Using a yoga block and its different benefits

A yoga block is a small, rectangular foam or wooden block that is used to support the body in yoga poses. It can be used to modify poses to make them more or less challenging, and it can also be used for stretching and strengthening exercises.

Here are some of the benefits of using a yoga block:

• Provides support for poses that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. For example, if you have tight hamstrings, you can use a block under your hips in downward-facing dog pose to help you reach the ground.
• Helps to improve balance and alignment. Using a block can help you to find the correct alignment in poses, which can lead to better balance and overall strength.
• Can be used to modify poses to make them more or less challenging. If you are a beginner, you can use a block to make poses easier. For example, you can place a block under your hands in plank pose to take some of the weight off your arms. If you are an experienced yogi, you can use a block to make poses more challenging. For example, you can place a block under your feet in warrior pose to increase the depth of the pose.
• Can be used for stretching and strengthening exercises. You can use a block to help you stretch your hamstrings, quads, and other muscles. You can also use a block to help you strengthen your core and arms.
• Can be used for massage and self-care. You can use a block to apply pressure to sore muscles or to massage your back.

If you are new to yoga, it is a good idea to start with a basic block and see how it feels. Once you are comfortable with using a block, you can experiment with different sizes and materials to find what works best for you, looking through our Yoga & Pilates collection

How do you stretch with yoga blocks?

Yoga blocks are excellent since there are so many various ways to use them. You can use them for stability and balance in challenging positions as well as to alter the height of a pose to fit your body shape and level of flexibility. Depending on the demands of the position, you can place yoga blocks under your hands, back, hips, and even legs.

This pose helps to relax the body and mind. The block under your forehead can help you to release tension in your neck and shoulders.

What exercises can you do with yoga blocks?

Yoga blocks are useful for many different types of workouts besides just yoga. The blocks can be used to improve posture when sitting on the floor to engage in mindfulness or meditation practises, as well as for mobility exercises and functional movement techniques.

It is simple to incorporate the blocks into a variety of yoga positions, such as forward folds, chest openers, standing poses, and seated postures.

Here are 5 exercises explained that can be done with a yoga block:

1. Downward-facing dog with block under hips:

   1. Start in a tabletop position on your hands and knees.
   2. Place a block under your hips so that it is about the height of your hips.
   3. Step back with your feet so that your body forms an inverted V shape.
   4. Press your hands into the ground and lift your hips up towards the ceiling.
   5. Keep your spine long and your neck in line with your spine.
   6. Hold for 5-10 breaths.

   This pose helps to open the hips and hamstrings. The block under your hips can help you to reach the ground without rounding your back.

   Warrior pose with block under front foot:

   1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
   2. Step forward with your right leg and place a block under your right foot so that it is about the height of your knee.
   3. Turn your right foot out to the side about 45 degrees.
   4. Bend your right knee until your right thigh is parallel to the ground.
   5. Keep your left leg straight and your core engaged.
   6. Reach your arms overhead and gaze up towards the ceiling.
   7. Hold for 5-10 breaths.

   Repeat on the other side.

   This pose helps to improve balance and strength. The block under your front foot can help you to find your balance and to keep your knee from collapsing inwards.

   Triangle pose with block under back foot:

   1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
   2. Step back with your right leg and place a block under your right foot so that it is about the height of your hip.
   3. Turn your right foot out to the side about 45 degrees.
   4. Bend your right knee until your right thigh is parallel to the ground.
   5. Reach your left arm down towards the block and your right arm up towards the ceiling.
   6. Keep your core engaged and your spine long.
   7. Hold for 5-10 breaths.

   Repeat on the other side.

   This pose helps to stretch the sides of the body. The block under your back foot can help you to find your balance and to keep your spine long.

   Plank pose with block under hands:

   1. Start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart.
   2. Place a block under your hands so that they are about the height of your shoulders.
   3. Lower your body down until your chest is about an inch above the ground.
   4. Keep your core engaged and your body in a straight line from your head to your heels.
   5. Hold for 5-10 breaths.

   This pose helps to strengthen the core and arms. The block under your hands can help you to find the correct alignment in the pose and to take some of the weight off your arms.

   Child's pose with block under forehead:

   1. Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching.
   2. Sit back on your heels and bring your torso down to rest on your thighs.
   3. Place a block under your forehead so that it is about the height of your heart.
   4. Relax your arms down by your sides.
   5. Hold for 5-10 breaths.