A Brief Background On Cork Yoga Blocks:
One may not see cork yoga blocks just as much as they should in yoga. Oftentimes, props like blocks, bolsters and yoga blankets are not given enough of a chance. Little do yogi’s know the powerful way in which these can help develop their practice.
Cork yoga blocks are not just used in cases where the practitioner needs extra support during a pose, due to flexibility limitations. Oftentimes, cork yoga blocks are used to help better develop or correct body alignment, during asanas. This in turn helps the yogi get the most out of every pose, making it easier to then continue to more advanced asanas and sequences.
Related Article: Yoga Techniques: Stretching With Yoga Blocks
Yes it’s true, these props are also effective for novice yogi’s within the practice. Consequently, for completing certain yoga poses. However, they need not just be used, for beginners.
For beginners all the way to advanced yogi’s, blocks can be used to help not just with better alignment For example, they can aide in improving strength, prevent injury, and improve balance.
If you have any experience with yoga, it’s not a practice one rushes through. It’s a practice noted for deep concentration and focus. This leads to better posturing and mind-body connections. With props like cork yoga blocks, you can challenge yourself, but also build a solid foundation with a focus on proper technique.
They can be used in restorative styles of yoga, and others to help practitioners hold poses for longer durations. This in turn helps open up parts of their bodies and breath (pranayama), sometimes better then without.
Related Article: The Benefits of Having A Yoga Instructor as a Beginner Yogi
What Are Cork Yoga Blocks?
Yoga Journal may say it best, “to get the most out of your regular yoga routines, a mat and stretching band may not be enough”.
Props are just that, they enable you to go further then maybe you thought your body could go. They allow you to challenge yourself with advanced poses, maybe even before you thought your were ready. In conclusion, potentially leading to a better ability to master certain asanas.
So, what are cork yoga blocks, exactly?
With all that being said, though under-utilized, cork yoga blocks are the most commonly used yoga prop.
As priorly mentioned, blocks help yogi’s reach goals for certain stretches quicker, but also lend in support for certain parts of your body. A cork yoga block is typically a brick-shaped block which is made out of, you guessed it, cork. There are also blocks made from both a hard foam material, bamboo, and wood.
They are called “blocks” because that’s the shape they resemble, similar to a brick, with slightly different dimensions. Their textures are often comfortable and smooth, as well as provide good traction.
Cork yoga blocks are typically heavier then foam yoga blocks, which may help with stability. However the one downside, compared to foam blocks, may just be comfort, with longer restorative-type holds.
Related Article: Restorative Yoga With Bolsters Or Blocks, A Long With Some Beginner Poses
Key Reasons Cork Yoga Blocks Are Useful In Yoga Routines:
I. Helps in Reaching the Floor/Stretch:
If you’re not quite flexible enough got certain forward beds, cork yoga blocks may be your answer. Oftentimes, novice yogi’s aren’t quite at a point to touch the ground without bending the knees in such maneuvers like, forward fold or bend. Blocks allow you to modify this pose and grow.
Think of these blocks as an extension of your arm in some cases. Slowly, using thinner blocks as you get more comfortable with certain asanas. Additionally, as you increase your ability to release specific muscle groups. As with weightlifting, you get stronger as time goes by. As with running, your endurance improves as you increase you duration.
You can potentially start with a 9 inch block, then move to 6 inch block, and so on. These cork yoga blocks help support range of motion. They essentially bring you closer to the floor during many practicing asana’s.
II. Between Your Legs & Hands:
They add another element of resistance, and create a strength training program tailored to your ability, while intensifying your moves. As these are made of cork, they are light and easy to use, unlike some heavier blocks.
One can use them for extreme balancing maneuvers (which helps activate smaller muscles groups). For example, in triceps push-ups. Additionally, they can change your elevation off the ground (like this flying plank), which can help better activate the core.
III. Excellent for Hip/Back Support:
When attempting asanas that need more hip support (when say, your lower body is a bit on the heavier side) to support such poses, large cork blocks can help. In such a case, with more support for your hips, you can now freely move your legs, and do the relevant postures with more ease.
You can also use the large cork blocks to support your back. For instance, in cases where you are doing moves in which your back needs a certain amount of excess support, until pain or flexibility increases.
Use the cork yoga blocks where you feel you need them. This allowing for a more comfortable position to carry out the relevant poses, more easily.
Quick Beginners Video Guide To Yoga Blocks!
Final Thoughts!
Cork yoga blocks can be used in a wide array of areas of yoga.. They also make for a nice set of yoga props for beginners. One can buy a set (small to large yoga) and use different set-ups and angles of each block to improve your stretch, in a relatively inexpensive way.
There is no heavy equipment here to buy. Cork yoga blocks are easy to store as well, due to there smaller dimensions.
Uses of yoga blocks or yoga bricks are truly endless. As a yogi, you will become more creative using them as you become better with the craft.
We hope you have learned something today about yoga blocks, that you didn’t currently know. Please be sure to share our posts and products on your social media platforms.
Resources:
- https://www.yogajournal.com/osp/best-cork-yoga-blocks/
