Yoga is a discipline that has spread throughout the world in recent years thanks to its multiple health benefits. The improvement of body posture, the increase in muscle tone or the increase in the flexibility of the various body structures are some of the effects that improve the quality of life, making it a highly recommended activity for all ages.
There are different types of yoga and different levels made up of exercises of greater and lesser difficulty. In some of them the use of one of the most characteristic accessories of this discipline is recommended or required: the yoga block. we explain the most common yoga exercises with blocks.
Table Of Content
1. Choose the right yoga block
2. The fish or Matsyasana with yoga blocks
3. leg stretch
4. Triangle position or Utthita Trikonasana
5. Yoga Block Shoulder Stretch
6. Relaxation and final stretching with yoga blocks
Choose the right yoga block
Before explaining the most common yoga exercises to perform with a block, it is necessary to clarify what they are used for and how they should be chosen. In general, yoga blocks are an accessory that helps to perform exercises in this discipline. They are usually used by those who are just starting out, who have certain physical limitations to perform some postures, or by those who are already at an advanced level and want to try new more difficult postures.
They are mainly used as a support point for the following areas: head, back, hips and hands. When choosing the material of which the block is made, its characteristics must be taken into account. The originals are wooden blocks, much stronger and more durable, but heavier and can be slippery when hands are wet. The most used are foam blocks, cheaper than the previous ones, as well as being lighter, although they get dirty more easily and last less time.
The fish or Matsyasana with yoga blocks
Two blocks are needed in this pose. Sitting, the first block will be placed behind, resting on the floor, so that it is just at the height of the shoulder blades when the body is thrown back and supported. The second block will go behind the first, to support the head, although you can choose to use only one and place your hands behind your head, as in the image below. Thus, to do position of the fish with blocks once they are placed, you have to follow these steps:
- When both blocks are placed, the body will be thrown backward, so that the area of the back between the shoulder blades will be supported in the first and the head in the second.
- The arms will remain stretched to the sides of the body
- The knees will be kept bent, but relaxed, in the case of yoga beginners. If we already have more flexibility and experience, the legs will remain well stretched, as in the image.
- This position will be maintained for 30 seconds.
Leg stretch
This position is perfect for stretching two muscle areas that make up the upper legs: the quadriceps and the hamstrings. You start standing up, with the yoga block right in front of you. Slowly the legs are placed apart until reaching the limit in which the position can be maintained while being open.
Continue lowering slowly until your head rests on the yoga block in front of you, resting the top of your head on it while your hands grip your heels. It is recommended to repeat this exercise 3 times, performing both the ascent and the descent very slowly.
Triangle position or Utthita Trikonasana
This posture is very beneficial to stretch both the legs, arms and back. These are the steps to follow to do the triangle position with a block :
- Start from a standing position, with your legs spread.
- The yoga block is placed on its side, attached to the side of the left foot, which in this case is the most advanced.
- Continue stretching your arms to the sides and trying to touch the block with the opposite hand, that is, with your right, without bending your arms, turning and stretching your trunk.
- The same steps are then performed with the opposite leg and arm.
- It is advisable to do it 3 times with each leg.
Yoga Block Shoulder Stretch
It begins with a kneeling position, supporting the buttocks on the heels. The yoga block is placed just in front of you, so that, as you extend your body and arms forward, you can rest your elbows on it, leaving your head below your arms.
The arms will be bent at the elbows, joining the hands behind the head, so that they are at the height of the end of the neck and the beginning of the back. This position will be maintained for about 1 minute.
Relaxation and final stretching with yoga blocks
Two blocks will be needed for this position. They will be placed one on top of the other, the buttocks will rest on top of them, staying seated, but keeping the heels at the height of the buttocks, as if they were going to lean on them.
This position is maintained for 10 seconds. The first block is then removed, and the same position is maintained on the second for another 10 seconds. The second block is removed and the position is held for another 10 seconds, this time with the buttocks fully supported by the heels.