Wellness is something we all could use a lot more of right now. Actively pursuing good health can come in many guises – a freshly squeezed green juice to ensure you get your 5 a day, journaling daily for your mental health, and of course, exercising. We all know how good it is for us and there are few workouts will not only boost your physical health, but mental wellbeing too, as well as yoga does.
Continuing to grow in popularity as we all search for ways to stay fit and unwind from the daily stressful cycle of news updates, working from home, and general lockdown life, yoga also makes the perfect at-home workout. With so little equipment needed and online yoga classes aplenty to pick from, whilst you might be missing your favourite yoga studio pals and after class smoothie, there’s no real reason to not get your daily flow on. Grab a yoga mat, throw on a pair of leggings and you’re good to go – the only other prop we would suggest investing in? A yoga block.
What is a yoga block?
A rectangular block made of foam, bamboo or cork, a yoga block is one of the basic props to help you achieve positions. It’s most often used as an extension of the arms for when you just can’t reach but it has multiple uses – from helping you establish the correct alignment to assisting you to settle into a pose.
Do I need a yoga block?
A yoga block is often recommended for beginners as it helps ‘bring the floor closer’ to them – making achieving that half-moon pose *actually* possible. But a yoga block is an equally good buy for experienced yogis; it can also be used to make poses even more challenging, plus whatever level you’re at a yoga block is GREAT for stretching out.
How to use a yoga block?
There are numerous ways to use this seemingly simple prop. Depending which height you put it at, it can help you reach the floor from standing, be used as a balance block to stand on, or even be used in a seated position as you stretch out your tightest muscles. A yoga block is also great for lying back over as you relax into your Shavasana at the end of a class as it will assist in stretching out your back muscles.