How to Use Yoga Blocks to improve your practice
Yoga blocks are often used to balance yoga. This is true. However, there are other uses for yoga blocks. One of many yoga props that can be used to help yoga teachers and beginners alike. This guide will help you understand yoga blocks and the benefits they can bring to your practice.
What are Yoga Blocks?
Blocks can be used to integrate yoga into your practice. The shape of yoga blocks is square and looks like a brick. Although yoga blocks come in many sizes, the standard size for a yoga block is 9x6x4 inches. This size of yoga block has three height options. You can adjust the height of the block as you practice or for the specific pose. Many yoga blocks are made from foam or cork and can support your weight.
Foam yoga blocks can be more cost-effective than cork, but they tend to deteriorate quicker and stain faster than cork. Cork yoga blocks are more expensive initially, but they last much longer. Additionally, cork acts as a natural antimicrobial which means it kills bacteria.
Many people mistakenly believe that using props is a sign you are weak when practising yoga. However, props can be beneficial for those who are more experienced and those just starting to do yoga. Integrating yoga blocks into your practice can bring many benefits. The first step in allowing them to affect your practice positively is to get rid of any misinformation or assumptions about their utility.
Yoga blocks can help improve your form and reduce the risk of injury.
Proper form is essential in yoga. It doesn’t matter if you are new to yoga or trying out a new pose. Maintaining proper form can be difficult at first because your body might not have the necessary muscles to support it. You can get extra support for challenging poses that you might otherwise injure yourself by incorporating a yoga block into your practice.
Your body will build the stabilizer muscles and flexibility necessary to hold your yoga block properly. The height of your yoga block can be adjusted until it is no longer needed. You can inflict injury on yourself if you try to force yourself into a difficult pose.
Yoga blocks help you maintain your posture for longer periods.
Yoga can help your body increase stamina and strength as well as flexibility. With the support and stability of yoga blocks, you can hold your posture for longer while still being calm and breathing. This is especially beneficial for restorative yoga styles, as it allows you to enjoy the benefits of the asanas without having to exert too much effort.
Yoga blocks bring the floor to you.
Many poses in yoga require you to raise your hands off the ground, such as standing asana. You can only improve your flexibility over time. Yoga blocks are a safe way to increase that flexibility. You can bring the ground to your feet by placing a yoga block horizontally or vertically in front of yourself. This will allow you to avoid falling off balance and attempting to touch the ground.
You can use the yoga blocks to increase your flexibility and strength until you can touch the ground independently. Yoga blocks can help you avoid bending your spine or straining your hips. Both of these can cause injury. Yoga blocks can also lengthen your spine and help you ground your feet into the ground.
Yoga Blocks Can Help You Deepen Your Stretch
Yoga is known for stretching and lengthening your body. You can integrate yoga blocks into your practice to deepen your stretch and go deeper into the pose.
Yoga blocks can be used to enhance your ability to stretch deeper. You can also use the yoga blocks to open your chest by placing them between your shoulder blades and your upper back. This will allow you to create a deep stretch that will widen your upper body and encourage relaxation. To achieve a deeper stretch, you can also use a yoga block. You can place the block at its lowest point under one foot. The stretch will become deeper, and the block can be used to help with lower back pain.
Yoga Blocks Can Help You Explore Arm Balances
Yoga blocks can strengthen your core muscles and allow you to practice arm balances. Arm balances require flexibility, strength, and core strength. It takes time to build a strong core. To help your body develop the ability to lift yourself off the yoga mat and engage your core while in an arm balance, you can do this with the support of a yoga block.
Three ways to use yoga blocks in three different positions
Although there are many benefits to using yoga blocks to enhance your practice, you may still be unsure how to get started. Here are some examples of yoga blocks used in specific poses to enhance your yoga practice.
A dog that is downward facing
Downward Dog is a popular pose in yoga and is often a favourite. Although Downward Dog might seem simple, it can be enhanced by using yoga blocks.
- Start on all fours on the mat.
- Place two yoga blocks shoulder-width apart under your palms. Place the two yoga blocks shoulder-width apart underneath your palms.
- Once you have found your position, pull your stomach inward and tighten your core. Next, press your hands into the blocks and lift your body into Downward Dog.
- Take five to ten deep breaths after you have gotten into Downward Dog.
Bridge Pose
Proper alignment can be maintained by using a yoga block while in Bridge Pose. The yoga block will help ensure your knees are properly aligned while in Bridge Pose.
- For your first position, place your face up on your yoga mat.
- After getting into a comfortable position, relax your legs and spread your shoulders out. Your arms should be at your sides.
- Place the yoga block just above your knees in between your thighs.
- Next, take a deep breath and place the block between your legs. As you raise your hips, lift your hips upwards.
- Your midsection should be engaged when you lift your head.
- The block should be held in place while you hold the pose.
- After holding the pose for 5-10 breaths, let go.
Pigeon Pose
Pigeon pose can be a difficult one for those who are just starting yoga. This is often due to a lack of flexibility in the hips or knee flexors. A yoga block may be helpful in these situations.
- Start by laying on your back, kneeling on your mat, and stretching your arms and knees at your sides.
- You can extend one leg backwards from there.
- Now, extend your left leg back and bring your right leg in front. You will notice that your front leg is where most of your weight is.
- Grab your yoga block from the top and place it on the ground under the ischial tuberosity of your leg. This will reduce pressure on your knees and allow your body to keep a slight forward tilt.
- You can hold the pose for 5-10 minutes before you release.