Accessibility
Yoga blocks serve to ‘lift the floor’ to the
student; poses assisted with this prop are more
accessible for everyone from beginner to expe-
rienced yogis.Maintaining Integrity
Often, when we are intent on touching the
floor in poses like pyramid, we end up sacrific-
ing safety and alignment to get there, which
means we lose the integrity of the posture.
Placing a block to lift the floor changes this
dynamic so we can maintain our internal and
external focus.Creating Space
Using a block reduces unhealthy compression
and helps us generate the space we need to
move in a pose such as twisted triangle. Using
more than one block can also reduce the col-
lapse in poses like seated forward folds.Traction
In a pose such as supported bridge with a block,
the prop provides gentle traction for areas of the
body that can feel collapsed or congested. Ex-
ploring placement of the block or blocks allows
us the freedom to find the sweet spot.Providing Support
Restorative or restorative-inspired practices
give us opportunity to use props to literally
support the body, so we feel nurtured by the
pose as we surrender into the release.HOT
LIST
Prop Up Your Practice
7 Reasons to Use
Yoga Blocks
by Tiffany Caronia
Photograph by David Young-wolff
Sensory Feedback
Since a block can be used at different heights,
it allows us to receive sensory feedback. This
is especially important when we work with
different versions of a pose, as we progress or
deepen into a pose, or when we practice with a
changing or healing body. The sensory message
helps us to connect to our body in the moment,
and even helps us learn to make appropriate
adjustments.In Conclusion:
Blocks are for Everyone
No matter what our range of motion, flex-
ibilities, or challenges, a block can make a pose
more accessible, powerful and enjoyable, as
well as provide opportunities to cultivate joint
stabilization and muscle memory.Tiffany Caronia is a yoga teacher: tiffanycaronia.comYoga Blocks Round-UpA
s a utilitarian prop, the ubiq-
uitous yoga block has taken on
a variety of new forms over the
past few decades. It is useful
for practices that range from
active to restorative. Companies have produced
options in a number of shapes and sizes made
from a wide range of materials. These include
wood, cork, and foam. They are thin or thick,
with different widths, hollow or solid, and are
increasingly made from recycled materials.
Here is a selection of innovative and modern
yoga blocks.- Yoga Hustle • Yogahustle.com
Printed Foam Yoga Blocks
The special feature of these high density
blocks is their playful prints and patterns.
$24
1
Madison McDonough is wearing EOS sports bra and leggings in mauve by Iron Lily ironlily.life
Bracelet by Love Pray Jewelry loveprayjewelry.com
printed block by Yoga Hustle Yogahustle.com
Photo by David Young-Wolff Davidyoung-wolff.com