If props are used in sessions, then seek to utilise them in ways that really make them shine, as they all have slightly different and special redeeming features. Items such as balls and foam rollers are totally brilliant, because they provide an unstable base upon which the body must stabilise itself by using the deep musculature to do so. Knowing that this is what these pieces of equipment can bring to the table, choose to use them with repertoire that takes full advantage of this such as stabilisation or abdominal work or balance based exercises, not just as a shiny orb in your hands during mat exercises etc.
Subsequently, when using small props the idea should be that the body should control the prop, not the other way around. The aim is to load more resistance into your own muscles than would be minimally required by the piece of equipment in order to create the desired movement.

pilates props