If you're looking to strengthen your core and improve your balance in your yoga practice, yoga blocks can be a valuable tool. Not only do they provide support and stability, but they also challenge your muscles in new and different ways. In this post, we'll explore some yoga block exercises that can help you build core strength and improve your balance. We'll also take a look at Zerene Yoga blocks, a high-quality option for those looking to incorporate yoga blocks into their practice.
What are Yoga Blocks?
Before we dive into the exercises, let's take a quick look at what yoga blocks are and how they can be used in your practice. Yoga blocks are props that are commonly used in yoga to help deepen stretches, provide support, and improve alignment. They are typically made of foam, cork, or wood and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Yoga blocks can be used in many different ways, but for this post, we'll be focusing on exercises that use them to challenge your core and improve your balance.
Zerene Yoga blocks are a high-quality option for those looking to incorporate yoga blocks into their practice. They are made of eco-friendly cork material and are lightweight, durable, and easy to grip. Zerene Yoga blocks come in a set of two, making them a great value.
Yoga Block Exercises for Core Strength and Balance
Plank with Blocks
The plank is a classic core exercise, but adding yoga blocks to the mix can make it even more challenging. Start by placing your hands on the blocks in a high plank position. Make sure your wrists are directly under your shoulders and your body is in a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core and hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more.
2. Side Plank with Blocks
Side plank is another great core exercise, and using yoga blocks can help you take it to the next level. Begin in a traditional side plank position with your bottom hand on the floor and your top hand on a block. Stack your feet on top of each other and engage your core to lift your hips. Hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more.
3. Boat Pose with Blocks
Boat pose is a challenging core exercise that can be made even more challenging with the addition of yoga blocks. Start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Place the blocks on either side of your hips and hold onto them with your hands. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground, keeping your shins parallel to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more.
4. Warrior III with Blocks
Warrior III is a great pose for building core strength and improving balance, and using yoga blocks can help you find more stability. Begin in a high lunge position with your right foot forward and your left foot back. Place a block under your left hand and reach your right hand forward. Lift your left leg off the ground, keeping it straight and parallel to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more, then switch sides.
5. Crow Pose with Blocks
Crow pose is a challenging arm balance that requires both core strength and balance. Adding yoga blocks to the mix can help you find more stability and confidence in the pose. Begin in a low squat position with your feet hip-width apart and your palms on the ground in front of you. Place the blocks shoulder-width apart and close to your feet. Lift your hips and shift your weight forward, placing your knees on the backs of your upper arms. Keep your gaze forward and engage your core to lift your feet off the ground. Hold for 10-20 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more.
6. Revolved Triangle with Blocks
Revolved Triangle is a challenging pose that requires both core strength and balance. Adding yoga blocks can help you find more stability and length in the pose. Begin in a high lunge position with your right foot forward and your left foot back. Place a block on the outside of your right foot and bring your left hand to the block. Reach your right hand up to the ceiling, then twist your torso to the right, bringing your right hand down to the block. Hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more, then switch sides.
7. Chair Pose with Blocks
Chair pose is a great pose for building lower body strength and improving balance, and using yoga blocks can help you find more
stability. Begin in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Hold the blocks in your hands and lift them above your head. Bend your knees and lower your hips, as if you're sitting back in a chair. Keep your weight in your heels and your gaze forward. Hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more.
8. Dolphin Plank with Blocks
Dolphin plank is a variation of the plank pose that requires more upper body and core strength. Adding yoga blocks to the mix can help you find more stability and control in the pose. Begin in a high plank position with your hands on the blocks. Lower your forearms to the ground, keeping your elbows directly under your shoulders. Engage your core and hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more.
9. Half Moon with Blocks
Half Moon is a challenging pose that requires both core strength and balance. Adding yoga blocks can help you find more stability and length in the pose. Begin in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Place a block on the floor in front of your right foot. Lift your left leg off the ground and reach your left hand toward the block. Place your left hand on the block and lift your right hand toward the ceiling. Hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more, then switch sides.
10. Tree Pose with Blocks
Tree pose is a classic yoga pose that can be made even more challenging with the addition of yoga blocks. Begin in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Place a block between your thighs and engage your inner thighs to hold it in place. Lift your left foot off the ground and place it on your right inner thigh. Bring your hands to the heart center and hold for 30 seconds to start, working up to a minute or more, then switch sides.
Conclusion
Yoga block exercises can be a valuable tool for building core strength and improving balance in your yoga practice. Zerene Yoga blocks are a high-quality option for those looking to incorporate yoga blocks into their practice. By adding these exercises to your routine, you can challenge your muscles in new and different ways and take your practice to the next level. Give them a try and see how they can benefit your yoga practice.