all. Here’s just a small sampling of how our creative instructors integrate props into their classes. Pro tip: to keep prop management simple, double check the board outside of Bali or Santorini to see which props are needed for your class today.
Yin Yoga: Support for Stretching to Increase Flexibility
In Yin, props help us find the perfect level of intensity, around 60% of a full stretch, according to our resident Yin expert Kumari Sky. Bolsters support the spine in Caterpillar Pose, and blocks or cushions can stabilize the hips in poses like Cat Pulling Its Tail. It's all about relaxing into the pose with safety and support so the breath can help muscles relax. Insider tip: look for Yin + Sound on the schedule for a fully immersive sound bath experience, on the schedule each week as part of your membership!
Restorative Yoga: Total Relaxation
Restorative classes are designed to calm the nervous system and encourage deep rest. Here, props help the body fully let go. Blocks and bolsters create just the right angles to help the parasympathetic nervous system activate and send fight-or-flight into airplane mode. Keep an eye out for Nidra on the schedule to enjoy the benefits of “deep relaxation meditation”.
Vinyasa: Flow + Alignment
Vinyasa flows often include dynamic movement and deep postures. Blocks help “bring the floor closer” in poses like Forward Fold, Half Moon, and Lizard Lunge. They also activate deeper muscle engagement in Fierce Pose or provide gentle decompression in Bridge.
Hot26: Breath and Focus
The simplest “prop” in this heated class is your towel. With breath and mental stillness as the guiding tools, students in Hot26 use the heat to cultivate inner discipline and focus, no additional props needed. We provide towels for your use as part of your membership, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Barre & Fit: Props Galore!
Barre and Fit classes are our strength-building stars, and they love their props. Resistance bands, hand weights, core balls, blocks, and more help isolate and activate muscles, creating that deep burn that leads to transformation. Our committed instructors are here to guide you through sound alignment so you can get the most of each class.
Myofascial Release: Bocce Ball?
While we do go bowling as a studio for fun, sadly none of our classes are Bocce Ball focused. Our Myo classes have a different array of props, specifically different shapes and sizes of balls used to help release tension and tightness in the fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints. Our Myo instructors guide you through self-myofascial release (SMR), a technique that aims to improve mobility, reduce soreness, and enhance recovery.
Clean Props, Calm Minds: The Magic of Karma Yogis
After class, you’ll see baskets outside the studio for your used props. That’s where our Karma Yogi team steps in. These essential team members clean, sanitize, and reset every single prop with care, making the studio feel fresh and welcoming for each new student.
But it’s more than a task, it’s a community. We pride ourselves on Community first, oozing our ethos of You Belong Here.
Our Karma Yogis exchange 3 hours of service per week for a free, full-priced yoga membership, gaining access to unlimited classes and becoming part of the heartbeat of our studio. Many of our most loved instructors and Membership Ambassadors started their journey as Karma Yogis.
Want to Join Our Karma Yogi Team?
If you love yoga, barre and fitness, enjoy being part of a vibrant community, and are looking for a work exchange program that offers a free yoga membership, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Apply today to become a Karma Yogi at Yoga Pod Tucson and help us keep our sanctuary clean, welcoming, and full of good vibes. Fill out our quick interest form [here] or stop by the front desk to learn more.