Accessories
Best Yoga Blocks UK
Best Yoga Blocks UK: Yoga has been practiced for hundreds of years and is still gaining popularity with time. Now a large number of people are using Yoga not only for their physical health but also for mental and spiritual peace. For getting perfect results from Yoga several tools or equipment are required such as a perfect yoga mat along with the best yoga blocks.
So, let’s get started with today’s conversation on what are blocks used for in yoga, their benefits and what material they are normally made of.
What Are Yoga Blocks?
Yoga blocks are the props that are used to get support during exercises. These props are used to maintain alignment or to balance the body as well as to increase flexibility. Apart from that these are also used to get extra support during difficult poses and they can make yoga easy for those who are old or with less flexibility. Numerous materials and their densities are used to make them and in different sizes.
What Are Blocks Used for in Yoga?
In several ways, Yoga blocks can help us during yoga, let’s take a look at some of them below:
Flexibility:
Yoga blocks can help us to increase flexibility and are also very helpful for those who don’t have enough flexibility to perform the yoga poses easily. Several poses are difficult for new yogis or old ones such as the Forward Fold or Triangle Pose Uttanasana and Trikonasana respectively.
Providing Extra Support:
It is a bit harder to perform some poses easily without yoga blocks such as Sukhasana (Easy Pose) or Virasana (Hero Pose). At this point, we can put these blocks under our hands or hips to perform the pose easily and save us from any discomfort.
Enhancing Stability:
Some poses require extra stability or proper alignment to get their results which is not possible for a newbie or inexperienced person like Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana), so the blocks can make our life easy in this situation by providing extra support for stability.
Beginners:
Performing most of the yoga poses for a newbie or beginner is very challenging concerning stability and alignment so yoga blocks make us able to perform the exercises without any discomfort.
Restorative Poses:
Blocks are required in most of the restorative poses to support the body. For example, if we talk about Supported Fish Pose or Bridge Pose both can be easily performed with the blocks.
Are Yoga Blocks Useful? Yoga Block Benefits
Yoga blocks are crucial for performing a few of the poses and they have several benefits such as:
They are very helpful for old age people and for newbies. Because such people don’t have enough flexibility and stability to do the exercise. Apart from that as they don’t have any experience the alignment in a certain pose becomes very challenging for them. They also save us from uneven injuries during Yoga.
Alignment is also very necessary, especially for those who are using yoga to cure something like digestion or constipation issues. If we perform yoga with bad alignment, we put the pressure on the wrong location which can lead to injuries or pains.
In the same way, yoga blocks are required for a few of the poses. We use them to relax our body muscles to release stress from a certain body part such as in restorative poses and a few of the poses can be dangerous for inexperienced people such as Crow Pose, we can use these blocks to stay away from the injuries.
What Are Yoga Blocks Made Of?
Various materials are used to make Yoga blocks and all of them have their advantages. Let’s try to discuss some of them:
Cork:
This material is also used to make yoga mats due to its durability. A few of the yoga blocks are made with Cork material and the major reason behind it is that the cork material is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Cork material blocks provide extra support and stability as the cork material is a bit stiffer compared to other materials and its texture provides extra grip during Yoga.
Foam:
As the name shows this material is for softness and relaxation. Foam yoga blocks are mostly used in restorative poses for better comfort and relaxation due to their softness and lightweight. These blocks come in many colors and are cost-effective, and they are also a perfect option for those who need a little support.
Wood:
If any of us searching for the most durable and firming option, the wood Yoga block is for us. These blocks are made from bamboo or birch and have a solid stable base. A perfect option for maximum support. As these yoga blocks are made with wood they are heavier in weight.
Are Yoga Blocks All the Same Size?
Yoga blocks are available in different sizes and densities for all body types different types of poses as well as for different flexibility levels. Let’s take a look at some of the common sizes below:
Standard Size:
The size that suits most people is around 9 x 6 x 3 inches. This size counts as standard size and is perfect for height and support.
Extra Large:
A slight change in dimensions converts the blocks to a large size. Large-size dimensions are 9 x 6 x 4 inches and are mostly used for stability and support and for those who have less flexibility.
Slim Blocks:
As the name shows these blocks are Slim or smaller around 8 x 5 x 2 inches. It’s a perfect option for people with less height.
So, the selection of these yoga blocks depends on your requirements such as body size, height, purpose of blocks like for stability or flexibility, etc.
What Are the Best Yoga Blocks?
