Many yoga teachers recommend the use of props such as blocks and straps to assist practitioners in achieving good form in certain yoga postures. Yoga blocks are brick-shaped blocks made from a variety of materials including foam, wood, cork or bamboo. Most yoga blocks measure approximately nine inches long, six inches wide and three or four inches high. Although lightweight, yoga blocks are strong and sturdy, and can support the weight of most adults.
Purpose
Yoga blocks can provide you with extra support and stability by lessening the distance you must stretch. Because stretching beyond your capabilities can cause serious injury, you should use a block for any pose you find difficult. Use of a block will allow you to hold a yoga pose longer and more comfortably.
Uses
Depending on the yoga posture and the needs of the practitioner, one, two or more yoga blocks might be called for. They can be placed flat, on one side or on end, and can be used to support the hands, feet, back or bottom in a variety of postures. You may choose to sit on the block for the lotus pose, which can be difficult for those with tight hips. Place the brick under the small of your back to gain extra support when performing the bridge pose. In standing poses that involve twisting the body, such as triangle pose, the block offers support to help you maintain your balance. The block can also be wrapped in a towel and used as a head and neck support during abdominal exercises.
Who Can Benefit
Use of a yoga block is especially beneficial for those with tight muscles, or anyone with physical challenges that prevent them from fully stretching into a pose. Pregnant women can use the block to safely modify poses. If you are new to yoga, you will find a block useful particularly during your first few sessions. After you build strength and increase your flexibility, you may want to attempt the same poses without the block. Even experienced yoga practitioners may choose to employ a block to allow them to achieve optimal alignment.
Choosing a Block
Yoga blocks can be purchased singly or in sets of two. Look for a yoga block with a non-slip surface and beveled or rounded edges, which makes it more comfortable to grasp. As of 2011, good quality foam yoga blocks retail for between $10 and $12 each, and are available in a variety of colors, including purple, blue and green. Blocks made from cork are slightly more expensive, but some prefer them since they are made from a renewable resource.
Member Comments