The yoga block is a great addition for the yoga beginner after they have their other yoga gear. While filling a similar role as a yoga bolster; a yoga block can help you get into some more difficult positions.
A yoga block is just a small rectangular block of high density foam about the size of a brick. They are a cheap and effective tool to improve your yoga or pilates sessions. Compared to a bolster it is easier to move around to get it in the right spot as it is smaller. Additionally it is much denser and tougher allowing it support you in more positions.
When learning new yoga poses, sometimes you won’t have the flexibility. You can use a block to prop up your body parts to reduce strain and make the stretch not so deep. As you get more flexible you can use the block in different ways by using the different faces of the rectangular brick. Eventually you will be able to reduce reliance on it and become a yoga expert.
When using it in a similar way to a bolster, it can give an increased stretch. You can also use it in your shavasana in the same way as a bolster. Use it to open up your shoulders and hips by placing it up the right places of your back. One particular pose that can benefit from using a yoga block is the pigeon pose. For beginners this pose is quite difficult so a block is extremely helpful in learning and advancing it.
You can purchase some inexpensive, high quality yoga blocks from here. Hopefully this will help you hit those more advanced poses and increase your yoga confidence. If you need ideas on other products you might need for yoga, please head to our yoga kit.