Yoga blocks are excellent props for beginners as they help in achieving proper alignment, provide support, and make poses more accessible. Here's a beginner's guide on how to use yoga blocks effectively:
Understanding the Blocks:
- Yoga blocks are typically made of foam, cork, or wood.
- They come in different sizes, typically 3 inches by 6 inches by 9 inches.
- Beginners may prefer using foam blocks as they are lightweight and provide more cushioning.
Using Blocks for Support:
- Place the blocks under your hands, feet, or hips to provide support and stability in various poses.
- For example, in a standing forward bend (Uttanasana), if you can't reach the floor comfortably with your hands, place blocks under them to bring the floor closer.
Alignment Assistance:
- Blocks can help maintain proper alignment in poses.
- In Triangle Pose (Trikonasana), place a block outside your front foot and rest your hand on it instead of reaching for the floor. This helps in keeping the spine long and prevents rounding.
Enhancing Flexibility:
- Use blocks to gradually deepen stretches.
- In seated forward bends, place a block under your knees to reduce strain and gradually decrease the height of the block as your flexibility improves.
Improving Balance:
- Balancing poses can be challenging for beginners.
- Place a block under your hand or foot in poses like Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) to help maintain balance and stability.
Modifying Poses:
- Modify poses with the help of blocks to make them more accessible.
- In a Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana), place blocks under your hands to bring the ground closer if you can't reach it comfortably.
Breathing and Relaxation:
- Use blocks to support your body in restorative poses.
- For example, in Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), place a block under your sacrum to support the lower back and allow for deeper relaxation.
Experiment and Explore:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different block placements and heights to find what works best for your body.
- Explore different poses and see how blocks can enhance your practice.
Remember to listen to your body and never force yourself into a position that feels uncomfortable. With time and practice, you'll discover how yoga blocks can be valuable tools in your yoga journey. If possible, consider taking a beginner's yoga class where instructors can provide personalized guidance on using yoga props effectively.
Best Yoga Blocks in November 2024
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Manduka Yoga Cork Block - Yoga Prop and Accessory, Good for Travel, Comfortable Edges, Lightweight, Extra Firm Cork, 4" x 6" x 9" (10 x 15 x 22.5 cm) (Pack of 2)
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MANDUKA CORK BLOCK: Made of sustainable cork, this high-quality cork yoga block has a firmness not found in foam blocks and allows you to feel secure in the support it provides. Easy to grip textured surface-- Great for beginner to advanced yogis
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SAFE AND EFFECTIVE: Improve your practice by using blocks to maintain proper alignment, deepen your stretches, and to help stay safe by reducing injury and muscle strain. Perfect for restorative yoga classes, Pilates, meditation, fitness and exercise
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LIGHTWEIGHT AND STURDY: Cork blocks have a firmness and support not found in foam blocks. Featuring a rounded edge for maximum comfort, support, and grip. Manduka’s Cork Yoga Block weighs less than coarse-grain cork commonly used for blocks
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SUSTAINABLE CORK: Cork is a renewable, sustainable material. Responsibly made with no toxic chemicals produced during harvesting or manufacturing. Manduka is committed to creating responsibly sourced products while minimizing environmental waste
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PRODUCT DETAILS: 9" x 6" x 4" Cork yoga block; Pack of 2; Keep your blocks looking great by wiping down after each use with Manduka's Botanical Cleaner
2
Rating is 5 out of 5
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block (Set Of 2) - Supportive Latex-Free Eva Foam Soft Non-Slip Surface For Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Grey
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Stability plus balance: Yoga blocks provide the stability and balance needed in your practice to help with optimal alignment, deeper poses and increased strength
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Durable supportive foam: These lightweight and supportive foam blocks are constructed of a durable foam with a nonslip surface and beveled edges for easy gripping. Premium blocks are 50 percentage denser than standard EVA blocks
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Modify plus align: Use under your hands, feet or seat (meditation) to ensure the proper alignment needed in order to safely support and modify poses to suit your level of flexibility If you feel tight, don't risk injury and grab a block or two
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Extend plus deepen stretches: Blocks make for the ideal yoga prop and companion, as they are an important tool in your practice to help extend, support and deepen your stretches while also working to increase your range of motion
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Care info: Spot clean with mild detergent towel or air dry (Dimensions: 9 inches W x 6 inches H x 4 inches D / Weight: 4.6 ounce) Sold as 2 Pack
3
Rating is 5 out of 5
Hugger Mugger Big Blue Foam Yoga Block
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About the size of a block and a half
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Lightweight and easy to Transport
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Beveled edges are comfortable for Supported and restorative poses
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Great for taller or less flexible yogis
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Manduka Yoga Recycled Foam Block - Yoga Prop and Accessory, Comfortable Edges, Lightweight, Firm, Non Slip Recycled Foam, Midnight Blue, 9" x 6" x 4" (22.5 x 15 x 10 cm)(Pack of 2)
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RECYCLED FOAM YOGA BLOCK: Step up your routine with the unbeatable style, comfort and support of Manduka’s Recycled Foam Block. Great for yoga, barre, pilates, and home fitness. Lightweight and portable for home exercise or at the gym or studio
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STABILITY AND BALANCE: Featuring slip-resistant contoured edges for comfort, firm stability, balance and support in any yoga pose. Great for beginner to advanced yogis. High-density foam is durable and more firm, less squishy than other yoga blocks
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SAFE AND EFFECTIVE: Improve your practice by using blocks to maintain proper alignment, deepen your stretches, and to help stay safe by reducing injury and muscle strain. Perfect for restorative yoga classes, Pilates, meditation, fitness and exercise
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SUSTAINABILITY: Manduka's recycled yoga blocks contain between 50% - 75% recycled post-industrial and post-consumer EVA foam for lightweight comfort with a conscience. High-performance sustainable fitness accessories to minimize environmental impact
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PRODUCT DETAILS: 9” x 6” x 4”; Pack of 2; Weighs 0.9 lbs. To clean: Wipe with a damp cloth or with an organic household cleaner such as a 50/50 organic apple cider vinegar & water solution. Midnight Color
