I am always looking for ways to expand my yoga practice and yoga blocks are one of my favorite yoga accessories that helps with this. Yoga blocks are props that assist yoga practitioners of all levels in improving flexibility, alignment, and balance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, practicing yoga with blocks can elevate your practice and help you explore new depths in your poses.
Here are 20 yoga poses that can be enhanced with the use of yoga blocks.
1. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Begin by placing two blocks shoulder-width apart in front of your mat. Position your hands on the blocks, maintaining a grip that feels comfortable for you. This modified Downward-Facing Dog helps to reduce strain on the wrists, allowing for a deeper stretch in the hamstrings and shoulders.
2. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
Place a block on the outside of your front foot, adjusting the height to match your flexibility. Resting your hand on the block helps maintain stability and balance, allowing you to fully extend through the side body while engaging your core.
3. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Position a block between your thighs to activate your inner thighs and engage the muscles of the legs. This modification promotes proper alignment and strengthens the lower body.
4. Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)
Similar to Triangle Pose, use a block to support your lower hand, either on the inside or outside of your front foot. This assists in maintaining stability and alignment while deepening the side stretch.
5. Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
Place a block in front of your standing foot. By resting your hand on the block, you can focus on opening the hips and balancing while keeping a stable foundation.
6. Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Lie on your back and position a block under your sacrum. This prop offers support and helps release tension in the lower back, allowing for a more restorative experience.
7. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Kneeling on your mat, place a block between your shoulder blades vertically. Gradually lean back onto the block, supporting your weight as you open your chest and heart space.
8. Supported Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Sit on the floor and place a block horizontally beneath your shoulder blades. This gentle heart opener relieves tension in the upper back and neck, enhancing relaxation and deep breathing.
9. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
Sit on your mat with your legs extended. Rest a block on top of your feet and fold forward, keeping a flat back. The block offers support and allows for a greater release in the hamstrings and lower back.
10. Headstand (Sirsasana)
Place a block against the wall at a height that supports your head and forearms. Use it as a foundation for your headstand, ensuring proper alignment and reducing strain on the neck.
11. Supported Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana)
Lie on your back and place a block beneath your sacrum. The block elevates your hips, supporting the inverted position and reducing pressure on the neck and shoulders.
12. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Position a block against the inner thigh of your standing leg for added stability and balance. This modification helps you maintain proper alignment and focus on your posture.
13. Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana)
Stand near a wall and rest your lifted leg on a block while holding your big toe. This modification assists in maintaining balance and allows you to focus on elongating the extended leg.
14. Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Sit on your mat and place a block beneath each knee for support. This prop encourages a deeper release in the hips and groin, promoting relaxation and flexibility.
15. Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Sit with one leg extended and the other foot placed on the outside of the extended leg. Utilize a block to support your lower hand and help lengthen your spine as you twist, improving spinal mobility.
16. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
From a low lunge position, place a block under your hip for added support. This modification allows you to ease into the pose and deepen the stretch in the hip flexors and glutes.
17. Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
Lie on your back and position a block under each thigh for support. This gentle hip opener reduces strain on the knees and lower back, allowing for a longer, more comfortable hold.
18. Supported Head-to-Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana):
Sit on your mat with one leg extended and the other foot against the inner thigh. Place a block on your extended leg and fold forward, supporting your weight. The block provides stability and encourages a deeper stretch in the hamstrings.
19. Supported Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Kneel on your mat and place a block between your thighs, allowing your torso to rest on it as you reach your arms forward. This modification enhances relaxation and promotes a gentle release in the lower back.
20. Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Lie on your back and place a block under your head for support. This modification helps align the spine, allowing for a more comfortable and restorative experience during the final relaxation.
Yoga blocks are great tools that can help elevate your yoga practice by enhancing alignment, deepening stretches, and providing support. Incorporating these 20 yoga poses with the use of yoga blocks allows you to explore new depths, improve flexibility, and find balance on and off the mat. Remember to listen to your body and modify as needed. Grab your yoga blocks, roll out your mat, and embark on an invigorating journey toward self-discovery and wellness through the practice of yoga.
