It’s interesting to pay attention to what people are wearing on the golf course. Some of the world’s most legendary duffers invest a lot of money in golf apparel and accessories. It is all so unnecessary. I was reminded of that when I recently ran across an advertisement for yoga blocks. I wondered if they were just yoga’s version of an overpriced sun visor for amateur golfers.
Not one to jump to conclusions, I did some research. I discovered that yoga blocks, while unnecessary to the practice of yoga itself, can be extremely helpful to beginners and certain types of people with physical limitations. I would say looking into yoga blocks is a good idea for someone who is new to yoga and struggling with some of the physical aspects of the practice.
What Yoga Blocks Actually Are
Yoga blocks are small, rectangular blocks typically made from cork, wood, or foam. They are not very big: 9-10 inches in length is about average. They are used to make the physical exercise portion of yoga easier. For instance, placing a block at each of your feet helps with bending over.
For beginners, it may be easier to bend and touch the blocks rather than trying to stretch all the way to the floor. In this sense, a yoga block helps bring the ground closer to a person’s fingertips. And no, it is not cheating.
The main point of yoga is to relax and make that connection between body and mind. If you are stressing over your inability to manage the physical tasks of yoga, how likely are you to relax? On the other hand, if yoga blocks make it possible to do the physical stuff, you’re more likely to tune out your physical limitations and get to the point of the yoga practice.
A Few of the Benefits
Yoga blocks are really meant for three types of people: beginners, people with flexibility issues, and those with certain types of disabilities. Here are the benefits derived from using the blocks:
- Support – Yoga blocks offer extra support that allows practitioners to maintain proper physical alignment without straining their muscles. They make yoga more accessible to people who would otherwise struggle with flexibility.
- Injury Prevention – The blocks improve stability during certain poses. As such, they also reduce the risk of injury that could otherwise occur through physical misalignment and overstretching certain muscles.
- Building Strength – Over time, yoga blocks can be utilized to encourage deeper stretches that ultimately increase strength and physical control.
Restorative yoga teachers might recommend yoga blocks to students, especially for use during passive poses. The blocks support the body so that practitioners can concentrate on relaxing and finding that deeper state. The blocks make restorative yoga more comfortable so that practitioners are not distracted.
A Good Tool, But Not Necessary
Once again, yoga blocks are a good tool for beginners and those with physical limitations. But they aren’t necessary. According to yoga nidra expert and international yoga educator Scott Moore, most people can begin yoga without any financial investment at all.
Moore likes to say that new yoga practitioners can get started with just their gym clothes and a quiet place free from distraction. If yoga blocks can help and a person can afford them, they can make getting started a bit easier.
Personally, I appreciate the idea of being able to purchase inexpensive yoga blocks. If someone wants or needs them, that’s great. But I also appreciate the fact that yoga is accessible to just about anyone, without having to spend a lot of money on clothing and accessories.