Let’s take a look at some of the best yoga blocks UK available in the market :
Best Yoga Blocks UK
Manduka Cork Yoga Block:
Manduka is a big name in the yoga industry and their yoga blocks are in high demand, especially cork blocks among people. Considering the cork material features these yoga blocks are eco-friendly and durable. These blocks have a texture that makes them more grippy which is most important during such a season in which we sweat a lot.
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block:
Gaiam is also known for its high-quality products. Gaiam offers yoga blocks in foam material so as per material features these yoga blocks are very light in weight, soft and at affordable prices. This block is perfect for beginners or those looking for a comfortable option for seated or restorative poses.
Liforme Yoga Block:
Liforme also offers yoga accessories, including yoga mats and blocks. Liforme yoga blocks are also high in demand due to their length (slightly larger than standard) durability and eco-friendliness. Liforme yoga blocks come in different materials like cork and foam and have a wide range to choose from.
Conclusion
Yoga blocks are essential equipment for your best yoga experience and output without facing any injury. These are normally used for support, stability and flexibility. A few of the yoga poses are difficult to perform without Yoga blocks. Available in different sizes and flexibility for different purposes. These are gifts for a newbie or inexperienced person and old age. Always use such yoga blocks that fulfill your requirements and must be durable and eco-friendly.
Always keep happy and healthy with Yoga and share your thoughts regarding Best Yoga Blocks UK in our comments section.
Accessories
What to Wear to Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga?
What to Wear to Hot Yoga: When we talk about Hot yoga and Bikram yoga, require a certain temperature for practicing the exhaustive movements to create balance, strength and flexibility. First of all, we need to choose suitable and comfortable and best yoga clothes for hot yoga to have the proper performance in a heated room.
In this treasure of information, we’ll analyze each and everything that is essential for what to wear for hot yoga and bikram yoga either the best yoga outfits or the tips for perfect performance in yoga sessions.
We performed Hot yoga in a heated room, the recommended temperature should be between 90°F and 105°F. That means we need a certain type and the best yoga clothes for hot yoga.
Key Considerations for what clothes to wear for hot yoga
When you are going to make preparations for hot yoga or Bikram yoga the most important factors regarding clothing that you have to keep in mind are as follows:
Firstly, you ought to choose a flexible outfit because it deals with a wide range of stretchy movements. You will be comfortable in a flexible dress during practice.
Secondly, your outfit must be breathable and have a sweat absorption feature because you will have to be drenched in sweat. Yoga clothing must have the capacity of quick drying to make you feel easier and comfortable.
Thirdly you must have minimal coverage clothing so it can help to cool down and regulate your body temperature.
After having all the above crucial points in mind, let us move towards exclusive suggestions regarding yoga clothing.
What to Wear for Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga Classes
What to Wear to Hot Yoga in Tops
Sports Bras:
When we are talking about women’s yoga clothing, the sports bras come to the top of the list due to their style, comfort and support. You ought to choose the high quality fabric that must be sweat wicking and breathable. Select a medium to high support bra in which you will feel comfortable. You can get different types of stylish and strappy bras available in the market which enhance your confidence and improve your performance.
Fitted Tank Tops:
When we are moving towards another option for what clothes to wear for hot yoga, a fitted tank top seems to be considerable due to its comfort, style and support. Loose-fitting tops can create discomfort in your intensive and exhaustive movements. Minimal coverage and a sharply fitted outfit prove helpful while you perform in heated rooms.
Recommended Brands for Tops:
Lululemon provides a variety of suitable and comfortable tanks and sports bras with breathable fabric and high quality features.
Alo Yoga and Outdoor Voices both offer a vast range of high-quality, stylish options ideal for heated yoga sessions.
What to Wear to Hot Yoga in Bottoms
Shorts:
The idea of wearing shorts during hot yoga classes is superb because we can easily perform yoga and will easily remain cool. They are equally popular choices among both men and women for what to wear for hot yoga. You ought to choose lightweight and flexible yoga shorts that can not restrict your stretchy movements like bending and twisting. As we discussed earlier, the fabric you have to choose for yoga clothing must be breathable and highly fitted.
Leggings:
Leggings are another option for those who prefer extra coverage but here we suggest cropped leggings rather than full-length, as they allow for more ventilation. These kinds of leggings will provide comfort and stability.
Recommended Brands for Bottoms:
Manduka makes eco-friendly leggings and shorts that prove to be comfortable and the best yoga clothes for hot yoga.
Lululemon Align leggings are also popular for their high quality fabric and splendid flexibility.
