Pilates blocks

Pilates demands a lot from your muscles and flexibility. Performing an exercise incorrectly can lead to a nasty injury. The support provided by a Pilates block prevents this. They're a tool for stretching the arms, back, and legs. For example, if you're not flexible or haven't warmed up enough yet, a Pilates block can help you perform the exercise correctly. It provides support and stability, preventing you from forcing your body. It helps you maintain proper alignment and posture during Pilates exercises.

Besides providing support, a block allows you to create varying levels of depth in Pilates exercises. This allows you to adjust the difficulty of the exercises individually. A single class can therefore be suitable for both beginners and advanced students.

What do you use a Pilates block for? 

You can use a Pilates block for various purposesFor example, you can use it for extra support during exercises, to add more challenge, or for balance training. 

It provides support by reducing the need to bend as far. This allows you to perform exercises you're not flexible enough for. This applies to all kinds of Pilates exercises, whether standing, sitting, or lying down. For example, rest your hands on a block to reduce the bending of your back and relieve pressure on your wrists and hands. For some exercises, it's more comfortable to rest your head on a Pilates pillow. This allows your neck and shoulders to relax.

Using a block allows you to vary the difficulty, making an exercise more challenging. For example, you can stand on the block during an exercise, forcing you to bend further. Lying on a block also allows you to stretch further than lying on a mat.

Finally, some Pilates blocks are suitable for balance training. These are called balance cushions. These cushions are unstable, requiring you to constantly stabilize yourself during exercises. This trains your balance, reaction time, and coordination, as well as the muscles required for these. During exercises, you must constantly engage your core muscles to remain stable. 

Buy Pilates blocks at Yoga-Pilatesshop

Looking to buy a Pilates block? You can find it at Yoga-Pilatesshop. They offer blocks made of various materials, shapes, and thicknesses. So you're sure to find one that suits your needs.

The thickness of Pilates blocks at Yoga-Pilatesshop

First of all, Pilates blocks come in different thicknesses. At Yoga-Pilatesshop, we sell them in thicknesses ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 cm. Depending on the exercise and your flexibility, a certain thickness is best. For example, a thinner block is best for neck support. Thick Pilates cushions are primarily used for seated exercises, for example, to make a cross-legged position more comfortable. You can also vary the thickness. For example, gradually use a thinner block to improve your flexibility. 

The shapes of Pilates blocks at Yoga-Pilatesshop

At Yoga-Pilatesshop, you can also choose from Pilates blocks in two different shapes: rectangular and wedge-shaped. Most blocks are rectangular. This shape makes the cushion very firm and provides excellent flexibility compensation. With the wedge-shaped block, the thickness of the block tapers off. This shape specifically promotes pelvic tilt during seated Pilates exercises.

Pilates block materials at Yoga-Pilatesshop

• Ecological bamboo: A bamboo Pilates block is very strong and lightweight. The material provides firm support and excellent stability.
• Cork: With a cork Pilates block, you're getting a block that offers excellent grip. It's a sturdy and springy material with a soft feel. The material is 100% natural, recyclable, and biodegradable. It's made from the finest Portuguese cork, obtained through an environmentally friendly harvesting process.
• Foam: Foam Pilates blocks have a medium firmness and soft cushioning, making them suitable for a wide variety of exercises. While foam blocks are the least expensive and environmentally friendly, they are also the least durable. Looking to buy more sustainable foam blocks? At Yoga-Pilatesshop, we also sell recycled Pilates blocks.