Once you’ve discovered the many benefits of using yoga blocks, you won’t forget to put them in your yoga bag before leaving for class. But, before we list the many uses of yoga blocks, it’s a helpful idea to talk a little about the healthy aspects Yoga, itself.

Yoga Mind/Body Benefits

Yoga assists you in awakening your inner body and enlivening your outer body! Yoga practice involves clearing your mind and becoming completely aware of each pose. This enhances inner awareness. Habitual yoga practice awakens, energizes, and strengthens the structure and flow of the body. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

It takes time and commitment, as well as a whole lot of patience, to master a yoga pose. No one is a master the first time they attempt to do anything. But, slowly over time, as you practice and attempt to perform each pose perfectly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will find that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

Try to create a clean, peaceful space for your yoga practice, with a bare floor, if you can, and a clear wall. Remember to turn off your cell phone while practicing your yoga routines to avoid any distraction. Ideally, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If you can’t go without eating, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

Remember to be mindful of how your body feels, and stop or pause if you encounter any pain or discomfort while trying out a pose. Then try again.

Yoga props and accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even a yoga towel are made with the intention to aid you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing a flawless pose, and in practicing in a sound way.

Good reasons to consider using yoga props:

• Pain relief and body comfort

• Structural strength to avoid injury

• Stress relief and relaxation

• Maintain proper alignment

• Ease and flexibility of movement

• Create space in the joints

• Develop awareness and understanding

Yoga Blocks

Unfortunately, often before a beginner can start to experience the benefits to mind and body that yoga affords, discomfort in attempting to do a few of the yoga poses will provoke them to turn away from a beneficial yoga practice. Yoga blocks can help to improve your alignment and, in the process, make you more relaxed during your yoga practice. For instance, when a standing pose entails one hand being on the floor, flexibility issues show up. For a novice, the floor can seem a long way down. A yoga block can supply the difference. Think of a yoga block as adding length to your arm. While a newbie is in the process of developing flexibility, he or she will still be able to do the standing poses correctly by positioning a hand on a block that’s been set appropriately on the floor. A yoga block is a wonderful transitional aid.  In addition, several sitting poses make use of a yoga block.  Yoga blocks aid with balance, poise, and stability. Who could ask for more from something so “square.”

Yoga blocks come in several different materials. To name a few: Foam blocks are durable and lightweight, an manageable add to your yoga mat bag! Wooden blocks are also not heavy and hollow, yet essentially indestructible (even Fido would find one hard to destroy!). And, then there is the eco-friendly cork block.  An added bonus is that the natural consistency of the cork gives a little extra traction.

Yoga blocks are usually sold singly but, for utility, you’ll probably want to buy several.

 

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