Accessories
1. Yoga Towels:
A yoga towel is a basic necessity for hot yoga. As we all know when we have different moves and postures in specific temperatures we need a good quality sweat wicking towel. Normally these towels have the same size and skin friendly fabric. Some of them are even available with silicone nubs to make the grip easier. These towels ensure our hygiene and prevent us to distracted from our basic goals. They are easy to wash after each hot yoga class.
2. Headbands:
Another important thing that we need in yoga class is a non-slip headband. They make us safe from dripping sweat in our eyes and hair properly. Headbands made from spandex and nylon are generally moisture-wicking and comfortable.
3. Water Bottle:
Last but not least necessity in hot yoga sessions is a large, insulated water bottle. A bottle with a spout or straw can make it easier to sip between poses without needing to open a cap. It is necessary to keep us hydrated.
4. Fabrics What to wear for Bikram Yoga
As we have discussed earlier in the article we need a high-quality fabric having moisture wicking and quick-drying features along with breathability. Here we are going to share some popular fabrics:
Polyester:
This fabric is famous for its flexibility. It has highly absorbent properties that we typically need in hot yoga and Bikram yoga classes. It is often blended with spandex for stretch.
Nylon:
Another considerable fabric is nylon which is durable, comfortable, and resists odor.
Spandex (Elastane):
It is often blended with other fabrics to make them flexible which is helpful in stretchy movements.
Bamboo:
Bamboo fabric is also a soft, velvety and sustainable fabric.
We have shared a lot of options for those who are searching for What to Wear to Hot Yoga and now let’s move to another step
What Not to Wear for Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga?
Avoid the following types of clothing in heated yoga classes:
Cotton:
Cotton is a highly absorbent fabric but it soaks up sweat and turns heavy which can cause irritation and itching.
Baggy Clothes:
Loose clothing can restrict your stretchy movements and make you uncomfortable. So we ought to choose tight and minimal coverage clothing.
Complicated Straps:
Tops or bras with too many straps will be difficult and challenging to carry properly during practice.
Practical Tips for Dressing for Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga Classes
Bring a Change of Clothes:
After a hot yoga class, you will be full of sweat, instead of having the same yoga outfit, you must bring a fresh change of clothes to avoid getting chilly afterward.
Layer Wisely:
If you’re traveling to and from class, then it is better to wear light layers over your yoga outfit, as they are easy to remove. Then you will be much more comfortable in your practice due to the less coverage.
Consider Anti-Odor Fabrics:
Some yoga clothing brands introduced the fabric with anti-odor technology, which helps to make you confident.
Conclusion:
The best yoga clothes for hot yoga or Bikram yoga are those that have enough ability and features, to make you feel comfortable and confident. There can be intense heat in hot yoga sessions. So, staying cool and dry is your first priority. This will provide confidence for the best performance.
Share your thoughts in our comments section regarding What to Wear to Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga.
Accessories
How to Use Yoga Blocks?
How to Use Yoga Blocks: Yoga blocks are essential equipment that helps to strengthen your yoga practice by providing support and alignment in performing various movements and Asanas. The usage of these blocks is helpful and necessary for beginners as well as for yoga experts also. These blocks not only provide flexibility in your movements but also act as support systems in strengthening your postures and positions.
Here we will discuss different and unique ways to use yoga blocks, their benefits, and types, and also detailed instructions on how these yoga props could enhance your yoga practicing skills.
What Are Yoga Blocks?
Yoga blocks are simple tools that are designed to help you support your body movements while performing different yoga poses and postures. These tools are made up of foam, rubber, or wood mostly available in rectangular form and usually about 9 inches in length and 6 inches in width.
Their structure is made up in such a way that they can be used on different sides to provide support to the body of a yogi. These yoga bricks provide the necessary help and support in deepening your stretches and improving your alignment. In this way, these yoga blocks provide stability and strength to your skills.
Benefits of Using Yoga Blocks
Stability and Balance:
As discussed earlier, these Yoga Blocks are helpful in offering support in poses and postures where you need to balance your body without straining. It enhances your skills so that you can keep your focus on your alignment.
Flexibility:
Through these Yoga blocks, you can perform your movements with more ease and flexibility. It brings the floor nearer to you which allows you to perform even more complex and challenging poses.
Alignment:
Yoga Blocks can reduce the risk of injury by providing aid in regulating proper alignment so that you can practice yoga more skillfully and safely.
Strength:
In some poses, yoga blocks can make the situation more complex which results in building more strength and enhancement of your learning skills.
Boost Confidence:
These Blocks are very helpful for beginners in achieving postures that might be a bit difficult for them to attain and they might otherwise avoid such movements. In this way, yoga blocks play an essential role in boosting the confidence of a yogi.
