Once you’ve discovered the many benefits of using yoga blocks, you will remember to put them in your yoga bag before leaving for class. But, before we talk about the many applications of yoga blocks, it’s a good idea to talk a little about the benefits of Yoga, itself.
What Yoga Practice Can Do for You
Yoga practitioners have found that regular yoga practice awakens both mind and body! Doing each pose perfectly requires your full attention, and such focus enhances your mental awareness. A committed yoga practice awakens, energizes, and strengthens the structure and flow of the body. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.
If you want to master a yoga pose, you will it will involve extraordinary patience, plus time and dedication. No one is a master the first time they attempt to do anything. But, slowly over time, as you practice and attempt to perform each pose correctly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will discover that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.
The best environment for doing your practice is an uncluttered, graceful place with a bare floor and available wall. Remove any distractions from your yoga environment. Preferably, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If this is not possible, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.
Always be mindful with your movements, and if you encounter pain or discomfort as you try a pose, pause or stop, and then try again.
Yoga props and accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even yoga towels are perfect for aiding you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing a perfect pose, and in practicing in a sound way.
Good reasons to consider using yoga props:
- Relieve pain and discomfort
- Prevent injury
- Release tension and provide support
- Maintain proper alignment
- Enhance movement
- Open up the joints
- Deepen awareness, development mindfulness
Yoga Blocks
Comfort, or rather the lack of it, can frequently make yoga newbies end their routine before they’ve barely begun! Yoga blocks can aid anyone, but especially novices, to feel more comfortable during yoga practice because yoga blocks aid to improve alignment. A case in point, when a standing pose includes one hand being on the floor, flexibility issues show up. For something just starting out, the floor can look a long way down. A yoga block can supply the difference. Think of a yoga block as an extra extension to your arm. By placing your hand on the block, you will be able to do the standing poses accurately while you are in the process of developing your flexibility. A yoga block is a wonderful transitional aid. In addition, several sitting poses make use of a yoga block. Yoga blocks aid with balance, poise, and stability. Who could ask for more from something so “square.”
Yoga blocks come in a variety of materials. Here are three: Foam blocks are durable and lightweight, an effortless add to your yoga bag! Wooden blocks are also not heavy and hollow, yet virtually indestructible (even Fido would find one hard to destroy!). Lastly, there is the eco-friendly cork block. An additional bonus is that the natural texture of the cork gives a little extra traction.
Yoga blocks are generally sold separately but, for versatility, you’ll no doubt want to buy more than one.