What is a yoga “brick” and how to use it?

The yoga brick , or yoga block, is a yoga accessory that is used to facilitate the practice. It serves as support and assistance in asanas , whether gentle or dynamic yoga.

In any case, there is no doubt: the yoga block is a must-have in any self-respecting yogi's kit!

The yoga brick not only serves as support, but also allows you to explore postures by going deeper. You will be able to intensify your practice thanks to this tool.

There are different models of yoga brick

This is available in terms of materials, size, color or weight. This is why you will need to study carefully, or even test the different bricks before opting for the one that will be the most suitable for you according to your expectations and your level of practice.

The different materials are:

• cork
• bamboo
• the EVA

Cork yoga bricks come from two sources, either China or Portugal. You should choose European bricks, made of natural cork, because they do not contain harmful glue. And therefore are more environmentally friendly.

How to use your yoga brick?

Note: the classic brick can be used in three different directions (flat, on the short side or in height).

In height, it offers support of around 22 cm on average.

In which postures should you use a yoga brick?

• Trikonasana, triangle pose

Trikonasana is a classic posture in dynamic yoga practices such as hatha or vinyasa.

Triangle pose is a standing pose, in which the legs are spread lengthwise on the mat. The front foot is turned so that the toes are facing the narrow edge of the mat, the back foot is perpendicular to the front foot. Both heels are aligned.

The torso is also facing the length of your yoga mat. You open your arms on either side, parallel to the floor, before tilting to one side while keeping your back straight (no twisting), until your fingertips reach your shin, or in the final version of the posture, open hand on the floor near the front foot.

Here, to help you, place the brick in alignment with the inside of the front foot, either in its height or on the edge or even flat, depending on your flexibility.

The brick serves as a sort of extension of the arm to allow you to get into the posture without putting too much strain on your muscles or spine.

• Baddha-konāsana, yin variation (the “sleeping” butterfly)

In this yin, or restful, variation of the butterfly, the brick will be placed between the shoulder blades to target the opening of the heart.

The soles of the feet are in contact, the knees fall on each side, the spine is extended on the ground while the brick supports the upper back. For this posture, choose a brick with rounded edges or place a blanket on your brick for more comfort. You will feel a deep and pleasant stretch in the shoulders. You can place the brick under the cervical vertebrae, or support the head. You can use a brick between the shoulder blades and one under the back of the skull, listening to your body and its preferences. In all cases, remember to protect your cervical vertebrae, which are a fragile area of ​​the back.

• Padmasana, lotus pose

The lotus pose requires practice and patience. It is a meditative posture where the legs are crossed, which involves sufficient opening of the pelvis and pressure on the knees. Variations for padmasana are the "cross-legged" position and the half lotus. It is highly recommended to sit on a brick for this position. The brick will have the effect of raising your pelvis, giving you a more comfortable seat. In this way, you engage less the muscles of the back and the abdominals and your knees as well as your pelvis will be relieved.

Our selection of yoga bricks

• Manduka Natural Cork Yoga Brick

For whom: yogis and yoginis who love nature and respect people.

This 515 gram natural cork brick is eco-friendly and made in Portugal

• Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Brick

This brick is both light (270 gr) and elegant, but also very comfortable since it is made of foam and has rounded edges. It is an ecological brick, made of 50 to 75% recycled EVA foam.

For whom: beginner or experienced yogis and yoginis with a small starting budget, wishing to invest in quality accessories and who wish to prioritize comfort

• Oval Cork Yoga Brick, Yoga Searcher

This brick is distinguished by its oval shape. It is intended for people who cannot (yet) place their knees on the ground in the lotus position.

This one is made in Europe and is made of 100% cork.

• Yoga brick for candle

The candle pose (shoulder stand), or Sarvangasana, is called the “queen of postures”, which is to say its importance within the practice of yoga!

It requires a good warm-up, vigilance and good back support.

Thanks to the special candle yoga brick, you will be able to master this asana step by step, while protecting your spine.

Add a brick every time you feel you can make progress.

Of course, this particular brick can also be used to perform other yoga postures!

Remember to always follow your yoga teacher's instructions when performing the postures.