16 Ways to Enhance Your Yoga Practice

Are you on a quest to relieve wrist strain in your yoga practice? Look no further than our Cork Yoga Blocks. Designed with two 30° angles, these are the best yoga blocks to alleviate discomfort within your wrists. Plus, this angled yoga block offers support in numerous other yoga poses where a traditional rectangular yoga block may not have been able to offer the same amount of support and comfort. Ready to take your practice to new heights?

Benefits of Ombre's Cork Yoga Blocks

In the world of yoga, traditional rectangular blocks have long been cherished for the support they provide, but they have a little-known downside: they can put significant strain on your wrists. This is because the wrists remain at a 90-degree angle when doing weight-bearing exercises and poses. The wrists aren’t made to handle all of this weight at this angle. So what options are there for someone who wants to keep practicing without discomfort with their wrists?  Que the 30-degree yoga blocks.

When in use, the unique 30° angles will encourage the practitioner to use more forearm, wrist, and hand strength. This is caused by the 30° angle pointed toward the floor and the natural pull of gravity on the body in a pose. Our blocks will help build strength within the wrist and the surrounding areas while still offering unmatched support in various different poses. 

The practitioner has the option to have these blocks upside down on one of the 30-degree angles (picture above), on the tall setting, or on the medium setting. All of these settings will give the practitioner options where they will not have to have their wrists at a 90-degree angle. The block can also be used lying flat or completely upside down (which when used correctly, can help improve core strength in certain poses). 

The benefits of the Harmony Cork Yoga Blocks don't stop at wrist support. These blocks are sourced from cork trees in the Qinba Mountains in China, a sustainable and rapidly renewable resource making them an eco-conscious option. In addition, their remarkable cork is naturally antimicrobial and water-resistant, ensuring a safe and hygienic yoga practice.

Props With A Purpose

In this blog, we'll explore 16 creative ways to harness the power of the 30-degree Cork Yoga Blocks. From classic asanas to innovative variations, you'll discover how these eco-friendly props can deepen your practice, unlock new postures, and do it all while keeping your body supported and your wrists comfortable and happy. So, roll out your mat, grab your Ombre Cork Yoga Blocks, and let's explore the world of wrist-friendly yoga together.

Half Hero

Half Hero, or Ardha Virasana in Sanskrit, is a pose designed to offer a stretch to your quadriceps and hamstrings. For some, this stretch can be very intense. To make this pose more accessible and comfortable, start by placing one of the blocks on the flat setting (having the block lying flat on the logo) beneath your glute on the extended leg side. This positioning provides valuable support to your hamstrings and quadriceps and ensures you don't go too deep.

For the second block, set it at the medium setting, carefully positioning it beneath your knee on the extended leg. This adjustment is particularly helpful as it alleviates strain on the back of the knee and hamstrings, allowing for a more comfortable stretch. For someone with tight hamstrings, this modification will provide support and relief.

Low Lunge

Revolved Low Lunge

Revolved Low Lunge, or Parivrtta Anjaneyasana, stands out as a dynamic twist that challenges your balance and flexibility. To enhance this posture, position one of the Harmony Cork Yoga Blocks at the medium setting with the 30-degree angle thoughtfully placed beneath your thigh. This subtle adjustment allows you to sink more deeply into the pose and focus on the essence of the twist.

To ensure a safe and effective twist without overburdening your wrists, add another Harmony Cork Yoga Block on the highest setting, creating a stable foundation for your hand to rest upon.

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Half Splits

Half Splits, often referred to as Ardha Hanumanasana, is a posture that works to gently stretch your hamstrings, calves, and lower back. For those seeking greater depth, place one of the Harmony Yoga Blocks on the medium setting, with the 30-degree angle snugly aligned beneath your calf muscle on the extended leg. This adjustment provides the essential reinforcement necessary for a more enriching half-split experience, allowing you to explore greater depths in this stretch.

Quick Tip: To create a steady foundation that helps elevate your torso and aids in your forward fold journey, utilize the Harmony Cork Blocks beneath your palms.

Downward-Facing Dog

Downward-Facing Dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana, stands as a fundamental yoga pose in most yoga practices. Using the 30-degree cork yoga blocks on the medium setting, position your hands on the 30-degree angle closest to your body. Use the blocks for leverage as you aim to extend through your arms, press your hips up high, and extend through the back of your legs.

Standing Forward Bend

The Standing Forward Bend, also known as Uttanasana, can pose a challenge for individuals dealing with wrist discomfort. However, by strategically placing the 30-degree Cork Yoga Blocks in front of you, you can transform this potentially uncomfortable pose into a deeply soothing experience.

These blocks offer you multiple options for support – you can choose the medium setting, taller setting, or even utilize them upside down on a 30-degree angle, as illustrated in the picture below. This versatility not only relieves wrist strain but also allows you to explore the nuances of your forward bend practice.

Extended Hand-to-Foot Intense Side Stretch

The Extended Hand-to-Foot Intense Side Stretch, or Utthita Hasta Pada Parshvottanasana, offers a powerful stretch that can be especially challenging for those with tight hamstrings and calf muscles.

To support this pose, begin by placing one block on the medium setting, positioning it so the 30-degree angle comfortably supports the ball/sole of your foot. Then, position the second block under your hand to help with stability and also alleviate wrist discomfort.

