5 Vital Things To Consider When Using Yoga Blocks

Perhaps you’re new to yoga, or you’ve put in several years of practice – wherever you are in your yoga journey, there’s always something to learn. There are several different schools of yoga, each with their own methodology and principles. While the common, underlying factors remain the same, you can take different routes to achieve your yoga goal. The use of props in yoga is an old and revered tradition. Props enable smoother, safer and more comfortable ways to practice yoga. They are equally effective when used by experienced professionals and by new entrants. Some of them include straps, bolsters, cushions, bricks or blocks, wedges, blankets, yoga wheels and knee and elbow pads. These accessories ensure that you perform without injuries or strain, and also boost your performance. These props are used to correctly align the body. With the right props, you can take your yoga practice to higher levels – something that would perhaps take years!

One of the first teachers to promote the use of props in yoga was BKS Iyengar of India. He created many of them based on his own experience and observations. A very popular accessory is the yoga block or brick. It is usually made of cork, hard foam, rubber or even wood. They are available in different sizes, though the standard size is 9x6x4 inches. You can purchase them in any reputed yoga store or health store.

When you want to extend your reach or range of motion, you may not be able to bend or stretch your body enough. Yoga blocks fill that gap so that you can practice the pose in the right way. Since the block is rectangular, you can position it in different ways to get more or less height. 

Using a block helps you to understand your own body better, with all its limitations, pain points and also figure out how much you can push it. If you are a beginner, an older practitioner, or recovering from an illness, injury or surgery, it’s much safer to use a prop such as a yoga block. The block provides the support you need at all levels and positions. You get much better muscle engagement with a yoga block, and feel much more confident in your practice. Blocks support the body, allowing you to relax and enjoy your practice. 

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1. Elevate The Floor: One of the main purposes of using a yoga block is to gradually train the body. Some yoga poses require you to bend forwards, backwards or sideways to touch the floor. This can cause a range of injuries. A yoga block can be positioned correctly to give you that extra 9 inches up from the floor so that you don’t have to bend that much. Your yoga trainer can help you to position the block in the right way.
2. More Than One: Some forms of yoga, such as restorative yoga where you can use several blocks to create a larger supportive ramp. You can use two blocks under your knees in poses such as the butterfly pose to provide extra support. Yoga blocks are also available in slightly rounded or wedge shapes for added support and comfort.
3. Material: Yoga blocks come in a variety of materials. Depending on the style of yoga you practice, your fitness level and your yoga goals,  your trainer can help you to choose the right type of yoga block. If you practice many poses that require pressure on the hands or knees, choose a slightly softer material such as rubber, while materials such as wood are more dense and firm. If you are in doubt, the safest material is cork which is not too hard yet firm enough.
4. Weight and Size: Never put your entire weight on the block. This can cause it to slip or wobble. The block serves only as a prop for support and balance and cannot do more than this. Choose a larger size block if you’re taller, less flexible or slightly overweight.
5. Positioning: Make sure that your block is firmly placed on your yoga mat. Never practice on a towel, mattress or carpet. Ensure that your mat is a non-slip one, so that you can avoid injuries. Never place the yoga blocks at the ends or edges of your mat. In some poses such as the camel pose, ensure that your fingers and toes are properly aligned.