Everything You Need to Know About Yoga Blocks
If you are new at yoga, using yoga props is the best way to learn Asanas and support your practice.
Typically, most yoga studios will have the following layout at the beginning of the class:
- A yoga mat
- One or two yoga blocks
- Sometimes a strap or other accessories such as yoga bolsters
- A towel
Yoga blocks are THE ultimate accessories to facilitate or challenge your Asana practice. Beginner (or non-beginner) yogis often hesitate to use yoga props sometimes because they think they do not need them (often driven by ego), sometimes simply because they have not been taught how to use them!
Fear not! In this guide you will find out why using yoga blocks is beneficial for you.
1. They help with alignment
Everyone has a different body and a different level of flexibility. Heck, even the most flexible person might need blocks on the days their body feels super tight after having a bad night of sleep!
Yoga Asanas are meant to be comfortable. Yes, while working on a new pose there will be moments of discomfort but your yoga practice will do you no good if you cannot breathe properly, feel uncomfortable and if you are putting your body at risk.
Does your hip pop to the front when you are in a Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)? Do you struggle to reach your hand down? The full pose requires extending both arms in a straight line, while reaching fingers to the floor, which is difficult for a lot of people. As a result, you might round your shoulders, your chest might collapse to the front and your front hip will pop to the front instead of forming a straight line with your back foot.
If this is you, consider placing a block under your hand. This way, the pose can still be accessible, you can enjoy the benefits of the pose while maintaining an open front body and spinal integrity.
2. They add length
Ever struggled to reach the floor with your hands while folding forward? If the answer if yes, placing a yoga block on the floor can help decrease the distance between the floor and you so you can still get into the pose. Think about it like an extended arm, how amazing is that!
3. They challenge you
Using blocks is great to build strength and improve your balance, for example in Chaturanga or Crow Pose (Bakasana).
If you struggle to come down to the floor and keep your elbows bent to your sides in your Chaturanga, think about placing two blocks under each hand and keep practicing with the blocks until you build core and arm strength.
There are various ways you can also challenge your practice with blocks, for example by squeezing a block between your knees in Boat Pose (Navasana).
4. They make you safe
Are you scared of falling head first while practicing Crow Pose? You can place a block under your feet and a block under your forehead to start with. Another way would be to support your hands with two blocks:
Yoga blocks ease the strain on your body and offer additional support for areas of your body that feel tight or fragile (think: tight hips, knees). They are designed in such a way that you can modify the height of the block (just turn the block around either at its highest, flattest or on the side).
For example, if sitting down for a long time (either in meditation or Butterfly Pose for example) adds to much strain on your knees or hips, think about placing a block under your hips or a block under each knee to support them.
Keep in mind
Yoga props were first introduced to make yoga more accessible to everyone. Using yoga blocks helps to support your practice, improves your alignment and ensures you are free from potential injuries. With yoga blocks you can progress at your own time, challenge your practice and enjoy the benefits of the poses while being safe!
Thinking about getting yoga blocks? Our recycled flip flop yoga blocks are a great way to get started: they are lightweight, gentle and the material ensures you get a good grip without risking you to slip. Plus, by getting one of these blocks you are supporting local communities in Kenya and helping with ocean conservation. Choose between Ocean Blue and Rainbow.
Bring joy and colour into your practice while making a positive impact on the planet!