Yoga is a practice of precision, strength, and inner alignment, with Iyengar yoga placing special emphasis on proper form and use of props. One such indispensable prop is the Wooden Yoga Slanting Plank, a versatile tool that supports and refines your practice.
What Is a Yoga Slanting Plank?
The yoga slanting plank has an interesting history rooted in the innovative spirit of B.K.S. Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar yoga. Known for his meticulous approach to asana practice, Iyengar introduced props to make yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of physical limitations. He believed that yoga should be practiced with precision and alignment, and props such as slanting planks play a crucial role in achieving this.
Originally, Iyengar developed slanting planks to help practitioners experience poses with greater stability and correct alignment. By creating various inclines, these props reduce strain on sensitive joints and allow the body to ease into poses while maintaining balance and support. The plank's design enables deeper engagement of muscles, encourages mindful movement, and provides a safe way to work on flexibility and strength.
Today, slanting planks are widely used in Iyengar yoga classes and are appreciated for their ability to enhance both foundational and advanced poses. Their applications range from helping beginners align properly to assisting experienced yogis in refining their practice.
Ananda Hum's Traditional Wooden Yoga Slanting Plank
At Ananda Hum, we are proud to offer a premium Wooden Yoga Slanting Plank crafted in Spain. Made from high-quality pine wood and finished with an eco-friendly organic water varnish, this plank is both durable and sustainable. It measures 60 cm (23.6 inches) in length, 9.5 cm (3.7 inches) in width, and 3.6 cm (1.4 inches) in height, with a weight of just 700 grams (1.54 lbs).
Our slanting plank is designed to support various areas of the body, including the feet and ankles in standing poses, the wrists in inversions, and the back in restorative positions. The smooth, hypoallergenic surface ensures it’s gentle on the skin, while its lightweight construction makes it easy to transport and store. Its compact, elegant design enhances your yoga practice without compromising on sustainability or quality.
Using the Yoga Slanting Plank: Illustrated Poses by Svenja Karstens
To demonstrate the versatility of the yoga slanting plank, we are honored to share illustrations by the talented Iyengar yoga teacher and artist Svenja Karstens. Svenja’s beautiful artwork provides a visual guide to using the plank in eight key poses, each enhancing your practice with support and precision. You can explore more of her work, including posters and calendars, on Svejar.
Here are some ways to incorporate the plank into your practice:
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Virasana (Hero Pose)
- Setup: Place the plank in the crease behind your knees.
- Effect: This configuration creates more space in the knee joints, making the pose highly restorative for those with knee sensitivity.
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Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III)
- Setup: Use the plank on your lower back (on top of the pelvis).
- Effect: This placement helps to align the pelvis, promoting balance and correct posture, making the pose more stable and effective.
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Ardha Uttanasana (Half Forward Fold), Virabhadrasana III, and Ardha Parsvottanasana (Half Pyramid Pose)
- Setup: Hold onto the plank while lengthening the upper body.
- Effect: The plank assists in keeping the spine long and aligned, offering essential support as you stretch forward, enhancing overall alignment and stability.
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Handstand Variations (Adho Mukha Vrksasana)
- Setup: Place your hands on the plank.
- Effect: Using the slanting plank under the hands relieves wrist pressure, making inversions safer for those with wrist sensitivities. It also enhances strength and stability in hand placement, encouraging proper alignment in this challenging pose.
Why Use a Yoga Slanting Plank?
The yoga slanting plank is not just a prop; it’s a gateway to deeper body awareness and safer, more supported practice. It helps prevent injury by taking pressure off vulnerable joints, improves posture, and enhances flexibility. With its smooth, solid design, it can endure heavy pressure, making it ideal for yogis of all levels.
Product Highlights
- Material: Made from natural, sustainable pine wood
- Design: Durable, lightweight, and break-resistant
- Surface: Smooth finish, hypoallergenic, and gentle on the skin
- Ease of Use: Compact, portable, and easy to store
Bring the power of mindful alignment into your yoga practice with our Wooden Yoga Slanting Plank, and experience the transformative benefits for yourself. At Ananda Hum, we are committed to offering high-quality, eco-friendly yoga props that elevate your journey on the mat.
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