How much do you know about yoga block?
Yoga block will be a little strange for yoga beginners. Some people don’t know how to use it properly. A yoga block is not less important than other yoga equipment. It is a great helper no matter you are in a yoga studio or for home yoga practice. Let’s go over some information about yoga blocks in this article.
What are yoga blocks?
A yoga block is one of the yoga props usually made of the material of cork, foam, wood, or bamboo. Most of the yoga blocks are designed in a rectangular shape. Yoga blocks help to add challenge to the poses and make you more relaxed. Nowadays, more and more sizes, colors, shapes of yoga blocks show up. And we have more choices.
A yoga block is gradually used in yoga class after the 1970s. It was BKS Iyengar (founder of Iyengar yoga style) that brought it to us. He aimed to bring more convenience to those at different ages and levels to reduce the injury risk.
How to use yoga block & benefit of using a yoga block
Add length
A yoga block can shorten the distance between you and the ground to help to adjust your pose. For some beginners, it is hard to touch their toes when they bend down. Using a yoga block can reduce the burden of their lower back and help them to complete the pose easier and more comfortably.
Protect you from injury
Yoga block helps to lower the strain for your thigh, back, knee and hip to avoid injury during practice. When you are practicing the hero pose sitting on a yoga block, you will feel a little uncomfortable when you stretch your thighs. You can adjust the height of the yoga block to fit your need.
Add support
Yoga blocks help you to keep balance and gain strength for more advanced positions.
When you practice Bakasana, solid upper-body and core values are very important for the arm balancing poses. If you are not so confident to lift your feet at the beginning, you can use a yoga block to give you some support. With the help of the yoga block, it is easier for you to find your own pace.
Shape & Size
Yoga blocks vary in shape and size. The subtle differences determine the main function of the yoga blocks. Intensity and design vary, the functions vary. The soft blocks are fit for building flexibility and stretching. However, the solid yoga blocks are perfect for inversion and arm balancing poses.
The shape of the rectangular cube and brick is common in the market. But the different shapes come out quickly according to the users’ demand. The shape of a half-circle is not so rare in the market.
The curved design, such as the egg-shape is often used for reclining posture and backbends. Hollow semi-circle blocks are suitable for the arm balancing practice. Yoga wedges are designed for the sore wrist by adding additional support.
The common sizes of yoga blocks are 4" x 6" x 9" and 3" x 6" x 9". Most of the yoga blocks have 3 heights for your option, and some brands offer 4 heights. You can choose the one that fits your demand to have a seamless and smooth practice. If you have no idea of what sizes you need, take your flexibility level and hand sizes as a reference. The large-sized block is fit for those who have big hands and less flexibility. The smaller blocks are designed for small hands. It is more convenient to grip.
How to clean yoga blocks
Yoga blocks deserve good care and routine cleaning to extend their service life and eliminate bacteria. Please make sure that you read the instructions carefully before you clean it to avoid material damage.
For woodblocks, it is the easiest to clean. Just wipe up with the damp cloth and air dry. Cork yoga blocks need more attention for cleaning because it absorbs more sweat and water. You can clean it with a wet cloth and then air dry. If you want to remove the dirty stains, just add some vinegar and soda. Remember that the harsh chemical is not allowed for the cork yoga blocks. Solution of soap and water can be used to clean foam yoga blocks.
