Introduction
Yoga is such an important exercise as it really looks after your health in so many ways. It is so good for our bodies in terms of strength, flexibility, mobility and calm the mind.
I started to do Yoga only about 5 years ago and I used to do once per week. Now I find it is better for me to do daily and I can choose what I specifically want to concentrate on. One day I will work on my flexibility and the next I might want to concentrate more on my strength. I will usually do between 15 to 60-minute sessions per day.
Yoga has made me more flexible and I have increased mobility. It has also helped me at times when I have felt a lot of overwhelm and I use Yoga to help me calm my mind through my breath.
Anyone can do Yoga no matter of age, sex or ability. What I really enjoy is the fact that you can challenge your body in different ways. Everyone is built in their own unique way so for me I always suffer with tight hips so there are certain poses that are more difficult for me which also includes sitting cross-legged. My partner suffers with his balance so finds certain poses difficult such as The Standing Hand To Foot Pose.
What I found that really helped was using a block which has become one of the most important pieces of equipment second to my mat.
Why Is A Yoga Block Important?
Once you start using a Yoga Block you will find them the most useful pieces of equipment to help improve your ability. Do not be afraid of using Yoga Blocks as they really do help. Initially I did not use as I wanted to do the poses on my own however, I found that they improved my postures and I really got the benefits more than I ever expected.
Let me show you how you can benefit from using Yoga Blocks?
Increased Stability
Especially, useful in balance poses. Sometimes overreaching is not conducive to the pose as you will not receive all the benefits. So for example in a “half moon pose” using a block 1 to 2 feet in from of you and placing your hand on top enables you to really open up your chest and extend your leg back and up behind you.
Bringing The Floor Up To You
As I managed earlier, I have difficulty sitting cross-legged especially at the beginning of my practice.
I normally sit on my block which makes sitting cross-legged much easier. The aim is to ensure that you always sit upright and allow your knees to open out and relax.
What I find fascinating for me is that this pose becomes much easier by the end of my practice when I usually do not need the block to sit cross-legged.
Building Strength
Yoga also helps to strengthen our body and there are many poses where a block becomes useful.
An example of this is The Locust Pose which is a mild back bend which helps to strengthen glutes, back and abdominals.
Placing a block under your hips enables your legs to lift higher which also enables you to lift the chest higher too.
Challenging A Perspective
Some poses that you might be used to doing can become a little more challenging with a deeper perspective and giving you even more benefits.
An example of this could be by using a block to perfect your downward facing dog, which is one of the most popular of the Yoga Poses.
The Downward Facing Dog is a great pose to build core and upper body strength. It also helps to relieve tightness and tension in the back, legs, and shoulders. It is important that the whole body is engaged during this pose.
Placing the block under your head can really allow you to deepen the stretch and engage the muscles.
Different Types Of Yoga Blocks
There are a few different block types that you can choose from.
Soft and Lightweight providing protection to the bony areas.
Cheapest Place To Buy Amazon
Rating 8/10
Comment – A great block for any beginner
Durable, hard, and heavy provides stability and support.
Cheapest Place To Buy Amazon
Rating 7/10
Comment – Very durable
Durable and lighter than wooden blocks. Eco-friendly and provides stability and support.
Cheapest Place To Buy Amazon
Rating 7/10
Comment – A great bamboo option
Durable and lighter than wooden blocks also providing stability and support.
Cheapest Place To Buy Amazon
Rating 9/10
Comment – My favourite option as light and eco friendly
“Claim Your Discount
As the owner of this website I have tracked down special deals for some of the products and services mentioned herein. When you use the links on this page to make a purchase, I may get a small commission and you may get a great bargain. It is a win-win all round. “
As a beginner for you to get started my suggestion would be to purchase two blocks. A number of poses will be improved if you use the blocks under both sides such as a low lunge where you can put the two blocks underneath each hands to enable your to lift your chest and sink low into the back heel.
Other options of using two blocks could be in poses where you might feel that stacking the blocks can enhance the stretch.
And example of this could be in a forward fold where you bend forward allowing your head to hand loose enabling the stretch through the back of the legs and the spine. Resting your head on the two stacked blocks can enable you to really concentrate on deepening the stretch by starting with bent legs aiming to straighten them.
Other Easy Beginner Yoga Poses
Triangle
Revolved Triangle
Childs Pose
Fish Pose
Bridge Pose
Chair Pose
Conclusion
Yoga blocks are therefore especially useful to help make your Yoga Poses easier to do as a beginner. Having the ability to use them for support and stability will soon build up your confidence so that you can really improve the stretches to get maximum benefits.
Blocks are useful for anyone and can really help build strength and length to your body. In many instances you will find that they can also help you relax.
I have different sized blocks which help me in different situations, but I think that initially starting with two of the same blocks is the perfect way to get used to using them. As you start to build in confidence you will start to explore more poses and give yourself so many challenges.
One thing I can assure you is that as a beginner using the blocks will help you improve your flexibility and strength.
If you need any further help or if you have any questions, please let me know.
JJ
I started practicing yoga about 4 years ago and was off and on with the habit. At first I found it very strenuous, having to hold a pose for a long time, but after a while I came to love the relief I felt after the sessions and the habits of calming myself and listening to my breath. Thanks for this article. I am now thinking that i should get a set of blocks to help those poses I am still struggling with. Thanks for the reminder
Imelda Easthorpe
Thank you so much for your comments,
I think so many people feel that they have to do the poses exact and over stretch too much. Adding a block or two can really help your enjoyment as you will get a greater benefit into those stretches.
I hope you continue to enjoy your Yoga.
Thank you
Kimberly
This is a very good post and I must say that I value this a lot. It is never easier than to get started. Though I have really procrastinated a lot of times when it comes to actually committing to yoga. But seeing this simple moves that are more achievable for me is really great and thank you so much for sharing it out here with us all.
Imelda Easthorpe
Thank you Kimberley,
I hope that with some extra support that these blocks can give you that you get even more enjoyment.
I love Yoga for so many reasons and believe it is something that everyone would benefit from.
Thank you
Imelda
Joseph Stasaitis
These are great poses for beginners as it is a way to get people to ease into the exercises. I wasn’t aware of yoga blocks before. It is quite interesting that they are made out of so many different types of material. Personally I prefer bamboo blocks because they are lighter than wood. You have provided a wealth of information that leads to better health.
Imelda Easthorpe
Thank you Joseph,
Yes the bamboo blocks are my favourite also and exceedingly eco friendly. It really does help improve your Yoga.
All the best
Imelda
BJaYbOLt
The beauty of yoga is knowing what you are doing and making sure you don’t appropriately, this will make it very easy and much effective and not make your time wasted. These poses are going to be helpful to beginners and it’ll enable then to grow quick in the disciplines of Yoga exercise.
Imelda Easthorpe
I really appreciate your comment,
Yes it is important to do these poses properly and having help through these blocks makes a big difference. I am hoping that people really continue to grow in their Yoga Practice and really get the benefits.
Thank you
Imelda