Yoga Props: Yoga blocks improve your alignment and protect against injury.
One of the physical goals in yoga is to stretch your muscles as far as they can go. Some of us 
are naturally flexible– surely you know someone that can jump up and touch their toes after having not exercised for months (like my 63-year-old Mom!) But for those with limited flexibility (like me!) yoga props can be very effective in helping to maximize stretches and protect you from muscle strain, or possibly even a tear.
Yoga Blocks 
Here are a few examples of how to use them:
- Standing forward bends: If you can’t quite touch the floor, a yoga block acts as an arm extension. Starting off, you might place your block on the ground vertically to take advantage of its full height. As your flexibility improves, lie the block horizontally on its side. Later, put the block flat on its “back”, or you might even remove it altogether.
- Triangle Pose: In this pose, you’re bending sideways at the waist, one hand touching the ground, the other reaching for the sky. If you can’t touch the ground, place a yoga block on the outside of your front foot. If you’re very stiff, position the block vertically. As you become more flexible, turn the block on its side.
- Half-Moon Pose: This is basically Triangle Pose, except your front leg is now perpendicular to the ground, your back leg is parallel to it. Arms are pointing away from each other—one hand on the ground, the other reaching skyward. If you can’t reach the ground, place a block on the outside of the standing foot.
Yoga blocks come in handy in seating and supine positions too. For example, place one under the tailbone in seated forward bends to maximize forward extension; or at the base of the spine before beginning Bridge Pose or Shoulder Stands for added support.
Choosing Yoga Blocks:
Yoga blocks are available in different sizes and colors, and are made primarily with 3 materials: wood, cork and foam. Here are some pros and cons of each:
- Wood Yoga Blocks: Pros: available in solid and hollow. Wood is the most durable and supportive material, especially for more challenging poses. Cons: solid blocks can be heavy for some students to tote, and could cause damage to the floor or foot in a clumsy moment.
- Cork Yoga Blocks: Pros: Light enough to toss into your yoga bag, plus cork provides excellent traction. Cork “gives” a bit which is more comfortable when used under the back or buttocks. Cons: Vulnerable to damage, especially if your pet fancies cork. Also, sweat and oil from hands could cause deterioration sooner.
- Foam Yoga Blocks: Pros: Sturdy and scratch resistant, plus most have beveled edges for added comfort. Cons: Manufactured with synthetic materials, which is not the best earth-conscious choice.
Ultimately, you should select the material that feels most comfortable. If you choose wood, consider bamboo as it’s a highly renewable resource, plus its tensile strength is similar to cork. Yoga blocks are sold singly; however pairs are recommended for added versatility.
