Strengthening Your Practice One Block at a Time

Ever have one of those days where everything feels a little out of balance and you wonder if there’s something small you could do to pull things back together? Sometimes, a simple item can make all the difference in grounding both your yoga practice and your daily life. Today, I want to encourage you to embrace a handy tool that’s often underestimated: the yoga block (or, if you’re at home, maybe a book or even an Amazon box).

I want you to grab your block and place it comfortably between your knees. With your feet hip-width apart, gently lower yourself into a squat as if you’re about to sit in a chair, and then slowly rise up again. This simple action transforms Chair Pose (or Utkatasana) into a powerful exercise because the block helps stabilize your legs and ensures integrity in your posture.

But why does using a block matter? You know how sometimes your toes naturally point in every direction or your knees have a mind of their own? The block lovingly corrects this. It encourages your feet to stay straight, your hips to stay square, and your knees to be aligned, focusing all the effort on your upper legs. This means you're strengthening those critical muscles that support your everyday movements. It’s not about being unable to perform the pose without support; it’s about understanding that props like blocks actually deepen the pose, refining your alignment and enhancing your flexibility.

Notice the sensation the block brings and the subtle shifts in strength and alignment throughout each repetition of Chair pose—you might start feeling those muscles fire in a different way. What if integrating a block into your practice could lead you to new discoveries in strength and awareness?

Consider how this applies beyond the mat. In life, seeking support doesn’t mean you’re lacking strength. In reality, it shows that you’re willing to grow and adapt. Next time you notice any tension or imbalance—whether in your body or your day—consider lending yourself some support with this technique.

Where else in your life can subtle adjustments create real change? Could it be dedicating a few minutes to gentle yoga or chair yoga to open up space in your day? Or recognizing when to call in reinforcements isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

For those ready to explore how using props like blocks can take their yoga to new heights, I invite you to join our next gentle or chair yoga class. You can see how these tools unlock new potential in your practice.

Together, let’s embrace this sense of curiosity and courage. Whether you’re on the mat with a block or in the living room with that trusty Amazon box, feel the difference. You might be surprised at just how strong you can become.

#MindfulMonday #GentleYoga #YogaForLife #ChairYoga #PropsWithPurpose