How to Use Yoga Blocks: 5 Poses to Try

What it is: According to Gaillard, Ragdoll Pose (also called Uttanasana) is a standing forward bend aimed at improving spinal flexion and stretch in the hamstrings.

How a yoga block can help: In this pose, Gaillard explained that squeezing the block between the legs encourages core activation, which helps the spine to lengthen and upper body to fold forwards a bit more naturally. That's because, as Gaillard noted, the thighs support the hips and pelvis, which then support the core and back.

"The thigh muscles, or adductors, attach to the core. When the block is squeezed, the connection to the core is established and, eventually, subtly felt", she noted. You can also place a block at the feet to lay the hands on for extra stability.

How to use the yoga block(s):

1. Place a yoga block between the thighs so the long, flat sides align with the legs. Squeeze the thighs together to hold the block in place while slightly bending the knees. Take a deep breath.
2. Clasp opposite elbows in each hand as the torso folds at the hips so the chest is facing the thighs, slowly and deeply exhaling on the descent. Hold or slowly sway the elbows side to side.
3. Take two to three deep breaths in and out, continuing to squeeze the yoga block.
4. Release the block and return to standing.

What it is: As Gaillard explained, Table Pose is a static position that can help people find spinal alignment in their yoga practice. It's often a starting or transition pose before other, more complex poses.

How a yoga block can help: As Gaillard noted, squeezing a block between the thighs helps align the core and leg muscles. A goal of Table Pose is to support spinal alignment, and a block can help enhance that process.

"It [pushes] the centre of gravity to the core and helps the leg muscles anchor and stabilise the body", she said.

How to use the yoga block(s):

1. Assume Tabletop Position on a yoga mat, with the palms directly under the shoulders and the fingers facing forwards.
2. Place a yoga block between the thighs so the long, flat sides are being held up by the inner portion of the legs. Squeeze the thighs together.
3. Gazing down at the fingertips, attempt to flatten the back as much as possible while pressing the palms into the floor and dropping the shoulders. Imagine a string pulling the top of the head and bottom of the tailbone to opposite ends of the room.
4. Take two to three deep breaths in and out, continuing to squeeze the yoga block.
5. Release the block and assume Child's Pose.

What it is: This is a hip-opening lunge stretch also meant to build strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, inner thighs and core muscles.

How a yoga block can help: This pose requires the athlete to maintain balance while holding an isometric muscle contraction, which can be challenging, said Gaillard. She said that adding a block under each hand in the lunge can enhance stability, while also encouraging the hips to better align with one another, which can deepen the stretch.

How to use the yoga block(s):

1. Put two yoga blocks at the top of a yoga mat, near the left and right edges. Place the block on the ground with its longest ends facing vertically for a less intense stretch. Place the block with its shortest ends vertically for a deeper stretch.
2. Get into a high-plank position by placing the hands shoulder-width apart near the top of the mat between the blocks. Press the palms into the floor. Step the feet back one at a time.
3. From a high-plank position, step the left foot forwards to the front of the mat so it sits between your hands and to the right of the left-side yoga block. (You may need to do some adjusting of the yoga block placement here.)
4. Once the foot is planted, place the hands on top of either yoga block. Make sure that the knee, ankle and toes are all pointed forwards, and that the knee doesn't extend over the ankle.
5. Using the blocks for support, face the hips forwards and sink as deeply into a lunge as comfortable. Gaze down at the front of the mat to lengthen the spine.
6. Take two to three deep breaths in and out.
7. Release, then come to a seated position before repeating on the other side.

What it is: This pose requires unilateral (or single-leg) balance and emphasises an opening of the chest.

How a yoga block can help: For extra stability and balance, a yoga block can be held in one hand, said Gaillard.

How to use the yoga block(s):

1. Stand in the middle of a yoga mat. Place a yoga block at its highest level, halfway between the body and the top of the mat.
2. Step the right leg forwards as the knee bends to sink into a high lunge, straightening the left leg in the process. The block should sit just above the right toes.
3. Keeping the right foot facing forwards, place the right hand on top of the block for stability while lifting the left foot into the air.
4. Once the left leg is parallel to the floor, twist the torso to face the left side of the room as the left arm reaches up towards the ceiling.
5. Take two to three deep breaths in and out.
6. Release, then switch sides and repeat steps 1 through 5.

What it is: "Fish Pose is a backbend meant to strengthen the shoulders and upper back", said Gaillard. The pose also helps open the chest and heart.

How a yoga block can help: Without yoga blocks, Fish Pose can be a particularly advanced pose, said Gaillard. But with the addition of blocks, beginners can better ease into this heart-opening move.

How to use the yoga block(s):

1. Place two blocks at the end of a yoga mat where the head typically rests when lying horizontally. Make a letter T with the blocks by placing one block horizontally with the long sides facing the top and bottom of the yoga mat, and the second block with its long sides facing the left and right sides of the yoga mat.
2. Sit tall in the middle of the mat with legs out in front. There can be a slight bend in the knees if that feels natural.
3. Gently lean back so that the shoulder blades sit slightly above the bottom block. Once the shoulder blades are comfortable, release the neck to allow the head to rest on the top block. (When reclining, the head will rest on the top block and the upper back on the lower block.)
4. Bring the arms out to either side of the body, palms neutral. Allow the legs to lie naturally in front. (In other words, don't make a conscious effort to activate the muscles in glutes, legs or feet.)
5. Take two to three deep breaths in and out, allowing the chest to gently open with each exhale.
6. Release, slowly and carefully rising to a seated position.