Choosing the Right Yoga Block
Yoga blocks are divided into various categories on the basis of the material used and each type has its own advantages:
Foam Blocks:
A type in which blocks are composed of form. These blocks are lightweight and soft. They are less expensive and can easily be used by anyone whether a beginner or an expert. They provide gentle support in performing various tricks but sometimes they prove to be less reliable for the performance of complex poses.
Cork Blocks or Rubber Blocks:
These blocks are a little more firm and rigid than foam blocks, and therefore they are considered more reliable because they are heavier than foam blocks.
Wooden Blocks:
Wooden Blocks are the heaviest blocks that can provide maximum support and stability. They are usually much harder and therefore may be less comfortable for beginners.
You can read out previous piece of content for finding the best yoga blocks.
How to Use Yoga Blocks in Key Yoga Poses
Now, let’s just take a look at how to use yoga blocks more skillfully.
1. Uttanasana – Forward Fold
Forward fold or Uttanasana is the most common pose where yogis use the yoga blocks. Due to lower back stiffness in a forward fold, it is a bit hard to reach the floor. So, at this point, we can use a yoga block for support and to get help to reach nearer to the floor.
How do you use a yoga block in Uttanasana?
Before bending at your hips take place the yoga block in front of you. Now start Stretching your arms forward, and then put your hands on the block. Use the block to provide support so that you can lean into the stretch and relax your muscles.
2. Anjaneyasana – Low Lunge
While doing Anjaneyasana or Low Lunge yoga poses, a yoga block can prove to be very helpful. Because while performing this pose, the most challenging thing is to maintain balance, in such poses, yoga blocks can provide stability.
How do you use a yoga block in Low Lunge Poses:
Firstly, place a block beside your front foot. Then lunge your hands on the blocks for more stable movement. Adjust the block height as needed by you according to your capacity.
3. Trikonasana – Triangle Pose
In Trikonasana or Triangle Pose, the most difficult thing is to maintain proper alignment to reach the floor with stretches.
How do you use yoga blocks in the Triangle Pose:
At first, place a block outside your front foot to provide support to your hand. You can adjust block height as per your flexibility.
4. Setu Bandhasana – Bridge Pose
In Setu Bandhasana or Bridge Pose, it is essential to use a yoga block so that it can provide support to you to maintain your position carefully.
How do you use yoga blocks in the Bridge Pose?
Option 1 (Support):
Place the yoga block under the sacrum area, Sacrum is the area above your tailbone. When you lift your hips then rest of your weight will be on the block. In this way, it will provide you with support.
Option 2 (Challenge):
In this position, place the block between your knees, and then lift the block as much as you can which results in lifting of your hips. This will enhance your inner strength, especially the strength of your thighs.
5. Virasana – Hero Pose
Virasana which is known as Hero Pose is a little bit complex pose for those who have less flexibility. You can feel a little bit of discomfort in the knees.
How do you use yoga blocks in Virasana?
Use yoga blocks to avoid any mishaps. Place the block between your heels and now you can start sitting down on the block, now the blocks will provide support to your weight and you will be safe from any problem.
6. Bakasana – Crow Pose
Bakasana which is also known as Crow Pose is a pose to maintain balancing positions therefore it requires a lot of strength and effort. In such kinds of poses, yoga blocks can be used to help in attaining the required positions.
How do you use a yoga block in Bakasana :
Before placing your hands at shoulder width on the floor place a yoga block in front of you. Now start placing your head on the yoga block along with try to lift your feet off the ground.
7. Matsyasana – Fish Pose
Matsyasana is a soothing and calming pose also known as Supported Fish. It helps in unfolding your chest and shoulders. We use the yoga blocks in it for support to our spine and head.
How to Use:
At first, just place a block in a horizontal direction under your shoulder blades and lay down on it.
Other Creative Uses of Yoga Blocks
Yoga blocks are not only used in particular poses but they can also be used creatively to enhance your yoga skills and practice:
Strength-Building Exercises:
Yoga blocks can also be used for strength-building techniques. You can use them by placing a block between your thighs in certain poses such as a Chair Pose or a Bridge Pose as we have discussed earlier.
Core Work:
Let’s talk about the Boat Pose which is also known as Navasana. This pose involves holding yoga blocks between your hands or legs to maintain the required positions more efficiently.
Deepen Your Flexibility:
In positions like Butterfly Pose or Baddha Konasana, you can place a block under your knees to support your legs. In such poses, these blocks provide intense support and improve your body’s flexibility.
