Yoga Blocks Improves Your Your Poses In Yoga

By Thaya Kareeson

Yoga is not the easiest of the many fitness trends or practices or disciplines to get into. However, it may very well be one of the most beneficial. Yoga affects all parts of a person's life, body, mind and soul. Getting into the art of yoga as an exercise can often require help. Yoga blocks are helpful tools that might make becoming addicted to yoga a bit easier.

Yoga is a traditional exercise method or discipline that originated in India. It is a practice in which the mental, physical and verbal beliefs of Hinduism first were expressed. Now, at least in terms of today's fitness world, it is a healthy way to stay fit, build strength, tone muscles and increase flexibility and agility.

The art of yoga requires people to stretch and bend and flex a great deal. Bodies twist and turn in what are called postures or asanas. Someone who is watching someone else practicing yoga might become easily intimidated by the many asanas. Instructors who see this timid attitude from newcomers to the class would do well to pull out some yoga blocks and help the new members get used to the different asanas with some support.

Yoga blocks in a general sense can help someone who is learning yoga to stretch a bit further. The blocks can be placed beneath hands and bottoms and heels and heads to help someone see how far their bodies can stretch and what muscle groups should be working. These tools can help yoga postures be a bit less intimidating to newcomers to the discipline.

Some people who practice yoga have existing medical problems that they are learning to overcome with exercise and fitness in general. People who have tight hips and hamstrings can use yoga blocks to improve their flexibility. A little support in the right place can go a long way in helping someone maneuver themselves properly.

One of the more difficult asanas is the Sarangasana, also known as a shoulder stand. Another difficult posture is that of the 'hero lying down' or Supta Virasana pose. For an experienced yoga practitioner, these might be easy to obtain and hold. A newcomer or someone on the verge of pushing to the next level of yoga can use yoga blocks to help them get the perfect alignment that yoga requires. Alignment in this discipline is crucial in preventing strain or injury to both newcomer and expert alike.

Yoga blocks can come in many different types and materials. Part of practicing yoga means having an open mind and earth-friendly consciousness. Many blocks come in materials that are friendly to the earth. Bamboo, pine wood from New Zealand, cork are all specifically chosen to be renewable resources. It's also helpful to have natural materials in one's yoga practice to help with meditation and tranquility of atmosphere.

People who are becoming involved in yoga know that it is a wonderful and healthy compliment to any existing health regimen. It carries little risk of injury or strain when done right. But there's no doubt that having tools such as yoga blocks nearby to offer that extra bit of support if or when needed can make yoga more appreciated by the newcomers. The blocks exist for people to use as they need, not to rely on. They actually help people increase their flexibility. And that is the purpose of yoga as an exercise. - 31994

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