Pyramid

Pyramid, also known as Parsvottanasana, is a pose designed to provide a deep and invigorating stretch to your hamstrings and calf muscles. Using our blocks on the tall or medium setting, begin by aligning one block so the 30-degree angle is positioned beneath your calf muscle. This arrangement optimizes support and stability for your front leg while you dive into the hamstrings and calf muscles.

Our bodies are all unique, and sometimes the options above don’t always work for every body. Another great option is to set the block upside down on one of the 30-degree angles with the edge of the block that’s sticking up in the air against your calf muscle. This option allows for great support as the block presses against you and the mat.

For those of us who struggle with balance in this pose, add another block at the highest setting, offering a steady foundation for one of your hands to rest upon. This subtle adjustment allows you to focus on the stretch in your legs and the elongation of your spine

Triangle

Triangle, or Trikonasana, is a timeless yoga pose known for its incredible benefits in stretching the legs and torso. Supporting this pose with the 30-degree yoga blocks is going to be very similar to the support options listed above for Pyramid pose.

Wide-Legged Forward Bend

In a Wide-Legged Forward Bend, also referred to as Prasarita Padottanasana, place the Harmony Cork Yoga Blocks on the medium setting positioned just behind your legs. As you fold forward, reach for the 30-degree angle that is furthest away from your legs.

This strategic placement allows you to gain leverage in the posture, helping you to achieve a deeper fold. Not only do the blocks relieve wrist pressure, but they also empower you to go further in this pose knowing the blocks are supporting your weight and keeping you balanced.

Wheel

The Wheel pose, also known as Urdhva Dhanurasana, is a fantastic way to open up the chest and strengthen your back. However, it can be quite demanding on your wrists. Place the blocks beneath your hands on the medium setting so your palm lands on the 30-degree angle as you enter this heart-opening pose. This variation of wheel pose with the blocks offers a new way to get into the wheel without having to put too much strain on our wrists.

Quick Tip: Make sure you have a solid foundation on your blocks before going up. If your blocks are slipping on your mat, or you’re just unsure, bring your mat and blocks to a wall. This will give you added stability and lower the risk of your blocks potentially slipping our falling out from underneath you.

Fish - Block Variation 1 (Block upside down)

Fish pose, or Matsyasana, is a heart-opening asana. In this variation take one of the 30° yoga blocks and position it upside down, ensuring it rests on the 30-degree angle closest to you. This block will serve as a reliable support for your back and spine. Then, take the second block and set it at the taller setting, placing it just behind the first block. This one will provide support for your head as you recline.

With these blocks in place, gently align the first block between your shoulder blades, and gradually start leaning backward. As you lean back, you'll notice how the block transitions from the 30-degree angle to the short, flat edge. This shift will allow you to settle into a deep backbend comfortably, as the block now offers support to your chest and upper back.

Quick Tip: One block underneath the spine might be too deep for some. In this case, use the two 30-degree yoga blocks together underneath your spine while using a third block, or another prop, to support your head.

Fish - Block Variation 2 (Block right side up)

In another (deeper) variation of Fish pose, begin by placing both of the Harmony Cork Yoga Blocks on the medium setting – these blocks will provide crucial support for your back. Next, position a third block or blanket right behind the two blocks to support your head. It's important to note that this variation can be more intense and potentially uncomfortable, so approach it with caution and mindfulness.

To get into the pose, gently align the blocks on the medium setting between your shoulder blades. Take a moment to make any adjustments necessary to ensure there's no excessive pressure on your spine. Gradually begin to lower your torso down, allowing your head to rest on the third block or blanket. Throughout this journey, keep your breath flowing and surrender to the posture. When it's time to release, do so mindfully by rolling into a fetal position on either side. This careful approach ensures a safe and rewarding experience in this advanced Fish pose variation.

Bridge Pose

Bridge Pose, also known as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, is a foundational posture that can be modified using our 30° Cork Yoga Blocks.

Using either the flat setting (can use two blocks stacked to get more height and stability), or the medium setting (two blocks together with the 30-degree angles facing your lower back), start by lifting the hips up and placing the blocks beneath your pelvis.

For anyone using the blocks on the medium setting, lower your hips down on the short flat part of the blocks so the rest of the lower back rests down on the 30-degree angles facing your spine. This variation will come in handy for those wanting to practice a supported shoulder stand by bringing the legs up in the air. 

Supported bridge is a great way to relax and let go when you’ve had a long day and need to release your lower back.

Shoulder Stand

Shoulder Stand, or Sarvangasana, is a rejuvenating inversion only made even more relaxing with the support of Harmony Cork Yoga Blocks. To begin, place both blocks on the medium setting, ensuring the 30-degree angles are positioned beneath your tailbone and sacrum. As you allow your legs to reach skyward, your lower body finds gentle support from the blocks, inviting you to fully release and let go.

Myofascial Neck Release in Savasana

In Corpse Pose, or Savasana, you can enhance your relaxation by incorporating myofascial neck release with the assistance of the Harmony Cork Yoga Blocks. Place a block, or two, at the medium setting so that the 30-degree angle(s) comfortably support your neck. This gentle placement allows for a soothing release of myofascial tissues and pressure points, promoting deep relaxation and effective stress relief.

Getting Started

It all begins on your mat, so just grab a pair of our Cork Yoga Blocks and start exploring! Get ready to see how these blocks will start to transform your yoga experience by bringing much-needed wrist relief and extra support to your practice. Also, follow us on social to find out other way you can use these blocks in your asana.