Yoga blocks are a useful accessory for beginners and experienced practitioners, with foam blocks being the most popular. They can be used for various poses and help with flexibility limitations. Advanced poses may require blocks and it is recommended to have at least two blocks for dedicated practice. Blocks can be found in many stores, including those dedicated to yoga supplies.
A yoga block can be a useful accessory for beginners and long-time yoga practitioners. Early Iyengar-style blocks were often made of things like wood or brick, and implied the simplicity of yoga and its connection to natural elements or by hand. It’s a bit awkward lugging around wooden blocks or bricks for yoga classes, so many people now prefer lightweight yoga blocks that are constructed of highly durable foam.
The blocks may not be completely standard in size, but most are rectangular prisms with dimensions of 6 X 9 X 4 inches (15.24 X 22.86 X10.16 cm). Depending on a person’s posture and level of experience and flexibility, a yoga block can be used standing up, lying on their side, or placed on their stomach. The different measures allow multiple heights.
When starting yoga, a yoga block can be important to do some of the poses that require more flexibility. Things like downward dog can be difficult for those new to the practice of yoga. People may benefit more from lifting their hands off a block higher than from the floor. Many times in early learning, developing correctness in position is more difficult if flexibility limitations are reached or if staying in the correct position is too painful, and it is better to teach positions with less stretch. Eventually, regular practice can remove the block as more flexibility is achieved.
There are some advanced positions that specifically depend on the yoga blocks. Blocks can be used to push the body completely off the ground in poses such as elephant trunk. These are generally not beginner poses and can take a long time to master. They also require significant arm strength because your entire body is lifted off the floor pushing you into the blocks.
For those dedicated to the practice, it is important to have at least two yoga blocks. Newer students may want to own at least one, but they are often sold in sets of two. Those just trying yoga for the first time shouldn’t worry about buying a yoga block. Many instructors have additional blocks for students to use. At first, it can be expensive to get a complete set of yoga equipment and unnecessary if an instructor can lend you equipment.
Yoga teachers often have equipment to sell, but you can find yoga blocks in many places, including many department stores with sporting goods departments. Stores dedicated to selling yoga supplies may offer the largest variety of equipment. Such stores can be found locally and online.
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