Conclusion:
When you start learning how to use yoga blocks effectively it can open up a new path of wellness for you which enhances your comfort and strength in yoga practice. These simple pieces offer you great strength and help you a lot in making complex positions more convenient.
Accessories
Best Leggings for Pilates UK
Best Leggings for Pilates UK: Pilates and yoga are the names of the two most popular and beneficial exercises used for fitness and stretching by thousands of people around the world. Some people use these exercises to recover the body from different diseases, especially for stress release and mindfulness. That means we require focus and avoid any kind of interruption for better results. So, the right & best leggings for pilates uk and other activewear are necessary to concentrate.
As we are living in the modern age, so we need style and a better look along with comfortability and support in the best leggings for yoga and Pilates. Let’s discuss how we can get the best legging for Pilates and yoga in the UK and which are the most necessary features we require in a perfect legging for both exercises.
Why Leggings Matter in Pilates and Yoga
A number of poses and styles in both Pilates and yoga require a lot of stretching, sometimes bending and it can only be possible if we have proper high-quality fabric that can enough stretch. Otherwise, we can’t pay our full attention to exercises or workouts and as a result, we will not achieve the proper results especially in the case of Pilates.
Pilates is not only exercise but it’s a solution to different diseases.
In the same way, several yoga exercises are still used to beat diseases like digestion. So, the perfect and best legging for pilates and yoga should be breathable as well as moisture-wicking fabrics, so it can absorb moisture and we can remain comfortable during workouts. Also, include the durability that is also necessary for the best leggings for Pilates and yoga.
Key Features to Look for the Best Pilates Leggings UK
Let’s try to summarize all the necessary features if legging has all the above features that can be used for both exercises:
High Waistband:
A most important feature is the slipperiness of legging during different poses. A perfect legging should not slide up and down during exercises and it should be supportive. So, high waistband leggings are the best option to prevent rolling.
Fabric should be Moisture-Wicking:
It is also a most important feature that a perfect legging should made with such fabric that has moisture wicking ability otherwise, we will not feel comfortable during yoga. So, always choose a moisture wicking fabric legging especially for intense sessions like Bikram yoga or hot yoga.
Four Way Stretch:
Also, make sure the legging should have four-way stretching, this thing gives us the surety of easy movement in any direction. So, we will remain confident and in comfort.
Non-See-Through Material:
The perfect legging should not be made with see-through fabric or material. Otherwise, we feel hesitation during bending and stretching poses.
Breathable and Lightweight:
The legging should not be enough tight that you feel uncomfortable. The legging fabric should be breathable and light in weight.
Top Brands and Their Best Legging for Pilates and Yoga
We have discussed a number of brands in our articles that offer high quality leggings for Pilates and yoga practitioners. Anyways, let’s discuss a few of them:
Lululemon Align Leggings
Lululemon Align legging is a people’s choice or you can say, the company is known due to their leggings. Nulu fabric is a name of softness and comfort fabric that is used in Lululemon leggings for Pilates and yoga that have all the above abilities discussed earlier in the article. The only worst thing is, it’s high in price.
Manduka Brand Leggings
Alo Yoga Airlift Leggings
An ideal choice for both workouts due to their weight. It is too lightweight and designed with the brand’s signature Airlift fabric. Alo Yoga Airlift leggings also have all the features that are required to perform the exercises well.
Some additional tips to find the Best Leggings for Pilates UK:
As Pilates used to cure different physical issues so in which we need to perform different lying down poses or stretching. So, we need to avoid leggings with zippers or buttons, and should not be bulky for Pilates.
The second most important thing is the Seamless feature such type of leggings are great for Pilates. Because seamless legging reduces the irritation level during performing the exercise. Lastly, as the pilates exercise’s main focus is on core engagement, the leggings for pilates should be extra supportive which is only possible in the case of waistband.
Conclusion:
We have described all the necessary features for the best leggings for yoga and Pilates. Consider them all before making the final decision. Yoga and pilates are different exercises and both also have some similarities.
So, we can use a single piece of legging for both exercises. But the leggings should have all the necessary features like softness, comfort and stretching capacity. Apart from that, the fabric should be moisture wicking to absorb the moisture and feel comfortable and cool during practice. We have shared some of the Top brands and their best legging for pilates and yoga that can be used.
One last thing is, it depends on your requirements or needs. If you are planning to use a single exercise mat and leggings for pilates and yoga, you can do it, it is possible but the most suitable thing is to use yoga leggings for yoga and the same as for pilates.
Share your thoughts in our comments section regarding the best leggings for pilates and yoga. Stay happy and healthy.
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