6 Fun Ways to incorporate a Block into your Yoga Practice
Written by Tarryn Thomson
I am a HUGE fan of Yoga Blocks and it is very rare for me to do a singular practice without them. It took me a while to find various ways to use props that supported my practice. A few years down the line, I have discovered a number of fun and creative ways to use a block and I would love to share them with you!
Do you use blocks in your practice? Let me know your favourite variations in the comments!
Supported Forward Fold
Blocks are an incredible prop to support your forward folds! This is one of my favourite options to take if my hamstrings are feeling slightly tight, or to simply experience a different shape of this pose! From here, its also fun to step back into a lunge or even move into standing splits with the support of hands on blocks!
Supported Bridge
This is, hands down, my FAVOURITE yoga pose of all time. Place a block on any of the 3 levels under the sacrum (the bony bit of the spine lower than the lower back). This variation supports the hips and takes on a more restorative variation of bridge!
Butterfly Pose Variation
I have recently started incorporating this pose into my practice and it was a total game changed for me! It made the pose feel so different and allowed me a completely new experience of this shape.
Puppys Pose Variation
I love this pose as a preparation for backbend classes. The bending of the elbows on top of the blocks allow me to really get into the shoulders and triceps! This variation does require quite a bit more shoulder flexion range, so check in with how your shoulders are feeling along the way. You can adjust the block level or even leave blocks out if it is too much.
Yogi Squat on Blocks
Malasana / Yoga Squat can be quite a tricky pose! In this picture I am using 2 blocks AND the wall - and it feels great! Same shape, just a different variation that feels really supportive!
Supine Backbends
This is one of many ways to lie over blocks. My personal favourite is a T shape, with the bottom block running down along the spine and the top block supporting my head. You can place the blocks on any preferred level - I have found the lowest setting works best for me!
Do you use props in your practice? Which is your favourite way to use a block?