Use Yoga Blocks And Straps To Enhance Your Home Workouts
We all know that yoga is a great practice that not only helps to improve one’s flexibility, posture and balance but also focuses on your mental health; helping you deal with depression and stress. But have you heard of Yoga Props? Well
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, using props which practicing yoga can help you challenge yourself by focusing on deepening your stretches and maintaining proper alignment. The most popular yoga props available today are Yoga blocks and straps. These are not only affordable but can also help to perform difficult yoga poses easily with added stability, while adjusting to one’s current skill and flexibility level.
There are many yoga poses you can transform using your yoga blocks. Check out the below poses you can try at home
Child Pose or Balasana
Known as a restorative posture, this pose can be very uncomfortable and difficult for some. While performing this asana, you can place one block below your forehead and another below your tailbone. If you want to enhance this posture further, place your elbows on two yoga blocks. This will help stretch your arms and chest
Standing Forward Fold or Uttanasana
This pose is great for stretching the back side of the legs. If you are a beginner and looking to get comfortable with yoga blocks, this is one of the most beneficial poses. When doing the standing forward fold, position the blocks at an appropriate height in front of you and touch the block when leading forward. Don’t forget to bend your knees
Bridge Pose or Setu Bandhasana
This bridge pose is beneficial for those looking to strengthen their backs. Begin by lying down on your back with the soles of your feet on the mat. Ensure your legs are shoulder width apart. Now place the yoga block under your knees, in between your thighs and rest your weight on the block
You can also use yoga straps to deepen your practice. It is a beneficial prop especially for beginners and provides better support, alignment, and posture. Try these easy to do at-home asanas
Shoulder Stretch
This is one of the most versatile pose you can do using a yoga strap. You can do this pose while practicing yoga or simply sitting at your desk. Hold the strap above your head with you’re arms at shoulder distance. Take your arms back and move it up and down till you feel the stretch in your shoulders and chest. You can do this whether standing or sitting but ensure your back is straight.
Seated Forward Bend or Paschimottanasana
This pose is beneficial for your hamstrings. Start in a sitting posture with your back straight and legs stretched infront of you. Now place the strap around your feet and hold the ends with your hands while gently pulling yourself forward till you feel the stretch on your hamstrings.
Bound Angle Pose or Baddha Konasana
If you want to work on your inner thighs and hips, you should try this posture. Make a loop on the yoga strap and wrap it around your sacrum and under your feet. Now release your weight into the straps and allow your hips to open. Remember, the tighter the strap gets, the closer your legs will be to your body, stretching your hips and inner thighs.
Just because you have these props, don’t rush into perfecting a certain posture. Remember to listen and give your body time to open up and get use to these new props.
