Bristol, UK - Are Yoga blocks beneficial for enhancing my yoga practice?

For those new to yoga, beginners, or those returning after a break, the idea of using foam or cork bricks may seem like an unnecessary gimmick. However, incorporating these blocks into your practise can actually help improve alignment, stability, and flexibility in many postures, and they are a common prop for new and experienced yogis. In this article, we’ll explore how and when utilising them will enhance your time on the mat.

The Purpose of Yoga Blocks

B.K.S. Iyengar introduced yoga blocks as a means of improving alignment during challenging poses in the 1970s. These props offer support, lift, leverage, and extension to help you maximise your practise’s benefits and achieve more advanced yoga poses. By using them correctly, they can enhance both physical strength, lower and upper body strength, and mental focus while reducing strain on joints or muscles that may be prone to injury from overstretching without proper guidance.

Blocks are yoga props that offer a mindful approach to exploring postures while maintaining proper technique. They are not meant as shortcuts or crutches for easier poses but rather serve an important purpose in your practise of yoga postures. To fully benefit from using blocks, you must understand their function and how they can enhance your yoga experience and yoga journey.

Selecting Your Block

When it comes to choosing between dense cork yoga blocks or lightweight foam blocks for support, there are two main options available. While both offer benefits such as sturdiness and cushioning, respectively, they differ in terms of weight and feel under pressure. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference—choose whichever option feels most comfortable for you! At Yogafurie, we supply solid foam blocks that are supportive and easily sterilised between classes.

The selection of cork and foam blocks is vast, with heights ranging from 4 to 9 inches. Lower-heightened blocks are perfect for supporting hands during seated position poses, while taller ones offer stability and a deeper stretch in standing postures or headstands. Experimenting with different block heights will help you discover which one works best for each pose. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and try the different ones!

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The Advantages of Blocks

Incorporating blocks can lead to several advantages. Take a look at some of the potential benefits:

Improve Posture and Alignment

Creates stability and grounding

Enables deeper exploration of poses

Offers flexibility through leverage

Reduces stress or fatigue

Increase Support and Lift with More Options

Props can be incredibly helpful in deepening your practise, but don’t let them become a crutch. Try incorporating both prop-based poses and free-flowing sequences into your routine to build strength without relying solely on props. Remember that balance is key!

You can read our full article about Yoga Blocks here.

About Yogafurie

Yogafurie is the perfect yoga studio for beginners and advanced practitioners, and it will support you in learning new yoga skills or strengthening your existing yoga practise, strengthening both your mind and body.

We are located just off Gloucester Road, and we are an independent yoga studio offering classes and workshops to suit all levels and abilities 7 days a week.

Contact us today to find out more at 0117 403 1678.