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How to Use Yoga Blocks for Stretching

8 minutes read

Yoga blocks are versatile props that can be used to enhance and deepen your stretching practice. Here are several ways you can incorporate yoga blocks into your stretching routine:

  1. Supported Forward Fold: Place a block under each hand as you fold forward from a standing position. This provides support and allows you to maintain length in your spine while reaching towards the floor.
  2. Seated Forward Fold: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Place a block or blocks on your thighs or shins and fold forward from your hips. The blocks can provide support and help you maintain a straight spine.
  3. Supported Bridge Pose: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place a block under your sacrum (the flat bone at the base of your spine) and relax into the supported bridge pose. This helps to open the chest and shoulders while gently stretching the spine and hip flexors.
  4. Supported Fish Pose: Place a block lengthwise under your upper back and another block under your head. Extend your legs and allow your arms to rest by your sides. This pose opens the chest and shoulders while gently stretching the front of the body.
  5. Quad Stretch: Kneel on the floor with a block positioned behind you. Reach back with one hand and grasp the block, then lift your foot and bring it towards your glutes, gently pressing your foot into the hand to deepen the stretch in your quadriceps.
  6. Chest Opener: Lie on your back with a block placed lengthwise between your shoulder blades. Allow your arms to open out to the sides in a "T" shape or reach them overhead. This stretch helps to open the chest and shoulders.
  7. Supported Pigeon Pose: From a plank position, bring one knee forward between your hands, placing a block under your hip for support. Extend your other leg behind you and sink into the stretch, targeting the hip flexors, glutes, and outer thighs.

Remember to listen to your body and only stretch to your comfort level. If you experience any pain or discomfort, ease out of the stretch or modify it as needed. Always consult with a qualified yoga instructor if you're unsure about proper form or technique.

Best Yoga Blocks in October 2024

1
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)

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)

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Buy Now
2
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block (Set Of 2) - Supportive Latex-Free Eva Foam Soft Non-Slip Surface For Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Grey

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

  • Stability plus balance: Yoga blocks provide the stability and balance needed in your practice to help with optimal alignment, deeper poses and increased strength
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Buy Now
3
Hugger Mugger Big Blue Foam Yoga Block

Rating is 5 out of 5

Hugger Mugger Big Blue Foam Yoga Block

  • About the size of a block and a half
  • Lightweight and easy to Transport
  • Beveled edges are comfortable for Supported and restorative poses
  • Great for taller or less flexible yogis
Buy Now
4
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)

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)

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Buy Now

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