Enhancing Yoga Poses

While yoga can help improve flexibility, posture and balance, the practice of yoga offers so much more, including self-reflection, the practice of kindness to ourselves and others, and continued growth and self-awareness. Of course, all of this is much easier to move toward if you can find a sense of comfort in the poses.

Yoga provides many props to enhance your ability to express a yoga pose. One of the most popular yoga props to use in class is the yoga block. Made from foam, bamboo, wood or cork, the block is often used as an extension of the arms, but can also support the back, head and hips to help the body settle into a pose. Furthermore, yoga blocks:

  • Support range of motion, thereby shortening the distance between you and the floor (“bringing the floor closer to you”).
  • Assist in establishing correct alignment.
  • Help make yoga accessible to beginners and to those experiencing injury or other physical limitations.
  • Bring awareness to properly engage and support muscles in a specific pose.
  • Can be placed at the low, medium and high positions to accommodate more or less support.

Whether you are seated or standing, or have tight hips and shoulders, the following four poses provide excellent examples of using a yoga block to enhance flexibility and find greater enjoyment in your yoga practice.  (see web address below for more info)

https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6951/how-to-use-blocks-to-enhance-your-yoga-poses