I am using a picture from Light on Yoga of BKS Iyengar doing Malasana to see if I am doing the pose correctly.
Which version of me doing the pose looks more correct? More like Mr. Iyengar’s pose?
Malasana without heel support
Malasana with support under my heels
On the left, I'm practicing Malasana (Yogi Squat) without support. My ankle mobility limits how deeply I can squat while keeping my balance and my spine long.
On the right, placing a slanting plank under my heels changes everything. By reducing the ankle dorsiflexion required, I'm able to:
Stay balanced
Keep my chest lifted
Relax into the pose instead of fighting it
Breathe more comfortably
Using props isn't "making it easier"—it's making the pose more accessible and allowing your body to experience its intended benefits with better alignment.
Remember: Yoga meets your body where it is today. Props help bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
What does your Malasana look like?
Have you ever tried Malasana with support under your heels?
Props improve your alignment, not your worth!