Yoga blocks are one of the most well-known props out there.  So many people get hung up on using props, though.  The "props are only for beginners" mindset takes over. 

So do blocks work for everyone? Hell yes!  They're for all my bad ass bitches out there looking to be true to their bodies and where they are in their life. 

For beginners, they help make many poses more accessible  and ensure proper alignment.  As you advance through poses, they offer support as you flow into poses that would otherwise be inaccessible to you. They help keep your muscles from tensing up, allowing you to go deeper into the pose & keep you safer

Here are a few ways yoga blocks can enhance your practice:

Close the Space Between You & the Floor

It's ok if you can't reach the floor with your hands or your head (depending on the pose). The block will bring the floor to you!

In standing forward fold positions, if your hands don't reach the mat, place the block directly under them:

• Standing forward fold

• Wide leg forward fold with your hands or your head on the block

In side bending (lateral) positions, place the block directly under your hand closest to the floor. This will keep length in the side body and not scrunching it all up.

• Side angle

• Triangle

In lunging poses, place a block on each side of you. This keeps your hips from sinking to the floor & your chest lifted.

• Low lunge

• Lizard

In twisting poses, place the block near your opposite floot. The block allows you to keep length in your spine.

• Low crescent lunge with twist

• Twisted pyramid

Strength & Resistance in Pose

As you move through our poses you can advance them by using the block as a "weight", holding it in front of you or over your head.

• High lunge with block held straight out in front of you

• Triangle with block in hand of the extended arm

Alignment in the Pose

Blocks enable you to find alignment in your hips, knees & shoulders.

Hips & Knees

Knees only offer flexion & extension, not rotation or lateral bending. Keeping the knees (so in turn your hips) in the correct placement will strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee joint. Placing the block between your inner thighs will help with stability in poses that can cause knee stress.

• Camel

• Chair

• Bridge

Arms & Shoulders

A block can ensure proper positioning in your arms when they should be shoulder width apart. Placing one block longways between the palms of your hand will keep your arms the proper width apart. It will also bring awareness to muscle engagement in the upper body. Don't allow your shoulder blades to rise up to your ears, though - keep them gliding down your back.

• Chair with raised arms

• High lunge with raised arms

• Tree pose with raised arms

Balance

Many yoga poses require balancing on one leg. When you're first learning a balancing pose it can be tricky. The block will help give you balance & confidence as you become comfortable in the pose.

• Warrior 3

• Standing split

• Half moon

Releasing Tight Hips

Hallmark of tight hips is when your knees are higher than your hips when sitting on the floor. Sitting on a block will give your hips space to sit comfortably. This takes the stress of your joints & your psoas

• Hero

• Butterfly

• Seated forward fold

Releasing into a Pose

Blocks allow you to truly melt into the relaxation of restorative poses.

• Supported bridge

• Supported fish

Moving into More Advanced Poses

You don't learn to ride a bike in one day. And most of us to go from a tricycle to training wheels & then to a bike. Yoga poses are the same way. They help take away any fears as your progress & keep you safe.

• Supported dolphin for shoulder alignment

• Crow

Ready for some blocks now? I highly suggest two blocks.  In lunges it works WAY better than just having one to keep your chest lifted. 

Go grab your blocks or your substitutes (find out all kinds here) & meet me on the mat! 

May you always be true in your intentions, true to your heart's desires and speak loving truth to those around you.  Love ya!