Yoga blocks are accessories that help us adapt the postures and make them accessible when we are not yet able to do their full version. In other cases, they also help us to strengthen certain muscles while performing the asana. We will see both cases below about How To Use A Yoga Block.
Placing them on their different sides, the yoga blocks offer different heights that we can use according to our needs in each posture.
They can even be stacked to offer extra height if needed. They are really helpful in maintaining proper body alignment and I personally recommend them highly to all beginners.
Yoga blocks can also be used to support certain passive stretches and restorative yoga, a very gentle type of yoga that uses accessories as an essential part of the postures to promote mental and physical relaxation.
However, these types of uses, although very interesting. Let’s keep learning…
How To Use A Yoga Block If You Are Beginning
In today’s post, we will focus on how to use yoga blocks in various key situations for beginners.
1. How To Use A Yoga Block With Stance of the cane or Dandasana
Dandasana’s main complication is keeping the back straight . Although this seems simple a priori, it is usually difficult when the back muscles are tense. In this case, sitting on top of one or more blocks (depending on our need) will raise the hip, making it easier for us to keep our back upright.
This adaptation can be applied to all sitting postures in which it is required to keep the back straight, such as:
2. How To Use A Yoga Block With Raven pose or Kakasana
Arm balances are often difficult for beginners, as they require a lot of strength not only in the arms but also in the core.
The lack of strength in these areas, which are not usually worked in our day to day, make the asanas that require supporting the weight of the whole body only with the arms especially difficult. This happens, for example, in the crow .
By placing a block under your feet, the height from which you start is increased and it is easier to take off your feet, even if it is little by little.
This is a good way to strengthen your arms and core and become familiar with this pose at first. This way of using the blocks could also be applied, among others, to:
3. How To Use A Yoga Block With Stance of the cane with four supports or Chaturanga Dandasana
The main difficulty of the Chaturanga is getting the necessary strength in the arms and shoulders.
This posture carried out prematurely is dangerous for the shoulders since they are the ones that suffer the most if they do not have sufficient muscular strength.
Half flexion, that is, supporting the knees and lifting the feet, is a great preparatory exercise that will strengthen the upper part. It is also ideal for practicing the position of the arms that must come down close to the body with the elbows pointing back, unlike in traditional flexion, in which the elbows come out.
Placing a block under the chest, we can reduce the intensity of the exercise by reducing the height to which we must lower.
This will allow us to focus on maintaining the position of the arms, contracting the core and lowering with the entire upper part maintaining a straight line.
With or without block, this adaptation is indicated to replace the Chaturanga Dandasana in the practice of yoga, in addition to being able to be performed separately.
4. How To Use A Yoga Block With Position of the High Lunge or Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana
Many people do not know that the High Lunge can be done at first leaving the hands resting on the ground. This allows the back to be kept straight while working the force on the legs, which is what will allow us to erect the trunk safely.
While the leg strength is still insufficient, the blocks will help us to reduce the intensity and stretch the back while the trunk is gradually raised.
This adaptation will also serve for many other standing asanas, in which the blocks will help us reduce the distance from the hands to the ground. For example:
5. How To Use A Yoga Block With Bridge Pose or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
Contrary to what it seems to see this pose, it is the thighs that maintain it. A strong thighs will allow us to perform posterior lumbar flexion protecting. However, it is common to see people who open their legs and lift their back exerting force on the lower back.
Using the blocks between the thighs will help us avoid this terrible practice and protect the lower back when the thighs are too weak.
It can also help “educate” how to properly enter this pose. To do this, simply, a block will be placed between the thighs to hug her while the back is raised. This small gesture will also help us to work the strength of the thighs.
A similar adaptation may apply, for example, to the Chair Pose or Utkatasana, and to the Wheel Pose or Urdhva Dhanurasana.
6. How To Use A Yoga Block With Position of the Wheel or Urdhva Dhanurasana
The Wheel is another posture that requires much more strength (and technique) than it seems.
And, done incorrectly, it can easily lead to injuries, especially to the back. Therefore, to protect the lower back, it is very important to activate the thighs keeping them aligned with the body (that is, do not open the legs beyond the opening of the hips). Placing a block between the thighs, just like for the Bridge can help a lot.
However, another of the Wheel’s main difficulties is having sufficient strength in the arms and shoulders.
Increasing the height in which the hands are placed, using yoga blocks under each hand, we will reduce the intensity. This is ideal for working arm and shoulder strength without compromising joints.
