We’ve all seen yoga blocks, but are they really essential to your practice? Well, WeGym WeHa yoga instructor, Becca Barnard, is here to answer all your questions and explain how yoga blocks can elevate your practice, no matter your experience level.
1. What are yoga blocks for?
Yoga blocks are versatile props designed to support alignment, provide balance, and deepen poses in yoga practice. They can make poses more accessible, especially for beginners or those with limited flexibility, by bringing the floor closer to you. Additionally, blocks can be used to engage muscles more effectively or explore variations of poses.
2. Who should use yoga blocks?
Anyone can benefit from using yoga blocks! They’re especially useful for beginners, people with limited flexibility, or those recovering from injury, as they offer support and stability in challenging poses. Even advanced practitioners use blocks to enhance alignment, explore new depths, or experiment with variations of familiar poses.
3. What are five yoga poses to try with yoga blocks?
- Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Place a block under the sacrum for a restorative backbend.
- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): Use a block under the bottom hand to maintain proper alignment.
- Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): Place a block under the front hand for balance and alignment.
- Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): Put a block under the hip of the bent leg for added support.
- Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana): Use blocks under each knee to ease tension in the hips.
4. What are common misconceptions about yoga blocks?
One misconception is that yoga blocks are only for beginners or people who aren’t flexible. In reality, blocks are a tool for all levels to enhance their practice, improve alignment, and explore more challenging postures safely. Another misconception is that using a block is "cheating," but it’s actually a way to practice more mindfully and prevent injury.
5. Can yoga blocks help with injury prevention?
Yes! Yoga blocks can help prevent injury by promoting better alignment and allowing you to move into poses safely without overextending or straining. They provide the extra support needed to maintain proper form, particularly in balance or deep stretching poses, reducing the risk of overstretching or poor posture.
6. When should someone choose a foam yoga block versus a cork one?
Foam blocks are lightweight, softer, and great for more restorative and gentle practices where comfort is key. They are ideal if you need a gentler surface for seated or supported poses. Cork blocks are heavier, denser, and more stable, making them perfect for Vinyasa or Power Yoga where you need firmer support. Cork is also more eco-friendly and durable.
7. Why and when should you use two yoga blocks in your practice?
Using two blocks can be helpful for symmetry in poses like Standing Pyramid, where two blocks on either side of the front foot will help make the pose more accessible and to reduce the intensity of the stretch. In poses like Wheel Pose or Camel Pose, two blocks provide balanced assistance for opening up the chest. Additionally, two blocks are useful when both hands need support in postures like Forward Fold or Lunge variations.
8. How does WeGym's Cork Mega Block differ from the Regular Cork Block?
The Cork Mega Block is larger and offers a bigger surface area, providing greater stability and versatility, especially in restorative or seated postures. The Regular Cork Block is smaller and more lightweight, suitable for standing poses or when you need a bit less height or support. The Mega Block can feel more comfortable in certain poses due to its size, offering more traction.
9. What are your favorite ways to use yoga blocks in your personal practice?
In my personal practice, I love using blocks during Vinyasa Yoga. For example, in Half Split Pose, I place a block under each hand to support my tight hamstrings, allowing me to safely deepen the stretch without straining. I also use blocks in Triangle Pose to maintain alignment while exploring deeper stretches, and in Lunge variations to help with stability and proper form. Blocks are a key part of my practice to ensure safety and enhance my flexibility.
