Yoga Blocks, Bricks & Wedges – the what, how & why…

Yoga Blocks, Bricks & Wedges – the what, how & why…

Continuing our exploration of the prop cupboard, this week we’re putting bricks, yoga blocks and wedges in the spotlight. Some are old favourites that you’ll recognise instantly and for others, this might be your first introduction. Either way, we hope to demystify some of the what, how and why of how we use them.

Yoga Blocks

Stocked in nearly all yoga studios, the classic block is a staple for many yoga practitioners. Mainly used for seated poses, the yoga block opens up the possibility of seated poses for many who thought they were previously inaccessible. By simply lifting the pelvis slightly away from the ground, it can provide a greater sense of ease for the hips and the knees. Their lightweight design also makes them relatively easy to travel with and for any regular practitioner, they are a helpful addition to your home practice.

Top Tip: If you don’t need quite so much ‘height’ – the Half Yoga Block is a perfect alternative and provides more support for grounding in seated postures than a blanket.

Yoga Bricks

Similar to the block, the brick is often used to raise the ground. For example, this could be in a forward bend whereby if the hamstrings are tight, you could explore bending the knees and resting the hands on two bricks. The foam versions are light enough to carry but sturdy enough to take your weight and if you’re looking for something environmentally sound, the cork brick is a great option. Cork is strong, durable and non-slip, so if you practise hot yoga, this could be a great option for you.

An example of an active way of using a brick is to place it between the legs in a pose such as Utkatasana  (Chair pose). By squeezing your block between your thighs, you will engage the leg muscles. 

Top tip: Bricks can also be used for passive poses and are commonly used in restorative yoga. One of our favourite ways of using a brick in this way is in a supported bridge pose. Simply lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor about hip distance apart with arms resting out to the side of the body or overhead if that feels comfortable for you. Press into your feet and lift your pelvis off the ground so that you can slide your brick (with the long flat side facing up) underneath you and then let your sacrum, the back of your pelvis, rest back down onto the block. It might take a little bit of wriggling around to get it into a comfortable position but when you have found that sweet spot, allow yourself to take rest and stay as long as you wish. To come out, press down through your feet, slide your block out from underneath you and let your spine and pelvis peel all the way back down onto the ground. Stay here for a few breaths.

The Yogamatters Cork Wedge

Most popular within the Iyengar communities, the Cork Wedge (sometimes referred to as a ‘plank’) is not quite so widely used or available at your local studio and yet for some, it plays a key role in their yoga practice. The cork wedge is designed with rounded edges for comfort and is perfect for supporting the heels in downward dog or placed under the wrists to ease any discomfort. It does this by changing the angle of the wrists, which changes the way weight is being distributed through your structure. Here at YM HQ, we love using this prop in poses such as Malasana (Garland pose). If your heels don’t quite touch the floor or this pose just feels super uncomfortable in your hips or knees, simply sliding this wedge underneath your heels can make all the difference.

Top Tip: Travel a lot? Don’t worry, you don’t need to compromise. The Lightweight Foam version is equally as supportive but our favourite alternative is the Pocket Size Cork Wedges – small and compact, they do the job whilst being able to fit into your mat bag or suitcase. Travelling as a yogi has never been easier.

The Yogamatters Egg Shape Yoga Block

If you’ve never tried an Egg Shaped Block before, we suggest this is the year you give it a go. In the past, they’ve created quite a stir at the Yogamatters stand at the Om Yoga Show and for good reason. Created to mirror the natural contours of the body, this block is versatile and supportive in the best possible way. It’s particularly effective when used to support the legs in seated poses and is perhaps most commonly used for reclining postures and supported backbends because the curve of the block is ergonomically designed to follow the contour of the spine.

Manduka BeLONG Recycled Foam Body Roller

An environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional foam roller, this prop provides the ultimate support to relieve tired and tense muscles. Known to increase blood flow and circulation, getting into a regular rolling routine is something your body will thank you for.

Props for every body

The great thing about all props is that they are designed to fit and contour the body. They celebrate and support our form and individual structure in a way that allows us to get the most out of practice. Their versatility means that any prop you use is likely to have multiple uses and we love that we can use them to support a dynamic active practice as much as we can in a restorative class.

“There is a beauty and creativity to using props that I love. Supporting the body with a prop can help us find connection, let go of unnecessary tension and very often, support a greater sense of embodiment. After practising yoga for 10 years, I am still finding new ways to use them to support my own practice and my students.”  Pippa Richardson, Yoga Teacher

Our final top tip is to go to a class to see and experience how these props are used. An Iyengar and Restorative class are two styles where props play a central role so you’re bound to leave feeling inspired and educated.

Have any questions or any top tips of your own? Call us! We’d love to hear from you.

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