When I first began my yoga journey, yoga blocks were around of course but not often used in the classes that my teachers taught.
It was in my mind a little uncool to reach for a block, like an admittance that you weren’t experienced enough in your personal practice if you used a block.
The great yogi BKS Iyengar gave us a wonderful gift by showing ways in which a yoga block could be of great service in our yoga asana practice.
Well things for me 20 years on have certainly changed, I include yoga blocks in my daily asana practice, as well as in my yoga teachings.
The more experienced I have become in my practice, the more I now use blocks.
I know…… how we blossom……all in our own time.
I am passionate about making yoga accessible to all ages, and those with physical limitations. Yoga blocks help with this immensely by being useful eg, for students that are unable to touch the floor with their hands in a standing forward fold, yoga blocks placed either side of their feet enable the hands to rest on a firm supportive surface. Making the pose safer and accessible.
In my studio I use foam blocks with a good amount of weight, if the blocks are too light they are unsteady. Traditionally yoga blocks were made from wood, very heavy, so to have a lighter option from foam is great, especially when transporting blocks to different yoga workshops, retreats etc.
Another option are blocks made from cork.
These blocks are eco-friendly, and break down, I shall be exploring these for my studio and in my personal practice.
Below is a short video on how to use a yoga block in Triangle pose, Trikonasana-
May your practice be a blessing and of service to you, and a blessing and service to others.
Namaste
Melissa
