Beyond the Basics: How Props Transform Your Practice with Stephanie Tencer

Props often get misunderstood in the yoga world. They’re seen as crutches, shortcuts, or something only beginners need. But in this episode, I’m joined by Iyengar yoga teacher Stephanie Tencer to go deeper into the purpose and power of props. We explore how props aren’t just tools for accessibility but can become key to revealing alignment, building body awareness, and transforming your practice from the inside out.

Whether you’re new to props or have been using them for years, Stephanie breaks down their value in a way that’s accessible, honest, and deeply rooted in experience. We talk about body proportions, sequencing strategies, and how to deconstruct poses to build them back up with intention. This conversation is especially useful for teachers who want to bring more nuance and creativity into their classes while meeting students exactly where they are.

This episode is a masterclass in intelligent, adaptable teaching. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how or when to use props, or want to take your sequencing and observation skills to the next level, this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding why props aren’t just for beginners or modifications, but for deepening learning
• How props can highlight specific actions, create feedback, and reveal imbalances
• Why using props skillfully requires experience, creativity, and clarity in teaching
• The impact of body proportions on practice and how to observe them as a teacher
• Strategies for deconstructing a pose to teach its parts before moving into the full shape
• Clarifying the roles of different props: straps, blocks, bolsters, blankets, chairs, and walls
• Common misconceptions around chair yoga and how chairs can enhance complex poses
• Creative ways to use the wall as a prop, especially to support balance, alignment, and resistance
• The importance of teachers practicing with props themselves to offer better instruction
• Teaching the same pose with and without props to develop insight and precision
• The difference between how you practice and how you teach, and why both can evolve

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