Are you ready to take your yoga practice to new heights? From deepening into poses to exploring advanced positions, yoga blocks are the perfect accessories to help you enhance alignment, strength, and mindfulness on the mat.
So, let's dive in!
1. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana):
Benefits: Pigeon pose is renowned for releasing tension in the hips and thighs, but it can be challenging for those with tight hips. Using a block provides support and allows for a more comfortable and effective stretch.
How to Use: In pigeon pose, slide a block under the hip of the bent leg. Lower your torso towards the floor, resting your forearms or forehead on the ground. Allow your hips to sink towards the ground, feeling a deep stretch in the hip and thigh.
2. Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana):
Benefits: Puppy pose stretches the spine, shoulders, and chest while calming the mind and relieving stress.
How to Use: Place a block under each hand before fully lowering into puppy pose. Allow your chest open and melt towards the ground. Breathe deeply into the stretch, feeling a gentle opening in the shoulders and chest.
3. Half Split Pose (Ardha Hanumanasana):
Benefits: Half split pose stretches the hamstrings and calves while lengthening the spine and improving flexibility in the legs.
How to Use: Place a block under your hands on either side of your leg. Inhale to lengthen your spine, then exhale to fold forward over your right leg. Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling a deep stretch along the back of your leg.
4. Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana):
Benefits: Extended side angle pose strengthens the legs, stretches the side body, and opens the chest and shoulders.
How to Use: Place a block under your bottom hand for support. Press down into the block to lengthen your spine and open your chest towards the ceiling. Keep your hips and shoulders stacked and engage your core to maintain stability and proper alignment in the pose.
5. Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana):
Benefits: Standing forward fold stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine while calming the mind and relieving tension.
How to Use: Using blocks under the hands can help to bring the floor closer to you, allowing for a deeper stretch and maintaining proper alignment in the spine. Keep your spine long and your chest open as you fold forward. Allow your head to relax towards the ground and breathe deeply into the stretch.
6. High Lunge Pose (Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
Benefits: High lunge pose strengthens the legs, opens the hips, and improves balance and stability.
How to Use: Placing blocks under the hands provides support and allows for a deeper stretch in the hip flexors. Press down into the blocks to stabilize your upper body and deepen the stretch in your hip flexors. Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling a sense of strength and stability.
Incorporating yoga blocks into your practice is a game-changer, offering endless possibilities for deepening your poses, refining your alignment, and exploring new horizons on the mat. Experiment with different block placements and heights to find what works best for your body, and enjoy the journey of deepening your practice! So grab your blocks, unleash your creativity, and get ready to elevate your practice.
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