Yoga blocks are an integral part of the yoga practice. These props assist beginners and even seasoned yogis in deepening their yoga postures and maintaining balance. Whether you are practicing Hatha, Iyengar or Ashtanga, yoga blocks can benefit you. This beginner’s guide will provide in-depth insight into the usage, material options, benefits, and types of yoga blocks.
What are Yoga Blocks?
Yoga blocks are supportive props typically used in a yoga practice to assist with alignment, balance, and postural support. By acting as an extension of your arms and legs, they can help yogis reach the ground which could otherwise be difficult due to tight muscles. Their supportive nature brings the floor closer to the student, facilitating correct alignment and minimizing the risk of injury.
Materials Used in Yoga Blocks
Yoga Blocks come in a variety of materials, each having its unique benefits and drawbacks. The three primary materials used are cork, foam, and wood.
1. Cork Yoga Blocks: Made from the bark of cork oak trees, cork blocks are natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly. They have a firmness not found in foam blocks and offer a sturdy, durable prop for your practice. The drawback is that they weigh more than foam and can be too firm for some poses.
2. Foam Yoga Blocks: These are made from high-density foam making them lightweight and ideal for travel. They also offer a slight give under pressure, providing a soft but firm support. The downside is that they don’t provide the same level of sturdiness and stability as cork or wood.
3. Wood Yoga Blocks: These are the traditional yoga blocks. They are the heaviest and most stable but can be uncomfortable against the body in certain poses.
How to Use Yoga Blocks?
Yoga blocks are used in a range of scenarios and postures. Here are a few ways:
1. Adding Length and Support: In poses like the half-moon or triangle, where one hand is supposed to touch the ground, a block can be used if one cannot reach the floor comfortably.
2. Improving Balance: In balancing poses like tree pose or warrior III, placing a block under the foot of the raised leg can provide additional stability and support.
3. Deepening Stretches: Blocks can help deepen stretches, especially for those with limited flexibility. For example, in a forward bend, placing a block under the hands can allow for a better stretch of the hamstrings.
These tools are versatile, with three different dimensions, and can be rotated to various settings – low, medium, and high, adapting to y our comfort level and need.
Different Types of Yoga Blocks
1. Standard Yoga Blocks: The most common type, these are rectangular and can be made of any material.
2. Cork Yoga Blocks: These are similar in shape and size to standard blocks but made from cork. They are environmentally friendly and very sturdy.
3. Foam Yoga Blocks: These are the lightest weight and most travel-friendly, made of high-density foam.
4. Wooden Yoga Blocks: Traditional wooden blocks are heavier and offer the most support.
5. Egg-shaped Yoga Blocks: It’s a unique shape that gives different support variations.
6. Wedge-shaped Yoga Blocks: These are ideal for those who need additional wrist support in poses like the downward dog.
Benefits of Yoga Blocks?
The benefits of incorporating yoga blocks into your practice are numerous. They include:
1. Improved Alignment: They encourage proper alignment by preventing overreach in various poses.
2. Greater Comfort: By bringing the floor closer to you, they reduce the struggle to reach it, hence more comfort in practicing poses.
3. Enhanced Flexibility: Yoga blocks bridge the gap for those poses that might otherwise be out of reach due to limited flexibility.
4. Safety: They offer support, reducing strain and minimising risk of injury.
5. Increased Strength: When used in specific poses, blocks can add resistance, thereby helping to build strength.
Choosing the Right Yoga Block
Choosing a yoga block largely depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Key factors to consider are:
1. Material: Choose according to your comfort preference – soft and light (foam), firm and heavy (wood), or something in-between (cork).
2. Size: Standard size (9″ x 6″ x 4″) suits most yogis. If you have smaller or larger hands, consider a block that fits your proportions better.
3. Weight: A heavier block provides more support but is less portable. Lighter blocks are travel-friendly but may not provide the same level of stability.
4. Texture: This is crucial as it affects the block’s grip and comfort on your body.
By understanding these aspects of yoga blocks, beginners can encourage a safer, more effective, and comfortable yoga practice. Regardless of the yoga style or level of flexibility, yoga blocks are versatile aids that can provide increased comfort, promote better alignment, and contribute to a deeper yoga practice.
