How To Use Yoga Blocks & Yoga Strap Properly
Do you find yourself struggling to maintain proper alignment or hold certain poses for an extended period of time? If so, then you may want to consider incorporating yoga blocks and yoga straps into your practice. These simple yet powerful tools can help you deepen your stretches, increase your flexibility, and improve your overall alignment. In this article, we will explore how to use yoga blocks and a yoga strap effectively to enhance your yoga practice and take your practice to new levels.
Yoga blocks and yoga straps are two essential pieces of equipment for any yogi. Blocks can be used to support the body in various yoga poses, while straps can be used to help deepen stretches or to assist in achieving certain poses.
So, let's dive in and discover the many ways in which these tools can help you achieve a more fulfilling and satisfying yoga practice.
How to Use Yoga Blocks
If you're looking for a way to add a little extra support to your yoga poses, consider using yoga blocks. A yoga block can help to provide stability and prevent you from losing balance or injuring yourself. Let us look into some poses that you may need yoga blocks for support to do.
The following are some of the most popular poses to use yoga blocks with.
Triangle Pose
To use a yoga block in a triangle pose, begin by placing the yoga block on the inside of the right foot with your right foot facing toward the front of your mat. Your left foot will be a few feet behind you with your left foot angled toward the side of the mat, similar to Warrior II footing. Slowly let your right arm travel down your right leg, finding support when connecting to the yoga block. Open your torso to the left side of the mat, allowing your left arm to extend up to the sky.
You may find that it feels better to have the yoga block on the outside of the right foot instead of the inside of the foot. You can also explore different heights with the yoga block to find the support you need.
Supported Fish Pose
To use a yoga block in the supported fish pose, start by lying on your back on your mat. Place the yoga block at the bottom of your shoulder blades at the medium height, with the short side of the block supporting your body. You can use a second yoga block under your head, resting the crown of your head on the short side of the block at a height that feels the most supportive.
Breathe deeply and hold the pose for as long as you'd like.
Reclined Bound Angle Pose
If you're looking for a way to deepen your reclined bound angle pose, or if you're just looking for a way to make the pose more accessible, a yoga block can be a great tool. Here's how to use one in the pose:
1. Start by sitting on the floor with your legs outstretched in front of you.
2. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together, letting your knees fall out to the sides.
3. Place yoga blocks between the floor and your knees for support.
4. Slowly lean back, using the support of a bolster or lie directly on the mat.
5. Hold the pose for as long as you like.
How to Use Yoga Strap
A yoga strap is a long, narrow strip of fabric that can be used to help you hold poses for longer periods or to assist in reaching new positions. If you're looking for a way to add a little extra stretch to your yoga practice, a yoga strap can be a great addition.
Yoga straps can be used in a variety of ways, but are commonly used to help with stretching. To use a strap, simply wrap it around the body part that you wish to stretch and then hold on to the ends of the strap.
Let us look into various ways to use a yoga strap properly.
Side Stretching
To use a yoga strap for a side stretch, start by standing up tall with your feet hip-width apart. Then, reach one arm up overhead and grab the strap with your hand. From there, twist your body to the side and reach the strap down toward the ground. You should feel a nice stretch along the side of your body. To deepen the stretch, you can pull on the strap with your hand to bring your body closer to the ground. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds to a minute, then release and repeat on the other side.
Opening Up the Shoulders
If you're looking to open up your shoulders and achieve better mobility, then using a yoga strap can be a great way to help you achieve your goals. Here's a quick guide on how to use a yoga strap to open up your shoulders:
1. Start by standing on your feet.
2. Place the yoga strap around your back, holding onto each end of the strap with your hands.
3. Raise your arms overhead, keeping your shoulders down and away from your ears.
4. Gently pull on the yoga strap with your hands until you feel a stretch in your shoulders.
5. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then release and repeat as needed.
You can use a yoga strap to help open up your shoulders and improve your mobility. Just do not force the arms beyond what feels comfortable.
Deepening Your Stretch
If you're looking to deepen your stretch and improve your flexibility, a yoga strap can be a helpful tool. Here are some tips on how to use a yoga strap to get the most out of your practice:
Wrap the strap around the body part that you want to stretch. For example, if you're trying to stretch your hamstrings, you would wrap the strap around your legs just above the knees.
Pull the strap tight, but not so tight that it's uncomfortable. You should be able to breathe easily while the strap is in place.
Hold the pose for the desired amount of time. If you're using the strap to help you reach a new position, you may need to hold the pose for several minutes.
Release the strap and return to your starting position. Repeat as necessary.
Sign Up For An Online Yoga Class Today
The best thing about yoga is that you can do it from almost anywhere. Whether in your office, home, or backyard, you can reap the benefits of yoga.
As an online yoga studio dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility, our team here at Yoga For All Humans understands the importance of making yoga accessible to everyone. If you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, incorporating props like yoga blocks and straps can help you achieve proper alignment and assist you in performing some of the movements easier. Our experienced instructors are here to guide you on how to use yoga blocks and straps effectively, ensuring that you get the most out of your practice.
If you're ready to take your yoga practice to the next level, we encourage you to sign up for an online yoga class with us today. With a variety of classes to choose from and friendly instructors to guide you every step of the way, you'll be able to deepen your practice and achieve your fitness goals in a safe, supportive environment.
Don't wait - join our community of yogis today and experience the transformative power of yoga for yourself!
Author - Derek Haigler
Founder of Yoga for All Humans