How to Use Blocks and Straps
Yoga blocks and strap are useful tools to use if you are a beginner into yoga or even entering a new pose in advance levels. They help with difficulty dealing with tight muscles and joints, so aiding with flow of your practices. Blocks and strap help improving your flexibility, stability, and balance over time.
Blocks
The main propose of blocks are to bring floor or seating space closer to you. They make new asanas easier to perform and more comfortable to handle, so less strains are posed on your muscles that require more stretch such arms and hamstrings.
Physical treats
Blocks are usually made from foam, bamboo, or woods. The most popular and efficient are 9" * 6" foam block. They are light weight and easy to clean as well. The basic higher of a block is 4".
How many blocks you need?
Usually two blocks are used, however; some asanas requires only one.
How to use them?
Three different ways on how to use the blocks:
Place the blocks under your hands on the ground and let your hands sit firmly on them.
Place a block behind your back and rest on it the level you up.
Place a block between your legs and press against and hold firmly.
Where you can use them?
Block can be used in different ways using the three dimensional highest 4" for short raise, 6" for medium raise, and 9" for high raise. Set the block in position that is comfortable for you.
Most Asanas that you can use a help of blocks include:
Lunge I & II
Tringle Pose
Forward Bend
Seated Forward Bend
Bridge Pose
Standing Pose
Half Moon Pose
Strap
The main propose of strap is to help stretching tight hamstrings and shoulders. It helps holding limbs as well to grasp in a pose. Also, holding a pose for a longer time is easier using the strap as you focus more.
Physical treats
Strap is usually made of nylon or cotton in 2 meter long with a clamp at one end to tight together around your hand or foot.
How many straps you need?
Only one strap for all poses.
How to use it?
Two different ways on how to use the strap:
Tie one end of the strap around one foot and pull toward your hand.
Tie one end of the strap around one hand and pull using the other hand to stretch out.
Where you can use it?
strap is often used in bound asanas where your hand can not reach the other hand or in poses where required to reach out for feet.
Most Asanas that you can use a help of a strap include:
Seated Forward Bend
Single Leg Stretch I & II
Shoulders Stretch
Wide Legs Forward Bend
Side Stretch
Extended Hand to Toe
Half/ Boat Pose
Dancer's Pose
* Remember Yoga is the practice which intend to make you feel relaxed and help improving not your soul and breathing, but as well as your muscles. Blocks and straps are made for this purpose. Do not hesitate to have them and include them in your practice whenever you need so.
