| One of the physical goals in yoga is to stretch your | | | | extension; or at the base of the spine before beginning |
| muscles as far as they can go. Some of us are | | | | Bridge Pose or Shoulder Stands for added support. |
| naturally flexible-- surely you know someone that can | | | | Choosing Yoga Blocks: |
| jump up and touch their toes after having not | | | | Yoga blocks are available in different sizes and colors, |
| exercised for months (like my 63-year-old Mom!) But | | | | and are made primarily with 3 materials: wood, cork |
| for those with limited flexibility (like me!) yoga props can | | | | and foam. Here are some pros and cons of each: |
| be very effective in helping to maximize stretches and | | | | - Wood Yoga Blocks: Pros: available in solid and hollow. |
| protect you from muscle strain, or possibly even a | | | | Wood is the most durable and supportive material, |
| tear. Yoga blocks are among the most commonly | | | | especially for more challenging poses. Cons: solid |
| used yoga props, as they can serve you in a wide | | | | blocks can be heavy for some students to tote, and |
| range of poses. | | | | could cause damage to the floor or foot in a clumsy |
| Here are a few examples of how to use them: | | | | moment. |
| - Standing forward bends: If you can't quite touch the | | | | - Cork Yoga Blocks: Pros: Light enough to toss into |
| floor, a yoga block acts as an arm extension. Starting | | | | your yoga bag, plus cork provides excellent traction. |
| off, you might place your block on the ground vertically | | | | Cork "gives" a bit which is more comfortable when |
| to take advantage of its full height. As your flexibility | | | | used under the back or buttocks. Cons: Vulnerable to |
| improves, lie the block horizontally on its side. Later, put | | | | damage, especially if your pet fancies cork. Also, |
| the block flat on its "back", or you might even remove | | | | sweat and oil from hands could cause deterioration |
| it altogether. | | | | sooner. |
| - Triangle Pose: In this pose, you're bending sideways | | | | - Foam Yoga Blocks: Pros: Sturdy and scratch |
| at the waist, one hand touching the ground, the other | | | | resistant, plus most have beveled edges for added |
| reaching for the sky. If you can't touch the ground, | | | | comfort. Cons: Manufactured with synthetic materials, |
| place a yoga block on the outside of your front foot. If | | | | which is not the best earth-conscious choice. Ultimately, |
| you're very stiff, position the block vertically. As you | | | | you should select the material that feels most |
| become more flexible, turn the block on its side. | | | | comfortable. If you choose wood, consider bamboo as |
| - Half-Moon Pose: This is basically Triangle Pose, | | | | it's a highly renewable resource, plus its tensile strength |
| except your front leg is now perpendicular to the | | | | is similar to cork. Yoga blocks are sold singly; however |
| ground, your back leg is parallel to it. Arms are pointing | | | | pairs are recommended for added versatility. |
| away from each other---one hand on the ground, the | | | | Ultimately, you should select the material that feels |
| other reaching skyward. If you can't reach the ground, | | | | most comfortable. If you choose wood, consider |
| place a block on the outside of the standing foot. | | | | bamboo as it's a highly renewable resource, plus its |
| Yoga blocks come in handy in seating and supine | | | | tensile strength is similar to cork. Yoga blocks are sold |
| positions too. For example, place one under the | | | | singly; however pairs are recommended for added |
| tailbone in seated forward bends to maximize forward | | | | versatility. |