Don’t be afraid to use more than two blocks!
This pose requires quite a bit of strength, so you can prepare the body by superimposing two blocks under each hand if you need additional height or at the same time using blocks on the hands and thighs.
The 7 best yoga blocks of 2020
Yoga blocks are one of the accessories of this type of therapy that we can update, as they help you find balance, as well as trying new positions in a comfortable and simple way.
Originally they were made of wood, but now the best yoga blocks are produced in rubber, cork or foam, which are materials that allow better alignment in yoga postures.
What is the best yoga block?
You must know that you will find cork and foam and not necessarily one is better than the other. The foam ones are usually also used for Pilates exercises. The foam ones are usually lighter and softer, while the cork ones are a little more resistant.
Taking your needs into account is also important. You will see, a single basic block can serve you to reach the first positions. However, a package with more than one will serve you better when you have more flexibility.
Maybe you do not take yoga classes at home or want to continue your activities outside the home, the best is a portable model and high resistance to wear. It is vital that whatever your choice is non-slip, for your safety and well-being.
Next, you have my comparative list with those of the best brands, the cheapest and ready to buy. Don’t waste any more time!
e you ever wondered what a good yoga block can do for you? Well I give you the answer: with them you can have better stability and alignment when performing endless yoga poses.
There are times when the ground can seem as if it is too far away and that is when a good block brings you a little closer so that you can move with greater comfort and safety. In turn, they serve to work specific muscle points and improve flexibility in exercises.
How are they used?
You can use them in almost infinite ways. From using them to improve your stability when you start practicing yoga, maintain poses for longer, support your weight in sitting or standing poses, or even to perform complicated postures in which you must be with your head on the ground. This will avoid many injuries and muscle discomfort.
Hold the block while doing some posture for balance. Or you can also use it as a tool to achieve greater flexibility in poses that require it, placing it under the legs and back to stretch the muscles, that little bit that you have missed.
What to consider when buying a yoga block?
To choose your ideal block you must consider several things. The first is the material used in its construction and it is essential because it defines much of the usefulness of each model. Then there is size, weight, shape, stability and more.
Materials
- Foam:
they are the lightest, making them easier to transport. That is why they are ideal if you will travel a lot with them, if you use them to support your head or neck and if you would like to save a little. Yes, they are quite cheap.
- Cork:
they are more durable and offer much more solid support in different postures, especially for those standing. They also petan when it comes to sitting or lying poses.
- Wood:
Although it is the most durable and ecological option, I do not recommend it too much to take to the yoga studio or to practice with your friends. They are quite heavy and expensive blocks. But they are really cool if you can pay the extra and if you will use it only at home, without having to take it out.
- Size:
Blocks can come in two sizes: small or large. The little ones are 7.6 cm long x 15.2 wide and 22.8 high. The big ones are not very different, since they are 10.1 x 15.2 x 22.8 cm.
If you still have a little trouble improving flexibility or are tall, large models will do a little better.
- Shape
Here there may not be too much fabric to cut as they are rectangular blocks after all. However, there are some models that are used for block yoga poses that come in the shape of a brick, that is, with holes in the middle. In turn, there are yoga eggs with rounded edges that resemble eggs, others with an arc shape and more.
- Stability
Stability is essential so that you can feel comfortable and safe when doing various poses, mainly those standing. For this you will need to get yourself a good block of durable and flexible materials, but that does not crush too much or bend on the sides.
- Weight
The lighter blocks are foam and can weigh less than 450 grams. Yes they are light! If you usually move many of them from one side to another, such as from the yoga studio to the house and the gym, you will be able to appreciate the difference in weight compared to those of cork or wood.
What guarantee should be offered with a decent yoga block?
In most cases, the two year warranty period is considered optimal for block yoga. They tend to lose their quality over time. Replacing the old yoga block with a new model is a much better option than a lifetime premium warranty.
How much money do I need to buy the best yoga block?
Obviously, a good yoga block cannot be very cheap. If you want to buy a decent product, you shouldn’t try to save money on it. We recommend that you order the best models from our list of the best yoga blocks if you can afford it.
What should I pay special attention to when choosing a yoga block?
One of the most important factors of any yoga block is its material. It has to be durable and easy to clean. If you want to find a yoga block that will serve you for many years, you will have to buy an expensive model made from the best materials.