Backless Folding Chairs

While metal folding chairs are a staple in most well-equipped Yoga studios, they're not so common in the homes of Yoga enthusiasts. If more people understood how useful a backless metal chair could be in their practice, however, they'd certainly have one, right alongside their bolsters, blocks and strap. Chairs offer support when you need it most - while learning a backbend, for example, or for a refreshing version of Plow Pose (you rest your legs on the seat and let your feet stick out through the back). The metal folding chairs that you find at the studios are better than just grabbing any old chair for a number of reasons. Because they are backless, it's easier for you to come in and out of poses (of course, you can always take an ordinary metal chair and remove the back, but you risk bending it, which will cause it to lose stability). They're also just the right size for most people to grab onto when doing a twist or performing a modified version of Standing Forward Bend or Downward Facing Dog. A backless chair and a strap are also great tools for learning more advanced poses such as the One-Legged King Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) - although it's best if you leave these more complicated activities in the hands of an instructor. Do ask your teacher for some simple ways to use the chair at home - you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much it can enhance your practice.

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