Why do you need yoga blocks in your yoga practice? And is it necessary to use yoga blocks? The short answer is: Yes. Yoga blocks help not only beginners with their correct body alignment and to get into the pose more easily, they also help with stability and, over time flexibility. So, how to use yoga blocks correctly?
How to use yoga blocks for more flexibility?
Yes, you can and most likely will become more flexible when you use yoga blocks in your daily yoga practice. A yoga strap will also do magic for your hamstrings and shoulders if they are particularly tight. See, what happens is that when you do not use yoga blocks for support, you will most likely not be able to get into a certain yoga pose (Asana) the “correct” way. Meaning, without the use of blocks it is hard to come into a in any given pose and to maintain a body posture that will still allow you to breathe deeply into your abdominal.
What purpose do yoga blocks have?
Yoga blocks – and other yoga props like a strap and bolster – are there to support you and your body. They help you to get into a certain pose more easily and without you hurting your body. As a beginner or a person who is particularly tight in their body, your body is most likely not open and loose enough for you to “do” the yoga pose the way it was intended to. The goal in any yoga pose is to be steady, and also to be able to breathe fully and deeply, without restrictions.
What are the benefits of using yoga blocks for beginners?
Who has ever said that yoga needs to be hard? There is no reason for you to be shaky while trying to get into a certain pose, let alone hurting your body while trying to reach a place that your body is not yet ready to go to. There are many benefits in using yoga blocks in your practice, like:
- Yoga Blocks help you find balance in poses like Half Moon or Warrior 3.
- Yoga Blocks help you deepening your stretches. By sitting on a yoga block, your elevated height will allow you to experience a deeper stretch in your tight hamstrings.
- They provide support (for example in Bridge Pose or Savasana) and help you to intensify your feeling of relaxation.
- They make your yoga practice more comfortable and steady.
Now, let’s dive into the question of how to use yoga blocks, especially if you are a beginner
It is very easy to use yoga blocks in your yoga practice. You can use a block for every seated yoga pose by just sitting on it. The elevated height with open your hips more and help you keep your spine straight. You can also use blocks under your hands in Downward Facing Dog, or for stabilization in Half Moon Pose, as support in Bridge Pose or below your legs in Savasana. Here is another article on yoga props and tips on how to use them.
Yoga blocks can become your BEST FRIENDS if you let them. After a certain period of regular practice, you might feel like you do not need yoga blocks anymore. However, if you are a complete beginner and not particularly, extra-ordinarily super-human flexible, I recommend you use yoga blocks in your practice for at least one year.
What kind of yoga blocks do I need?
While yoga blocks made of foam seem to be everywhere, I personally prefer yoga blocks made from natural cork. Blocks made out of bamboo or wood are also nice and feel more natural than foam blocks.