Yoga has been practiced for centuries, offering numerous physical and mental health benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner looking to start your journey, you may have wondered, “How many yoga blocks do I need?” This seemingly simple question has a lot to do with personal preferences, your specific yoga routine, and your body’s unique needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence the number of yoga blocks you should consider and help you make an informed decision.
What are Yoga Blocks?
Before we discuss the quantity of yoga blocks you need, it’s important to understand what yoga blocks are. Yoga blocks are typically made of foam, cork, or wood and come in various sizes and shapes. They provide support and stability during yoga poses, allowing you to maintain proper alignment and deepen your stretches.
How Many Yoga Blocks Do You Need?
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. How many yoga blocks should you have? Well, it depends on your experience level and the type of yoga you practice.
The Basics: One Block
If you’re just starting your yoga journey or prefer gentle, restorative yoga, having one yoga block is a good starting point. A single block can provide the support you need for basic poses like the Supported Bridge or Hero Pose. It’s also handy for seated postures and assists in maintaining proper alignment.
Intermediate Level: Two Blocks
As you progress in your practice and explore more challenging poses, having two yoga blocks becomes beneficial. Two blocks allow you to delve deeper into stretches and provide extra stability during standing poses. Poses like the Triangle Pose and Half Moon Pose benefit from the added support of two blocks.
Advanced Practice: Three Blocks
Advanced yogis who regularly practice complex asanas like King Pigeon Pose or Wheel Pose may find three yoga blocks helpful. With three blocks, you can experiment with a wider range of postures and reach new levels of flexibility and balance.
What Are The Benefits of Yoga Blocks?
A yoga block has many benefits. For instance, it allows you to practice yoga poses safely. A good yoga block helps you maintain good posture. It can also be used as a weight-bearing tool, which means that it will help you to build muscle. Most of the time, yoga blocks are used to help you practice yoga poses. However, they can also be used in other ways.
Some other benefits of yoga blocks include:
- Enhanced support and stability
- Improved alignment
- Reduced risk of injury
- Increased comfort during poses
- Greater flexibility and progression in your practice
Common Misconceptions with Yoga Blocks
Most people think that yoga blocks are made of rubber or plastic. They may also think that they are just about the size of a ball. In reality, yoga blocks are actually much bigger than that. They are usually about 2-3 inches in height and width. You can use them to prop up your legs in yoga poses. You can also use them for stretching and strengthening. They are generally about 10-20 pounds in weight.
Which material Yoga block should I choose?
Selecting the right type of yoga block is equally important. Foam blocks are lightweight and great for beginners, while cork and wood blocks are durable options for advanced practitioners. Choose the material that suits your preferences and practice style.
Our 5 Favourite Beginner Yoga Block Poses
1. Downward Dog with Support
Key Benefits: Improved alignment, reduced strain on wrists and shoulders.
The Downward Dog is a staple in yoga, but it can be challenging for beginners. Place two yoga blocks shoulder-width apart at the front of your mat. As you lift into Downward Dog, rest your hands on the blocks. This modification eases the pressure on your wrists and shoulders, making the pose more accessible.
2. Bridge the Gap with Blocks
Key Benefits: Enhanced spine flexibility, and stronger leg muscles.
The Bridge Pose is excellent for opening your chest and strengthening your lower back. To make it even better, slide a yoga block under your sacrum while in the pose. This elevates your hips and enhances the stretch, allowing for increased spine flexibility and leg muscle engagement.
3. Supported Child’s Pose
Key Benefits: Deep relaxation, and gentle stretching of the spine.
Child’s Pose is a rejuvenating posture, but sometimes, it can be a bit strenuous on your thighs. Placing a yoga block under your forehead as you rest in Child’s Pose creates a gentle stretch for your spine and ensures maximum relaxation.
4. Triangle Pose, Elevated
Key Benefits: Improved balance, extended side stretch.
The Triangle Pose requires flexibility and balance. Begin by placing a block on the ground next to your front foot. Rest your hand on the block instead of reaching for the floor. This modification not only makes the pose more accessible but also allows you to focus on extending your upper body for a deep side stretch.
5. Seated Forward Bend with Blocks
Key Benefits: Improved hamstring flexibility, reduced strain on lower back.
Seated Forward Bend can be quite intense, especially for beginners. Sit with your legs extended and place a block under each knee. As you reach forward, the blocks provide support, reducing the strain on your lower back and helping you gradually improve your hamstring flexibility.
What Size Should My Yoga Block Be?
When it comes to choosing the right size for your yoga block, you want to look for one that is easy to hold. If your block is too large, then it will become difficult to hold. If it’s too small, then it won’t provide enough support for your body.
There’s a good rule of thumb that says you should purchase a block that’s about two times the size of your hand. In other words, if your hand is roughly the size of a tennis ball, then you should buy a block that’s about the size of a ping-pong ball.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of yoga blocks you need depends on your experience level and the type of yoga you practice. One block is great for beginners, two for intermediate practitioners, and three for advanced yogis. Remember to choose the right block material and size for your body type and practice style. With the right yoga blocks, you can elevate your yoga practice to new heights.
